Chapter 127 Life
For the first time in a long time, I think I finally believe him completely. Something in my heart settles. It doesn't make any of this right, and we still have some things to work out, but it feels lighter somehow.
He held me there for what seems like forever, trying to hug me back to life. Slowly but surely, warmth and life trickled through my veins. My heart beat steadily in his arms. My anxiety melted... just a little, with his touch.
When he finally pulled away, he looks at me. "Josie, we still have to take you to the hospital," he warns. "They are going to... check everything," he says sounding really uncomfortable about the whole thing.
"I'd r-rather ha-have a prof-fesional look-k at me than-n h-him," I mumble. I want to curse myself for my sudden stutter, but I can't. My tongue doesn't seem to be working right.
Rick nods his head and pulls out on the road but refuses to let go of my hand. I'm glad, because I need him to remind me, I'm here, and safe. He is my anchor in the storm of darkness.
It doesn't take long at all before we are in the hospital, and a nice nurse finds me a chocolate bar to eat before the exam. I don't remember when I'd eaten last, and she was worried I'd pass out.
I still had to wear a gown that opened up in the front, but they had a sheet to cover me... not that that was much better. But it did warm me up a little bit.
"Okay, Josie. I know this is going to be uncomfortable, but please lay back on the table," Dr. Bernard instructed.
I didn't want to! I didn't want to lay down! I didn't want to be touched by another man I didn't know! I was barely making it through with Rick... Couldn't they find a female doctor?
But Rick held me, kissing my head, distracting me from the exam. He whispered to me that everything was going to be fine, and we'd be home soon. He told me how everyone had been so worried about me.
The doctor took pictures of my bruises on my body for the police report. The nurse standing by the whole time, giving me encouragement the whole time.
Finally, it was done. I could get dressed and go home... Almost.
"Sit tight, I'm going to go run some tests," Dr. Bernard said kindly. "If you want, Susan can grab you some coffee or some tea to warm you up?"
"D-do you h-have h-hot chocolate?" I whisper.
"Sure do! I'll be right back!" she assured me.
Rick helped me into the jeans and sweater. I don't have any underwear on, but I can live with that for now. I finally felt like I wasn't naked. The nurse gave me a second blanket to wrap up in along with the hot chocolate.
I sipped it carefully for a moment before Rick grunted. I looked over at him and he looked upset. I wanted to ask him what was wrong, but talking seems a little difficult for me at the moment.
Then Rick picked me up and placed me in his lap and just held me in his arms. I enjoyed this much more. Once again, I felt safe and secure in his arms as I drink my chocolate.
He whispered soft words to me. "Little dancer, you are so damn brave. I know how difficult this has to be for you. Soon this is all going to be a bad dream and it will all disappear. I love you so much, baby. I'm never going to let you go again."
About a half hour later, the doctor came back in with some test results. He gave me a funny look. I'm not sure if I should be worried or not.
"It seems your pregnant, Ms. Turner," he says gently, showing me the paper in his hands. There was a bunch of numbers I had no clue what to do with, but the result said it clear as day.
Ricks breath hitches, and hugs me tightly, placing a soft kiss on the side of my head. I could tell he was happy with this news. After all, he'd been trying to get me pregnant for weeks.
"Do you want to keep it?" The doctor asks delicately.
"If she's pregnant, it's mine! Not his," Rick insists. "Little dance, please. I know it's your choice, but I know it's mine! And even if there was some remote possibility that it was his, which there isn't! It would still be mine, because you are mine!" he whispers.
He's right. It can't be James' baby. While he had me for hours, you can't get fucking pregnant that fast.
"I'm gonna keep the baby," I whisper.
"Thank God," Rick whispers.