(no subject)
When I wake the next day, I hear her eating. I smile but do not move, not wanting her to stop. When she finishes the meal I sit up and kiss her. "I am so proud of you," I say sincerely. I smile even bigger when she asks for more. I call the nurses station and as them to bring pancakes and waffles at her request. Once they bring them in, she immediately starts eating. “Do you like them?” I ask with a grin.
Julie: I smile "I do..." I say as I pour more syrup on.
Groo: I smile and kiss her, tasting the syrup on her lips. "I am glad."
Julie: "Thank you sir." I say as I eat more.
Groo: I kiss the hand that is not holding the fork. "Thank you, my love."
Julie: "For what?"
Groo: "For just being you," I say happily.
Julie: I finish off the pancakes and the waffles, and yet I was still hungry...why can't I seem to get enough?
Groo: I smile as she finishes the large serving of food, kissing her. "Would you like some more?" I ask gently.
Julie: "I feel like a pig." I whisper
Groo: I lift her chin to look into my eyes. "You are not. Your body needs more nourishment than usual, both from the lack of and your heightened metabolism, my love."
Julie: "So you won't think I am gross?"
Groo: I smile and kiss her tenderly. "I could never think you gross. You are beautiful when you eat. Well, you are always beautiful," I say with a smile.
Julie: "I think you are biased." I whisper as I lean in and kiss him. "but I love you anyway."
Miranda: I got the kids off to school and decided to call Julie, see how she was doing. I hoped I wasn't waking her up.
Groo: I chuckle, "I am glad. I love you as well."
Julie: I hear the phone and look at Groo "Should I answer it?"
Groo: "If you do not wish to, I will. But it is likely someone is calling to speak to you," I say.
Julie: I nervously reach over and pick up the phone. "H..Hello?"
Miranda: "Hi sweetie. Good morning. How are you feeling? I can come over and feed you breakfast, if you want."
Julie: "I...I just finished my second plate" I admit praying I didn't get yelled at
Miranda: "Second plate? My goodness, yesterday you could hardly eat...you are okay, aren't you?"
Julie: I smile "Yes, I am fine, I...I just couldn't stop, but I will now if you want me to."'
Miranda: "Oh no, honey, keep eating. You need to eat. I was just in shock for a moment, that's all. I can make you some meals and bring them to you, if you like."
Groo: I shake my head gently. "You do not need to stop, my love."
Julie: I smile "That’s what she said Sir." I said to him "I would have to make sure that’s ok...let me ask Si..I mean Groo."
Groo: I look at her. "Ask me, what, my sweet Julie?"
Miranda: "Okay then...still weirds me out that you call him sir...but that's okay."
Julie: I smile "Sir, she wants to know if she can cook something and bring it to me?"
Groo: "Only if she is willing to cook enough for me as well," I tease. "That would be great, I believe."
Miranda: "I can do that." I said, having heard him. "I can cook enough food for an army."
Julie: "You might have to...I can eat that much."
Miranda: I laughed. "I will cook lots of food and bring it to you and Groo. You want it to be a lunch or dinner date?"
Julie: "Surprise me." I whisper
Miranda: "Okay, honey. I'm glad you're doing so much better...I love you."
Julie: "I love you too...c..Can you bring the kids again?"
Miranda: "Sure. The boys will be better behaved this time, I promise."
Julie: "They were fine yesterday...and there is no Faith here for Dax to drool over" I joke
Groo: I chuckle at that. It was very obvious that he had a crush on Faith.
Miranda: "Oh, well she's welcome to be there if she's hungry. She's a nice girl."
Julie: "I..I could call her, I just meant she isn't here right now."
Miranda: "Okay. I mean, only if you want to, sweetie. It can just be you and Groo and me and the kids. And probably Edward too, right?"
Julie: "Actually Faith made Edward go home last night" I giggled "He needed to, so its just me and Groo here right now..."
Groo: I chuckle as she says Faith forced Mr. Lawrence to leave. She is quite influential indeed.
Miranda: "Well good. He's very attached, almost disturbingly, to you. He needs to get out." Okay, enough about him. "So, we'll see you later, with lots of food. I can't wait, sweetie."
Julie: "Mom...he nearly died because of me, he risked it all to save me...of course he is attached."
Miranda: "I know, I know. I like him, don't worry." I realized that she had called me mom. "The only thing I ever want is you to be happy."
Groo: I hug her gently to me, unable to hear the other side of the conversation, but wanting her to know I am here.
Julie: "Good." I said "I will see you soon."
Miranda: "I will see you soon, Julie, I love you. Bye for now."
Julie: "Bye mom." I say and hang up.
Groo: I smile. "Is she coming to visit?" I ask.
Julie: I nod "With food and kids."
Groo: "Excellent. I am beginning to enjoy their company. I know they enjoy being near you."
Julie: I nod "They will reject me eventually...but for now its nice."
Groo: "May I ask you to do me a favor, my love?" I ask gently.
Julie: "All you have to do is tell me, I will do it."
Groo: "Give them a chance to surprise you," I say, looking into her eyes.
Julie: "Yes Sir." I whisper as I rest against him "Its just what I am used to."
Groo: I kiss the top of her head. "I know, my love. I am only asking for you to be open. I love you, I will not allow them to harm you."
Julie: "I love you." I whisper.
Groo: "Would you like to rest for a bit before your family arrives?" I ask, holding her gently to me.
Julie: I nod "Please"
Miranda: I made a ton of food. They can't possibly eat all of this, I'm certain. I packed all of it up, picked up the kids and headed over to the hospital. I hoped I wouldn't get into trouble for this with the hospital.
Groo: I pull her head onto my chest. "Rest, my love, I will be here."
Julie: "Yes Sir." I said softly as I closed my eyes and fell asleep.
Groo: I do not follow her into slumber, merely holding her, watching her sleep. I believe we are making real progress.
Julie: Once asleep I start to dream, dream of him...He has found out I was eating, that I broke his rules. He tied me up, started beating me, I couldn't even cry i was so scared.
Miranda: We get there and walk in. Julie's sleeping...sort of..."Groo...what's going on?"
Carly: I was all excited to see Julie, but her eyes were closed and she was moving around. "Mommy, what's wrong with her?"
Groo: "Julie, wake up," I say firmly. She had only started to shake in my arms as they entered the room.
Julie: I jolted awake "What? Huh?"
Dax: "It's just us. With a lot of food. Are you okay?"
Julie: I look at Groo panicked "I..I can't" I whisper
Groo: "Shhhh, yes you can. You did it just today, my love. Everything will be all right."
Julie: "but he knows." I whisper
Cole: "Who knows what?"
Miranda: "He can't know, Julie, he's dead. The dead can't hear or speak or know anything."
Groo: I look at Mrs. Gordon, thankful she understands. "Your mother is correct, my sweet Julie."
Julie: I start to cry clinging to Groo.
Carly: "Hey...you aren't tied down anymore. Does that mean you're better?"
Groo: "It is all right, we are here," I say softly, stroking her hair and back. "I love you, always."
Miranda: I put what I was holding on the table and went over to Julie. "Yes, what he said. You're okay and we are here for you."
Julie: I move to cling to her. "Promise."
Miranda: "I promise, sweetheart, I promise." I held her and stroked her hair.
Groo: I smile as she turns to hold her mother tightly. It is a beautiful sight.
Carly: I wasn't sure what we should do.
Cole: I sat down at the table and put down the containers I was carrying. "We going to have to bring this back home and eat it?"
Dax: "Cole, we just got here. Just wait." I said, concerned about Julie.
Julie: "If your wrong I will blame you." I say as I sit up a bit.
Miranda: "Okay, I accept that. But I know I'm not wrong."
Groo: I chuckle. "I must agree with Mrs. Gordon, she is not incorrect," I say sweetly.
Julie: "Yes sir." I smile "So..ummm Food?"
Carly: I got up and brought some food over to her. "Here, mommy made chicken enchiladas! They are soooooooooo good."
Miranda: "I'm famous for my enchiladas." I said with a grin.
Groo: My eyes grow wide. "They must be quite delicious if they have brought you fame."
Julie: "Its a saying Groo." I said softly
Groo: I smile and blush. "I apologize. I am certain that they are still quite delicious."
Miranda: I chuckled. "Try them and see how good they are, Groo."
Groo: "Are you certain there is enough to share?" I ask. I want Julie to eat as much as she can.
Julie: "Ok dude, I can't eat all of that" I said looking to the two casserole dishes and the basket of food.
Carly: "We'll help!"
Cole: "Yeah, I'm getting hungry smelling all of this food."
Dax: "Yeah, go ahead and eat, Groo, before we eat it all." I smiled at him.
Miranda: "Kids...this food is for them. Be patient."
Julie: "They can share too mom..." i said
Groo: I chuckle, "I must agree with Julie, there appears to be plenty." I kiss her cheek. "Shall I prepare a plate for us to share?"
Julie: "Are you kidding, I want my own plate. I don't share well."
Groo: I laugh happily. "As you wish, my love." I slide out of the bed, loading two plates up with several enchiladas. "It does smell quite pleasing."
Miranda: I smiled. "Oh go ahead, dig in, kids. I think I'll have some too."
Carly: "Yay! Food!" Mommy made a plate for me, and Dax and Cole go their own.
Julie: I giggle as I start eating slowly.
Groo: I walk back to Julie, putting the plates down in front of her. "Shall I take my own chair, or sit beside you?" I ask.
Julie: "Umm...you may need to sit in the chair" I joke as I start eating faster.
Miranda: "Wow, you really are hungry, sweetie. That's so good."
Julie: "Lost count at two weeks." I said meaning how long I was without food.
Groo: I take a chair near the bed, smiling as I watch her eat. I leave my plate beside hers, just watching her eat.
Miranda: "Two weeks of what? Two weeks without food? Oh my God..."
Groo: I nod, looking at Mrs. Gordon. "It will never happen again," I say seriously.
Miranda: My heart rate slowed down. "Good. And I"m going to help with that by cooking you lots of good meals."
Julie: "I can cook too." I say defensively "don't need to be babysat."
Groo: "She is quite an excellent cook," I say in agreement with Julie, then look at her. "I am sure your mother only meant she wanted to do something nice for you, my love."
Julie: "Sorry." I say softly embarrassed.
Carly: "And she makes the best food, Julie! You can't turn down mommy's cooking."
Miranda: "See? They hardly listen to me for anything except my food."
Dax: "I have friends who love to eat at our house because their mom's don't cook as well as mine." I said, then took another bite.
Julie: I smile "Ok" I said softly "Sorry."
Miranda: "It's okay, honey. You don't have to apologize. If I ever smother you, tell me, okay? I don't want to be one of those overboard mothers that send their kids to therapy when they're older."
Julie: "I should already be in therapy, you won't send me there."
Miranda: I lost my smile a bit. "I'm sorry...but you're going to be just fine with time."
Julie: "Thank you" I say softly
Groo: I kiss her hand gently. "You will be more than fine, my love. You will have a life of your own choosing."
Julie: I look to him "You are very positive."
Groo: "I am," I say confidently.
Miranda: "And he's the type of people you need all around you. Positivity is a very good thing." I smile at her. "You have the brightest future, Julie."
Julie: "Ok can we stop talking about my future."
Groo: I lean over and kiss her cheek. "As you wish," I say with a smile.
Julie: "Thank you" I said kissing him back then eating the rest of my food "More?"
Groo: I push my plate to her. "I thought you might ask that," I say, smiling brightly.
Julie: "You have to eat too"
Miranda: "And there's plenty more food here, hon."
Groo: "I shall, there is no hurry," I say gently.
Julie: I shake my head "I can get more from the dish not from your plate." I said handing my plate to mom "Please."
Miranda: I put some more enchilada's on her plate. "There you go honey."
Groo: I leave the plate on her tray, making no move to eat yet.
Julie: I take the plate and look at Groo. "You may be my boss, but in this case, I am not eating more till you eat some."
Groo: I smile and stand, leaning over to kiss her. "I am not your boss, my love. But I shall eat if it pleases you," I say, picking up my plate.
Julie: "I call you sir do I not? I wear this do I not?" I ask motioning to my collar, to me that means you are, and that’s what I want, but I won't have you where I am because you spend more time worrying for me."
Groo: I touch her face softly, kissing her slow and deep. "Thank you for caring for me, my love," I say, my fingertips trailing over the collar. "You are correct, I am your boss," I say with a smile.
Carly: "So...he's your boss cause you wear that on your neck?"
Cole: "So if put something like that on Carly's neck, can I be her boss?" I joked.
Groo: I shake my head at Cole. "I am afraid it is not so simple."
Miranda: "No Cole...really no."
Dax: "It's like some sort of...love thing. Right?"
Julie: I nod "And so much more." I whisper
Groo: I smile, nodding in agreement with Julie.
Julie: I look to mom "Don't freak ok, I am going to explain, as g rated as possible."
Miranda: "You really don't have to explain...I'm not sure I want to know..."
Julie: "Its not what you think." I say softly "I promise."
Groo: "It is all right, Mrs. Gordon, please, allow her to share this with you," I say gently.
Cole: "Can she tell us, please?"
Carly: "Yeah, I want to know."
Miranda: "Alright, alright. But G-rated."
Dax: I shook my head, getting the image of Faith in a...collar, I guess that's what it is or a weird necklace, out of my head. "Cool, mom."
Julie: "Ok so you all know that my father was not the nicest man ever, he made me do things I wouldn't normally have done...I had to ask to do anything, including to take a bath...." I started
Miranda: "Okay...I understand that."
Cole: "Wow...dad's strict, but not that bad."
Groo: I squeeze her hand, encouraging her to continue.
Julie: "When I came here, when they saved me, Groo took me in, protected me, saved me from killing myself..." I said looking to Groo with a small smile. "He gave me permission to be me... but he also took care of me, despite food being spit on him and many kicks to places you shouldn't be kicked."
Dax: "You are a brave guy, Mr. Groo." I said.
Miranda: "Yes, he is. I know for a fact the women in my family are fierce kickers." I smiled at Groo. "Thank you for all that you've done for her."
Julie: "Not done yet"
Carly: "Wow, all that and you still like her? That is love."
Groo: I chuckle, squirming a bit in my seat as I remember the several hits to my more sensitive regions. "Go on, my love."
Julie: "Anyway, after having to tie me to a chair just to keep me from kicking him and trying to get me to eat...I even shoved him in the pool"
Miranda: I couldn't help it, I giggled. "Definitely a keeper."
Groo: "Luckily I am an efficient swimmer," I tease.
Dax: "You're lucky to be alive." I said.
Cole: "I'm never making Julie mad, that's for sure."
Julie: "He at one point sat me down told me he loved me, we talked, and he gave me this..." I said holding up my hand with the ring on it. "And the collar, all this means is I submit to him, I ask for his guidance, his permission, and nine times out of ten he says yes. If it isn't good for me he won't let me...I need this, I need someone to be firm with me but also love me...and well I know that if he knows my whole story and didn't run screaming...well I can trust him."
Miranda: "That is really something...how sweet."
Julie: "Cole, this isn't something that you just do, it isn't something you laugh at...it is my life, something I love and live for."
Groo: I blush as she says so many nice things about me. "It also means that I am committed to do what is right for her, even if it is difficult. I love her with all my being."
Julie: "Except, if he doesn't start eating....he will be the one in trouble."
Groo: I laugh and take a big bite. "Better?"
Julie: "Much" I say as I start to eat again.
Faith: I make sure Brandon is taken care of, then get dressed. I look through my closet, hating everything, so I go with an old standard, a tight white tank top and black jeans, throwing a black choker on for good measure. I pull on my boots and kiss Brandon, heading down stairs. I grab my black jean jacket and get on my motorcycle, driving to the hospital. When I get there, I head to Julie's room, pleasantly surprised to see her mother and siblings there. "Hey Jules," I call from the doorway, leaning against it.
Cole: "Sorry...and hi Faith."
Julie: "Hi Faith" I say with a giggle.
Faith: "Hey there Cole, good to see you again," I say patting his shoulder. I look over at Julie and smile. "Obviously I missed something funny," I say with a smirk.
Dax: I almost choked on my food. Faith was here and...and wearing a collar. I coughed.
Miranda: "Dax, you okay, sweetie?"
Carly: "Hey, who's your boss? Groo is Julie's boss."
Faith: I give Carly a strange look. "I don't know what you mean, sweetie. I don't work for anybody." I look up at Julie and Groo, giving them a questioning look.
Miranda: "Uh, Julie was explaining why Groo gave her a ring and collar."
Dax: I swallowed. "I'm fine, mom..."
Julie: "Because Groo is..well for lack of better term my master" I whisper to her
Carly: "Oh...so not everyone who has a collar has a boss."
Faith: "Oh shit," I shake my head. "This is just my necklace, a choker, not a collar. I don't have that kind or relationship with anyone. Theirs a very special and unique relationship," I try to explain. "Does that make sense?"
Carly: "Yeah, it does. And you said a bad word. Shame, shame."
Miranda: "Carly, it's okay. You don't have to shame her."
Faith: I blush. "Sorry, I'm not used to being around kids," I say with a smile at Carly. "Here, slap my hand and I'll try to do better," I say, holding it out to the small girl.
Carly: I slapped her hand and giggled. "You're so cool."
Faith: I pick her up and hold her on my hip. "Well, I think so," I tease.
Groo: I smile over at Faith, leaning in to whisper to Julie. "I believe Faith enjoys children."
Julie: "She likes Carly..." I said correcting him "You say it like that it sounds bad." I whisper back
Dax: I was so hating Carly right now for getting to sit on Faith's lap. I wish I was...oh man...I need to eat more food and not look over there.
Groo: I shake my head and smile. "Not at all, I just do not believe she would so readily admit it," I explain.
Carly: "Mommy can she be our new babysitter? She's so great."
Dax: "We don't need a babysitter, I'm old enough to watch."
Faith: I chuckle. "Hey, I could use the money," I tease. "Actually, I'm not so much the babysitter type, Carly." I look over at Dax who looks like he's really interested in his food. "Hey, you got enough of that to share?" I ask him.
Dax: I look up. "Oh, you're asking me. Uh...sure. There's lots of food, if you want some."
Faith: "Smells good and I'm always hungry," I chuckle. I kiss the top of Carly's head and put her down, walking over to the table and spinning the chair around backwards, sitting in it. "Thanks Dax," I say, placing several enchiladas on a plate and start eating. "Dam-dang, these are awesome. Did you try some of these Jules?"
Miranda: I chuckle. "Thank you. I made them myself."
Dax: "She's a great cook. You should come over for dinner sometime...uh...you know, with Julie."
Julie: "I did try them thank you" I said "Two plates of them" I said as I held up my empty plate "And more would be nice." I whisper
Miranda: I fill up her plate again. "You really are hungry."
Faith: "I'm totally hiring you as my chef then yo," I say to her. I take another bite to hide my grin at Dax. "Well, I wouldn't want to intrude, but thanks for the invite," I say, patting his arm. "That's awesome Jules! Told ya you'd be hungry," I say with a wink.
Dax: I couldn't stop smiling as I ate.
Julie: "So do you think they will let me go home today?"
Miranda: "I don't know, I haven't heard from Craig yet. But the way you're eating, I'd say yes."
Groo: I smile as I finish the remainder of my food. "I believe as long as you are able to continue eating, they will," I say, kissing her hand.
Julie: I smile "I think I can do that" I look to Miranda "Will you call him?"
Miranda: "Alright, I'll call him." I told her with a smile, then I got out my phone and called Craig. "Hi honey...it's me, I'm at the hospital with Julie. She wants to know if she can go home today."
Craig: "Well...I talked to her doctor, and he's going to come see her today, and based on that, he'll decide whether to let her go or not."
Miranda: "Okay, well that's good news. Once he sees how much she's eating, he's bound to let her go."
Craig: "Then she's been eating more. That's wonderful news." I told her. "Well, I have to go, dear. Call me and let me know what he decides." She agreed, and then we hung up.
Miranda: I hung up and turned to Julie. "Well, sweetie. I have some sort of good news. The doctor is going to come take a look at you soon and then he's going to decide whether to let you go or not."
Julie: I smiled then frowned "What if he doesn't let me go?"
Miranda: "Craig talked to him, and I'm sure he will let you go once he sees how much you've eaten, sweetie."
Faith: "And if not, I can take him down a notch or two for ya Jules," I tease, punching my hand.
Julie: I smiled "Knew I could count on you."
Brandon: I looked at the note Faith had written me, I loved it, especially the way she signed it. God...I love this woman. I got up and did as instructed and ate the damn applesauce and then went to the store to buy some new clothes and then stopped by a flower kiosk while walking to the hospital and bought two bouquets of flowers, roses for Faith and some orchids and something else for Julie. I also bought a big ass teddy bear for Julie. I wasn't sure what to buy her, but the woman who I bought the flowers from said it was tradition to bring a stuffed animal to a girl in the hospital, so I got the biggest one she had. I had some trouble getting it all in one hand, and she gave me a bag which helped a lot. I walked the rest of the way to the hospital and then asked the nurse where Julie was, she wouldn't tell me. So I just walked around until I saw more things to buy, get well balloons. I've never had balloons before, I figured they looked cool and bought yet more stuff. I finally found the room that they were in, because I saw Faith through the glass window. I kicked the door softly, because I couldn't really knock on it with everything in my hand, plus my cast/sling.
Cole: "Someone's at the door...I'll get it." I said, getting up and holding the door open for whoever it was.
Brandon: I stood in the doorway and looked at the boy who had opened it. Maybe I had the wrong room, I thought I saw Faith's head. "Ugh...is this Julie's room?" I asked confused.
Carly: "You're in the right place! Who are you?"
Faith: I look up at the door and smile, laughing at Brandon, his arms full of stuff. "Baby, how did you even carry all of this?" I ask him, getting up to try to take some of the stuff out of his arms.
Brandon: I was hesitant to walk in, but finally did when Faith came over. I gave her a quick kiss on the lips. "It was a f-" I started to say, but then looked around. "Fun time to figure it out." I said catching myself.
Dax: So that's Faith's boyfriend...great...
Faith: I chuckle, then pick up Carly. "Carly, this is Brandon. Baby, this is Carly, Cole, Dax, and Julie's mom," I say nodding to each of them.
Julie: I suddenly am nervous and scared and look to Groo.
Groo: I lean over and kiss her. "It is all right, my sweet Julie, he is an honorable man. He is Faith's boyfriend, I have met him before."
Julie: I nod "S..Sorry" I whisper
Groo: "No need to apologize, my love," I say softly.
Miranda: "Well it's nice to meet you, Brandon." I said, holding out my hand to him.
Brandon: I can sense how uneasy Julie is. "Sorry to intrude, I know...I wasn't invited or anything, I just wanted to stop by and deliver these." I start to say as I put some stuff down, and cradle my arm. "Sorry, it was a long walk trying to find ya'll." I say as I grab the bear from the bag. And hand it to Groo, I didn't want to approach Julie, if she was uncomfortable that was ok. "I got this for you, and these flowers." I said as I reached and grabbed the flowers the lady had given me. "I...uhh...hope you like them." I said, I've never bought flowers before. I pulled out the roses for Faith and and then handed them to her. "These, are for you babe." I said as I leaned over and kissed her and then whispered into her ear. "An apology of sorts."
Julie: "W..Why did you do this?" I ask nervously as I held the bear and flowers.
Brandon: I turn when I hear Julie speaking. "I figured you could use a little cheering up." I say a bit confused. "Sorry? Was it wrong? It's just the lady told me that flowers and stuffed animal were normal gifts."
Julie: "People don't do nice things for me unless they are related to me...and that didn't start till recently, or they are Groo." I look to him sadly "I...I am just not used to it."
Brandon: I look at her, she really isn't that much different than Avery. Well she is, but I mean she reminds me of her. All I want to do is hug her, but I know she'd probably hurt me. "Sorry if I over did it." I apologize. Maybe it was a bit over the top, and I was out of line, she had Groo for that, but I at least wanted to make the effort to build the bridge towards friendship. Or try too anyway. For Faith.
Groo: I hold her hand and look at her. "It is all right, my love. He just wanted to let you know he cares," I say gently.
Julie: I look to him "B..Brandon..." I look into his eyes with sincerity "Thank you." said as a tear fell.
Carly: "What happened to your arm, Brandon?"
Faith: I chuckle and look at the roses, smelling them deeply. I wait till he's finished talking to Julie, then hug him tightly. "They're beautiful, I love them, I love you." I look over at Julie, "He's one of the good guys," I say to her with a smile.
Brandon: I look at Julie, "Julie, it's nothing. Groo's right, it's my way of saying that I care and that I want you to get better." I say with a genuine smile. I look over at the voice, what was her name again Carly...that's what it was. "I got hurt..." I start to say remembering the fight. "I fell and landed on it." I say to Carly.
Carly: "Aw, your poor arm. I hope it gets better soon."
Dax: I wanted to leave the room. She was so gushy with him...and I was so jealous...
Brandon: I almost wince when Faith hugs me, it sorta hurts, but then she loosens up. "Love you too." I say softly and then look at Carly. "So miss Carly...how old are you?" I ask with a smile. This kid was so cute.
Carly: I giggle a bit. "I'm seven. Cole's ten and Dax is twelve. And I can't tell you how old mommy is or I'll get in trouble."
Miranda: I laughed nervously. "Isn't she the cutest thing..."
Julie: I smile "Carly...Want to come sit with me so Miss Faith can hug him properly?" I ask
Brandon: I smile as I reach to cup her cheek. "Yeah, your mom is right, You are the prettiest girl I've seen, well, except for Faith." I said with a wink. "but" I say leaning over to whisper. "I'll tell you a secret...I'm not sure she was as cute as you when she was seven though." I whisper into her ear.
Faith: "Yo, not Miss Faith, just Faith," I laugh. I put Carly down, patting her back gently. I chuckle as I hear Brandon.
Carly: "Okay." I said, getting down from Faith and then going over to Julie. "He's cute, Julie." I whispered in her ear. "But Groo is cuter."
Julie: "I don't know...I think Brandon is pretty good looking" I say relaxing
Groo: I blush as I hear Carly. "Hey!" I tease as Julie answers her.
Brandon: I look at Julie, "I can hear you, ya know." I say teasingly.
Faith: I wrap my arms around his neck. "Sorry Jules, this one is all mine," I tease her.
Julie: "Kinda the point" I said nervously "i mean if its bad that I think he is cute...Of course...No one is cuter than my brother Dax." I say looking over to him.
Brandon: I feel strangely out of place here, the only person I actually really know is Faith, I'm definitely the odd man here. I look at the two boys. "So you two play any sports?" I ask.
Groo: I laugh softly. "It is not, my love."
Dax: I blushed at what Julie said, then Brandon was talking to me and Cole. "We play soccer. And basketball."
Cole: "Yep, I'm goalie on my soccer team. And I'm really good."
Brandon: I smile, finally something I can relate too. "What about basketball? What position?" I ask. I played baseball, football, and basketball at the group home, a soccer a couple of times, but basketball was my first love.
Dax: I wished he would stop talking to me. "Forward. I'm pretty good at jump shots."
Cole: "Yeah, but not so good at your free throws." I laughed a bit.
Carly: "Boys. I swear, all they talk about is sports."
Faith: I smile as I look up at him, talking to the boys. I can tell Dax is a little pissed, but I can't really help that.
Brandon: I look at Dax...is it bad that I want to help the kid out. "It's all about your footing" I say to him. "That and if you keep your elbow's straight and follow through." I say. "You'll hardly ever miss."
Groo: I smile at Carly. "I have never participated in a sporting event other than combat. What do you enjoy doing?"
Dax: "I'm not that bad. I-I have to go the bathroom." I said, and I got up and left the room.
Miranda: "Dax..." he was gone. "What is going on with him? I swear, twelve year old boys, you can't figure them out.”
Carly: "Mom," I said, going over to her. I whispered. "Dax likes Faith and she has a boyfriend."
Faith: I blush. "Yeah, well, maybe I shouldn't have been so nice to him," I say, grinning up at Brandon.
Cole: "Wow, I've never seen like that before."
Brandon: I look at their mom. "Sorry." I say. I think I've alienated the kid...and definitely gotten into something I knew nothing about. I looked at Cole, "So if you're a good goalie, must mean that you're the reason you're team is winning, because if you're good, means that your offense isn't that good and that you keep them alive." I say teasingly.
Miranda: "No, Faith, it's not your fault...maybe I should go make sure he's okay."
Julie: "Hey" I say loudly
Miranda: "Sweetie, you okay?" I said, turning towards Julie.
Julie: "Everyone go somewhere else..including Groo." I said then turned to Carly "Sweetie, you can sit with me later ok." I then looked to mom "Can you find Dax and send him back in
Julie: here...please...and everyone else out."
Groo: I jump as she yells, looking down at her. "Are you all right?" I ask, frowning.
Brandon: I was silent as she raised her voice and then stood up and walked out the door. Maybe it was time for me to go, I should have just given Faith her time with Julie and her family.
Miranda: "Okay, okay then...too many people, I understand, sweetie. Come on kids, let's go outside in the hall, okay? I'll see if I can find Dax for you, Julie." I told her as I ushered Carly and Cole out of the room.
Faith: My eyes grow wide as she shouts, taking Brandon's hand. "X, it's not you. You are so amazing for thinking of her," I say, kissing him.
Julie: I look up at Brandon "Thank you...and don't go far, I like that you came here...I just need some time with my brother."
Miranda: We got outside and I sent Cole to go check the men's bathroom for Dax. I stood outside and waited. A few minutes later he came out with Dax. "Your sister Julie wants to talk to you. Are you okay, honey?"
Brandon: I nodded to Julie. "Yeah, I'll be right outside." I say and wave and then walk outside holding Faith's hand.
Dax: "I'm okay mom...I just need to pee. I'll go see her." I said, walking away from her and towards Julie's room. Brandon came out with his arm around Faith. I just went on into the room where Julie was.
Groo: I stand and kiss her gently. "I will be just outside the door, my love." I give her a small smile and walk out, standing beside Faith and Brandon.
Julie: "Dax...will you sit with me?"
Dax: "Uh, sure..." I said, walking over and sitting next to her. "Why did everyone leave?"
Julie: "I kicked them out" I said with a smile. "I wanted to talk to you."
Dax: "Talk about what? Are you mad at me?"
Brandon: I let go of Faith's hand and rearrange my sling so that the pad is on my left shoulder and the strap isn't cutting into my shoulder. God...I fucking hate this thing.
Groo: I place my hand on Brandon's left shoulder, "Thank you for your gratious gifts. They were very thoughtful. Were you wounded in battle?"
Julie: "No, I couldn't be mad at you..." I said softly
Dax: "Oh. Well...what did you want to talk about?"
Brandon: I look at Miranda, Cole and Carly. Hesitant to say something I look at Groo, he knows. "Yeah...although not so much of a battle as more of a struggle between one other person." I say hoping he'd catch on.
Julie: "You think she is pretty don't you?" I ask softly
Groo: I look at Faith and she nods. "Ah, I understand. I am glad to see your wounds were not more severe."
Brandon: I let out a chuckle, remembering seeing my bone sticking out of my arm. "Yeah...it's not too bad, it could have been worse, I could have lost it." I say jokingly.
Dax: "Uh...no, I...maybe. A little. Don't tell her, please."
Faith: I smack his stomach, "Don't even joke about that. I already told you I'd love you if you only had one arm, but I like them both firmly attached."
Miranda: "Tell me my husband didn't have anything to do with your arm." I said, rather concerned.
Cole: "My dad did that? Cool!"
Faith: I laugh. "Oh hell no, I'd have had to, uhhh," I trail off, looking at Carly and Cole, "give him a good talking to," I finish lamely.
Carly: "Daddy helps people, he doesn't hurt them, Cole."
Brandon: I can't help but laugh, she's acting so different around the kids. I can't blame her. I laugh when he thinks their dad had something to do with this. It was my own stupidity that lead to this.
Julie: "I won't tell her..." Though she already knows.
Dax: "Thanks. I know I'm only twelve and she'd never like me...I'm just a kid to her."
Miranda: I was so relieved. "Good. You're right, Carly. Absolutely right."
Julie: "Doesn't mean you can't be friends." I look to him "She is a nice person..and apparently so is Brandon."
Dax: "I know, he's okay...he's too okay. I guess that's why I'm jealous...I'm sorry, Julie."
Julie: "Don't be sorry." I said reaching out to him "Never be sorry for how you feel."
Dax: "Okay. I really do like you, Julie. It's nice having someone I can talk to."
Julie: "I'm sorry I have made things so hard lately."
Brandon: I look at the group and then lean against the wall and slide down till I'm sitting, my shoulder hurts like a bitch.
Dax: "I just wanted mom to be better. And then she wasn't, and I blamed you...but, maybe I shouldn't have."
Faith: I watch him slide down the wall, his face scrunched up in pain. "Should I take you home baby? Looks like you've kinda worn yourself out."
Brandon: I look up at Faith. "I think I'll catch a cab a bit later on...I told Julie I wouldn't leave yet."
Julie: "You can let everyone else back in if you want." I said softly
Cole: "Are you going to be okay, Brandon?"
Brandon: "Yeah...it's just a flesh wound." I say. "I've gotten worse from girls." I tease.
Dax: "Okay." I gave her a hug. "I'll be right back." I went to get everyone.
Carly: "She beats you up?" I asked, giggling.
Miranda: "Heavens no, Carly." Dax walked out. "Everything okay, Dax?"
Faith: "Only when he's REALLY naughty," I tease.
Dax: "Uh, everything's fine. Julie says everyone can come back in now."
Brandon: I get up slowly and follow everyone else into the room.
Groo: "Thank you, Dax," I say, patting his shoulder and walking to Julie's side.
Julie: "Sorry you all."
Brandon: "No problem." I say softly. I look at Julie. "Hey, I'm going to head back to the house for some rest, I'll stop by later though."
Julie: "I think I am goin home today..so you will see me there..and thanks again."
Faith: I walk over and give Julie a light hug. "I'm gonna take him home, okay? My baby needs me," I say with a grin.
Miranda: "It's okay, honey. Sometimes you need a break, it's alright.
Dax: "Bye Faith and Brandon. I hope your arm gets better."
Brandon: "Bye everyone, it was nice meeting everyone." I say and then hear Faith. "Baby?" I ask teasingly. "Do I look like a baby to you?" I tease. "I'm like 2 1/2 times your size little one."
Faith: I poke him playfully in the chest. "Yeah, well, I'm not the one with a busted arm now am I?"
Brandon: I looked at her with a smile, "not my fault." I say as I walk towards the door. "See ya." I say one last time as I take her hand.
Julie: "Hey Faith."
Faith: "Yeah Jules?" I say, pulling Brandon to a stop.
Julie: "Why don't you call Leo?" I ask regarding Brandon's arm.
Faith: "Call Leo for what? Isn't he a ohhhhhhh, I didn't think about that," I smile. "Thanks for that, I'll do that when we get home."
Julie: "Uh huh" I smile "If you remember."
Faith: I laugh and stick my tongue out, "Oh, I'll remember," I say with a wink.
Brandon: I looked at Julie and then back to Faith, I missed something. "Get better Julie, I'll see you at the house. Bye everyone." I said again.
Carly: "Who's Leo? Is he a doctor?"
Julie: I nod "Yeah, something like that."
Faith: "It was good seeing you all again, thanks for the enchiladas," I say with a smile, hugging Carly and shaking the boys hands. "See ya later."
Miranda: We all said goodbye to Faith and Brandon. What a cute couple.
Groo: "That was thoughtful of you, my love," I say, looking up as the doctor enters the room.
Doctor: "So, Miss Lawrence. I hear you've been eating more." I say as I take her vitals.
Carly: "She ate like a dozen chicken enchiladas." I told him.
Julie: "And pancakes and waffles and eggs sausage and bacon. Not the toast though, it was stale."
Cole: "Wow, you eat like a horse! You could probably eat a whole horse."
Miranda: I chuckled at Cole. "Alright, calm down children."
Groo: "I do not recommend it, horse meat is very tough," I say seriously, but then crack a smile.
Julie: "Ok you all are gross" I say then look to the Doctor "I can go home now?"
Carly: "Why would anyone eat a horse?" I didn't like them talking about horses like that. Mommy comforted me.
Doctor: "Well...you have improved dramatically...and since your stepfather is a friend of mine, I'm going to let you go home. But I want someone with you at all times, and if there's any trouble, you call me, okay?"
Groo: I nod at the doctor. "I will be with her, I assure you, I will phone if there is any indication of the situation returning."
Julie: I sit up "Not all the time, I would like some privacy" I say annoyed
Groo: "My sweet Julie, you will have privacy," I reassure, kissing her hand.
Doctor: "I just mean I want someone observing you for the next twenty four hours, just to make sure you're okay. They don't literally have to be at your side the whole time. Let me get the release papers signed, okay?"
Julie: I relax "Thank you Dr"
Doctor: "Your welcome. And don't take this the wrong way, but I hope I don't see you again soon."
Julie: "You won't...ever."
Miranda: "What she means is that she hopes to not see you soon either. Thank you so much, Doctor."
Julie: "No what I meant was he won't EVER" I said
Groo: I chuckle at Julie. "I believe that is correct," I say to the doctor.
Doctor: "Alright then. Have a nice day." I said, a bit weirded out by the girl, but she seems nice enough. I then left to go finish the paperwork.
Carly: "Yay, you can go home! Want to come to our house?"
Miranda: "Carly...she has her own house, sweetie."
Julie: "But you all can come visit..I need help decorating our room anyway..we hardly have anything in the house."
Cole: "Mom loves to decorate." I said.
Dax: "Okay, we will, if you come visit us too."
Carly: "Yeah, you have to come over and see my room!"
Julie: "I promise, I will."
Miranda: "We have a room...it's our guest room, but, well, we've had it for you...and it can be for you and Groo when you visit. If you want to spend the night anytime."
Groo: I smile at her. "Thank you, Mrs. Gordon. The invitation is appreciated."
Miranda: "You're very welcome. I want you to think of our home as your second home."
Groo: I smile. "That is two more homes than I am accustomed to."
Julie: "M..Mom" I say as I look up at her "Thank you." I said as I sat up and reached over for gauze and bandages. I prepare them for my arm then start to remove the tape. Groo tries to stop me but I assure him I know what I am doing. and carefully remove the rest of the tape, ask Groo to hold the gauze gently over the needle spot and slowly remove the IV taking over holding the gauze firmly in place. I then carefully wrap a bandage around my arm.
Carly: "Can she do that now, cause she's leaving?"
Miranda: "Not really, but, it looks like she knows what she's doing..." I said, then a nurse came in and didn't like that Julie had done that.
Julie: I shrugged at the nurse "Get over it" I muttered as she cursed me under her breath "Did it better than you could anyway."
Carly: I watched the nurse check Julie, and then she left and came back with a wheelchair. "She's going to go out in that? Cool."
Julie: "No she is walking out like a normal healthy girl."
Miranda: "It's standard hospital procedure, Julie. You're going home, be happy."
Cole: "I'll ride in it if she doesn't want to."
Dax: "The wheelchair is for patients, Cole."
Groo: "Julie," I say softly. "Please do as they request, we will be home soon."
Julie: I look to him "Please don't make me do this...I want to walk, I have been in a bed for two days, unable to move due to restraints, I want to walk."
Groo: "Only if they agree. We can walk home, if you like, it is only a few miles."
Miranda: "My husband, Dr. Gordon, works here. Just let her walk out." I said. The nurse didn't seem happy about it, but she let Julie walk.
Carly: "And we can give you a ride home, you don't have to walk all the way to your house."
Julie: I smile "I like to walk Carly." I pick her up "I like being outside and doing things that I have never done."
Groo: I smile as she picks up Carly. She will make a beautiful mother. "Walking is good for you, little one," I say, stroking her soft hair.
Miranda: I gathered up the containers, and had Cole and Dax carry some. "Alright. You proved you can take care of yourself and walking is good exercise."
Julie: I hug her "You worry too much...so what if 24 hours ago I couldn't move, but now I am ok."
Miranda: I hugged her back. "I know. I love you so much. I'm so glad you're okay."
Groo: I look at Mrs. Gordon, "People such as Julie heal quite quickly. You need not worry," I reassure her. "I will be with her as well, of course."
Julie: "People like me? What are Slayers a new race?"
Groo: I blush. "I am sorry, I thought your siblings did not know."
Carly: "Slayer? What's a slayer?"
Cole: "Slayer? Weird."
Julie: "Shit" I whisper "I didn't mean to say that..."
Dax: "So what did you mean by that? What's a slayer?"
Miranda: "Kids, why don't we go home, and mom and dad can tell you what a slayer is."
Groo: I hug her to me. "They would have discovered it eventually, my love," I whisper in her ear.
Julie: I sigh sitting Carly down "I..It was nice knowing you." I said as I turned to leave. I was sure they would reject me again for such a mistake.
Miranda: "Nice knowing them. Julie, stop. No one is rejecting you over you being a slayer, sweetie."
Julie: "You did once" I whisper"
Miranda: "That was a mistake. It won't happen again, I promise."
Cole: "So what is a slayer?"
Groo: "Remember what you promised me earlier, my love," I say gently.
Julie: "Doesn't mean I can't break it now."
Groo: "Julie," I say with a slight warning tone.
Carly: I walked up to Julie and hugged her. "I don't care what you are. I love you cause you're my sister."
Julie: "Thank you Carly" I whisper as I hug her.
Dax: "Yeah...so what if you're a slayer...whatever that is..."
Julie: I break the hug "Thanks..though the fu...." I got a glare from Groo. "I mean thank you."
Groo: I nod in approval.
Miranda: "See, I told you. We all love you, Julie."
Julie: "We better get home."
Groo: I nod and take her hand in mine as we walk out of the hospital.
Julie: I nod "See you all later." I said as he dragged me from the hospital.
Cole: "I still want to know what a slayer is..."
Miranda: "I'll tell you when we get home, I promise, okay? Let's go." I herded them to the car and we headed home.