Page 82 of Exposed to Him

“Erica, please open up; I can see that you’re hurt.” My voice cracks when I say ‘hold on a sec’.

I scurry over and reach up to the door handle, opening it up for her as I still sit on the floor.

“Shit, what the hell happened to you?” She rushes in, taking a look at my ankle that is now turning colors.

“You need my help, but first we need to get you on the bed.”

“I can’t.” I break into a full-blown sobbing fit. I’m hurt and in pain in more ways than one.

“I’ll go get Jared to help.”

“No, please; anyone else but him.” She nods in understanding.

“Okay, honey, I’ll be right back.” Moments later Grady comes walking in. He gives me a look of pity and I hate it.

“Come on, darlin’.” He lifts me up and places me gently on the bed.

“Thank you,” I whisper, even though I am still mad at him.

“Look, I’m sorry about what I said.” He sighs and I just nod. Grady is a good guy and I know he cares about Jared’s well-being and mine, but maybe he’s right. Maybe I’m not meant for this life.

“Just give him time, Erica. He will come around.” A lone tear escapes my eye. He leaves, knowing I need to be alone.

“Okay, let’s check out your ankle.” She gets me ice and elevates my foot as I stare out the window. I’m not sure how much time has passed, but she’s no longer in here and that’s when I feel myself drift to sleep.

Not safe

I wake up to a throbbing pain in my ankle. I hear something, and when I look up Jared is sitting up in a chair across the room. He comes over to me and sits at the corner of my bed.

“What do you need?” he asks, sorrow still on his face.

“My painkillers the doc gave me, please.” He grabs them and some water. I chug them back as he elevates my foot and grabs some more ice.

“Thank you.” He can’t even look me in the eye.

“Are we going to talk about this?” I ask him, and he sighs.

“I guess you were right in a way. I would be a shit father figure for our child.” His admission stuns me so I sit up and stare at him, unbelieving. Many times we have had a discussion about having kids. We both want a family, but I’m not okay with bringing a child into this life.

“Don’t you dare say that, Jared. That is not at all what I meant and you know it.”

“Well, either way I would have ultimately put his or her life in danger at some point, right?”

“I’m only thinking about the baby. If I was indeed pregnant then the baby would come first.”

“As you should,” he mumbles, and starts to make his way to the door.

“Someone will be outside your door at all times. Just shout if you need anything.”

“Jared, wait,” I say, and he stops but doesn’t turn around.

“I just want it all to stop,” I tell him, hoping he understands.

“I know, and I can’t believe it took me this long to realize I really am no good for you.” He walks out before I can respond.

It’s been days and Jared has been MIA. Everyone has been great, catering to my every need, but I’m over it. I asked Sean and Shannon to get some of my things from my place.

I’m not exactly sure where Jared and I stand, and no one seems to know where he is. Either that or they are just refusing to tell me.

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