Chapter 88

It has been such a long day, even though it was a good one. Now that Derek is awake, I'm at a loss for words. He was so excited when he saw Faithlyn and how big she got while he was asleep. It was amazing being able to talk to him. When he asked about Jill, it made me remember the letter that she wrote me. I forgot about it, and with all that has been happening it slipped my mind. I'm so tired, and these past couple of weeks have been crazy. I can't wait until things just get back to normal.

“Amelia, is everything ok? It looks like you are thinking about a lot.”

“Yes, father. Everything is fine. I have just been so exhausted. These past couple of weeks have been insane.”

“You have been through a lot these past couple of weeks. You need some rest.”

“Yes, rest would be so nice, but I'm not sure when I will actually get a chance to get some,” I giggle “Thanks for everything daddy. I don't know what I would have done without you.”

“I love you Bear, and I'm pleased to be here to help you with anything.”

As we are pulling up to the hotel, I reach over, I give my dad a hug, tell him goodbye, and get out of the car. Then I get Faithlyn out of the car, and we go into the hotel happy to be home. It has been such a good but exhausting day. Faithlyn is asleep in her car set when we get up to our room. I get Faithlyn out of her car seat, and I put her in her crib.

I then decide that I am going to get a shower. As I am walking into our bedroom, I remember about my letter from Jill. I know that I put it on the nightstand. I look on the nightstand, but it's not there. I look inside the drawer, but it's not there either. I wonder where it could it have gone? I search around, and then that's when I see it pinned between the stand and the mattress. I grabbed the letter nervous to read it but wanting to know what it says.

I read, "Dear my sweet Amelia,

When you told me your plan about what you were going to do about the Shaffers, I was so relieved knowing that you two wouldn't have to live a life that would be controlled by anyone. I had to make quite a few adjustments to your plan. I did not want there to be anyone who could ever be able to lead anything back to you or Derek, so I did what I thought was necessary to whom it was necessary to. I am sorry about your friend Brittany, but I could not help her. She was dead before I could try to help. 

Derek's parents weren't so innocent simply because they wanted the contract to be gone through with, so I decided to get rid of them. The contracts are now nonexistent and so are the people who made them. I wanted Derek to be free from them and be free to live the life that he wanted to with you and Faithlyn. I don't know when I will be able to come back, but when I do, I will be grateful to see you two happily married. I hope more than anything Amelia, that you please take good care of my son and our sweet girl.

With all the love in my heart and soul,

Jill

Tears form in my eyes and begin running down my cheeks. I never knew someone could give so much just to protect people they care about. I am grateful that I got to have her in my life. I'm not sure where things are going to go from here. Derek and I haven't really talked about what our next move is. I will be glad to get the hell out of this place that only brings bad memories. I don't want to live here any longer, and I'm hoping with all of this that he won't have a reason to stay he any longer either. I will follow him no matter what, but I just want to forget some of the things that have taken place here. Knowing my father is here makes me sad to leave, but I know it's what I really want. He will understand.

My body is exhausted from all of the stress about what could have happened. I feel like my chest is lighter now knowing that Derek will survive. With all of this going on, I'm so mentally drained. I just want to relax, so instead of getting a shower I draw a bath and add some bubbles to it. Then I light some candles and get into the tub. God, the water feels so good on my body. I can't help but to close my eyes and soak it all in. When I open my eyes, I realize that I had fallen asleep. The once hot water is now cold. I get up, let the water drain out, blow the candles out, and get out. I dry myself off, and then I head to my closet to get some night clothes. After that, I go to check on Faithlyn. 

As I'm approaching her room, I can hear her talking. I go to open the door, and I see a dark figure in her room. I become frightened. I ask the figure in the room, “Who are you, and what are you doing here!” Then I rush to turn the light on. I am shocked at who I see and shout for joy, “Derek, your home! Why wouldn't you call to let me know you were coming home?”

“You were sleeping, so I figured I would let you sleep. Also, I tried calling, but you didn't answer.”

“I was in the tub, sorry. You could have woken me up. I wouldn't have minded.”

“Amelia, do you love me?”

“Yes, of course I love you.”

He goes quiet, and I know that something is wrong. I'm not sure what could have happened in just the couple of hours that I had left him at the hospital. I'm nervous not wanting him to be angry, but I can tell something is bothering him.

“Derek, is everything ok? Shouldn't you be resting?”

“I wanted to come home and rest. I didn't feel comfortable staying at the hospital, so I left.”

“Well, I'm so glad that you are here!" I go to walk up to hug him, but he backs away from me. 

"I have Faithlyn. I'm going to put her to sleep then I'll be in.”

“Oh, ok well, I'm happy you're home. I'm going to go to bed now. Good night.” I walk out of Faithlyn's room and walk to my bedroom wondering what is going on with Derek. He seems off, so I'm hoping he comes in before I fall asleep. I begin to hear footsteps and they're getting closer. Then the bedroom door opens, and I can tell he is exhausted. He has been through so much.

I decide to ask again, “Derek, are you ok?”

“Yes, Amelia, I'm fine. I'm just tired. I need to ask you something, and I want the truth.”

I sit up in bed, and I'm nervous about what he is about to say to me. I'm wondering if I'm going to be able to be honest with him hoping that whatever it is that he will still want me.

“Did Jill do something to upset you, and you told her to leave?”

Relieved that that was his question I answer, “Derek, I loved Jill. I would never have asked her to leave. She was like the mother I never had.”

“I am just so confused about why she left. I wanted to make sure things between you two were good.”

“Derek, why don't you lie down and cuddle me. We both need to get some much needed rest.”

“I'm going to get a shower first. Then I'll come to bed. Good night, love you.”

“Good night, love you too.”

I'm wondering why the hospital would allow him to come home. Maybe I should call and make sure nothing is going on. I'm hoping he is ok. 

I call the hospital a nurse answers. I tell her, “Hello, this is Amelia Stone. I was just calling to see why you would send Derek home the same day he has woken up from his coma?”

“Amelia, he decided that he was ready to come home. We recommended him to stay, but we couldn't force him to stay.”

“I understand. Thank you.”

I hear the shower turn off. I hear Derek rushing to get out of the shower. I wonder at what is going on with him hoping that he is okay. When he comes out of the bathroom, he goes to the closet to get some clothes and gets dressed. I lay in bed staring at him trying not to get caught. I close my eyes like I'm sleeping. As he lies down beside me, he doesn't attempt to cuddle me. What has changed in just those couple of hours of me visiting? I think Jill leaving really hurt him. He must have cared about her more than what I thought.

I try not to think too much about it. He has just gotten home from a tragic event. I know that he needs to adjust back to the real world. I'm not really sure what that will look like for him, but I'm willing to do it with him.