Dante looked at Madison. “Fine.” He held up his hands. “I’ll leave, but I’ll come and check on you when you’re back home.” He turned and walked out of the door.
She watched him walk out. He didn’t have to tell her. She knew he would come to look for her at her place. If she had to, she would get a hotel room for a couple of days until he got the hint.
“Here, hun, let me help you get up. Someone will be in to see you from our counseling center. They will be able to give you more information.”
Madison let the nurse help her then she sat on the edge of the bed and waited.
—Zoe: I’m so sorry. Let me know if you need anything. Even if you just want me to sit with you.”—
—M: Can you pick me up? I don’t have a ride. Well, I have Henry’s car, but I don’t think I should be driving right now. Unless you have something you need to do. I can do a rideshare. I know this is all last minute.—
—Z: It’s not a problem. I got a message from Dante telling me about what happened and that he was going to take you home. I wanted to check in with you.—
—M: I told him I don’t want him to take me home. If it’s ok, can you still please come and pick me up.—
—Z: Sure, I’m on my way—.
While Madison waited for the counselor and priest she stared at her phone. Of course Dante would have gone behind her back. He always treated her like a child and presumed he knew what was best for her. It was another reason why they wouldn’t work out.
She listened to the counselor drone on, but she was a bundle of emotions and everything bounced off.
“Here are some pamphlets and resources we have available for you to use. And again, I’m sorry for your loss.” The counselor handed her the folder with the information and left. She looked at the priest.
“Let us pray.”
Madison let the tears fall as she listened to the father’s prayer. Henry was dead. If she had done the interview instead, he still wouldn’t be here, but she would have had a better shot at her dream. It had been a reaction to the anesthesia, and he went into cardiac arrest and they were unable to save him.
“Amen.”
Madison wiped her tears and looked up. “Amen. Thank you, Father.”
“Here is my card if you need anything.” And then he left, and she was alone again.
Everything went by in a blur. Zoe came and the nurse wheeled her down to the front door while Zoe pulled the car around. They didn’t talk and it was awkward, but Madison couldn’t focus.
She couldn’t go back to her place and pretend not to be there. Dante had a key and he hadn’t given it back. She bet he waited for her there now.
“Zoe, can you take me to Henry’s place instead.” She had collected his things and had his keys.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
Madison told Zoe how to get to Henry’s place and she dropped her off.
“I can stay with you if you want or go to your place to get you some things.” Zoe helped Madison carry Henry’s and her bags inside.
“No, that’s ok. I think I want to be alone.”
“All right, I understand. Let me know if you need anything and I’ll come over.”
“I know and thank you. I appreciate it.” Madison went to close the door. “Oh and when Dante asks, you can tell him you dropped me off at a hotel or something.”
“Will do.”
“Thank you.”
Madison closed the door and sank down to the floor, with her back against the door. Her head rested on her knees. She was screwed. There was no way Dante was going to let her go. He was going to keep hounding her and thinking he knew best. He would want to take over everything.
