Four Hundred Sixty One

Four Hundred Sixty One
"How was the gallery"?

When I stepped inside the joint... I felt... so many emotions. The place... it's everything 'Alicia'. Totally her personality".

"She did a great job".

"She did a fantastic job".

"Do you think you would like it there"?

"I already love it".

We spend the rest of the afternoon and evening discussing Wylder's progress and art galleries. It's nearly 8pm when we pack up and get ready to head for home.

Alicia lets out a soft moan.

"Jonathan... I think she's waking up".

I call for Lisa and she hurries into the room.

"Well... Shes trying to swallow. Which means we can chuck this tube".

Jeanette and I stand next to the window as Lisa removes the tube.

"Give her a few seconds", she nods. "There we go! Nice breaths! Alicia? Can you hear me"? Lisa asks. Alicia opens her eyes and franctically searches around the room. She nods her head yes.

"Oh sissy! I'm so glad you are awake"!

She tries to talk but winces.

"The tube irritated your throat", Jeanette whispers. "Let me get you some water. I will be right back".

I hurry to her bedside and she grabs my hand.

"You're gonna be okay sweetheart. The worst is over". I run my fingers through her hair.

"I told you I'd fight like hell", she whispers.

"You did. Baby how do you feel? cCn you breathe okay"?

"Yes. Much better now. You're all dressed up".

"I just got back from your gallery".

"You did"?

"Mhm".

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't force you to do something you aren't comfortable with".

"I actually had fun there today. You seriously want me there with you"?

"Yes. I want you to be a part of this".

Jeanette returns with a pitcher of water and a plastic cup.

"Here ya go sis. Don't guzzle it. I got ice in it. Figured you'd want to chew on some u'know".

"Thanks, Jeanette".

"Don't try to talk too much".

"I have this horrible cough", she sighs.

"Irritation from the tube", and you still have a touch of pneumonia it will take a minute, sis".

"I feel so wiped out".

"Baby steps sissy. I'm gonna call Teresa and Jameson, and let them know you are awake. Ooh. Irene too. I called Heather when I went to get your water".

"I am so sorry I scared you", Alicia reaches for my hand.

"Hey... don't be sorry".

"I was so scared. I felt like I was drowning and I couldn't breathe, and"... She becomes a bit winded and I encourage her to take a sip of water.

"You really need to slow down, Alicia. You just woke up".

"Cecily"?

"She's safe. I took care of it. We really need to talk about that situation. In a few weeks, Cecily will have a new name and look a whole lot different".

"Jonathan"?

"Anthony... turns out... he didnt have to intervene.

Someone killed her step father, apparently he pissed off the wrong people".

"Who"?

"We aren't sure, but we are afraid that the person will try to find his daughter.

So... the plan is that for now she's staying with Cheryl at our beach house. They're distant relatives of mine. In a few weeks they will show up on our doorstep".

"Your relative? How"?

"Well they're working on a new identity and witness protection is also in on this. Cheryl is supposed to be my mother's niece. And my cousin"...

"Cecily is her daughter? Do you know her new name or"?

"All I know is that the last name will be Russo".

"Your mother's maiden name. Which makes sense. Cecily could have been born out of wedlock".

She stifles a yawn

"I think youve had too much excitement for one day".

"I feel so tired".

"You really need to rest as much as you can".

"I feel gross. I need a shower and I wish I had my own clothes to sleep in and... Can you help me? I need a shower and my hair"...

Sure. I think they're gonna move you to a regular room. And then I can help you".

"Knock knock"!

"Heather"!

"Well you look a whole lot better"!

"I feel better for sure, but I have zero energy. And my throat"....

"Yeah, the tube sucks doesn't it"?

"Yeah"...

"You should drink some ice cold honey"!

"What"? I laugh.

'Hey. It works"!

"I just want to go home", she whispers.

"You just woke up. You will be home before you know it. And I know you know to pace yourself".

"Yes. I know".

"Jeanette told me you were awake. I won't stay long, but I thought you'd like a care package".

Heather holds out a shopping bag from Century 21.

"Nothing fancy. Just a new pair of sleep shorts and a few tank tops. Slippers and socks. A night gown"...

"Thanks, Heather".

"No problem".

"I'm gonna call the kids. Can you stay with her for a few minutes"?

"Yes".

"I will be right back sweetheart".

.......

"How are you feeling? I mean really"?

"Wiped out".

"Thats to be expected. Alicia. I was really really scared. I was so afraid that your number was up".

"Me too, Heather. I think I freaked him out. I couldn't breathe well. I felt like I was suffocating".

"Not being able to breathe is terrifying, Alicia. I'm afraid I haven't been so nice to Irene".

"Why what happened"?

"I blew up at her. She was just trying to help and Igot a little jealous".

Heather draws her knees up to her chest and hugs her legs.

"Believe me when I say that I am hardly worth any jealous feelings", I laugh.

"But you are. Well to me anyway. It bothers me that"...

"She was my best friend before we met"?

"Yeah. And the fact that you and she"...

"We were strung out and fucked up all the time", Heather.

"I get that. But just.... You kissed her, and you two fooled around, and she was your best friend and"...

"You're wondering why I haven't done those things with you"?

"You just woke up and... let's just forget it".

"Heather. I think you are a very beautiful person, nd you are my best friend, now. You have been for the past several years.

Irene was an important part of my life growing up. And you are an important part of my life right now. I... just. I wish I could give you what you need, but I'm not"...

"I know".

"And part of the reason she and I are estranged is because of how we were. It got weird. And you and Rachael"...

"Not anymore. It's okay. Really".

We change topics and Jonathan comes back into the room.

"I'm gonna take your stuff upstairs".

"Huh"?

"Your room is ready. They're gonna take you up in a little bit".

"Will I have a private room"?

"Of course".

"How'd you swing that"? Heather laughs.

"I did nothing. It was all Lisa.

I will be back soon. You have hella flowers and balloons".

"Can't wait."