I shook, not knowing what to do. I heard him mumble something before another blanket was placed on me in a rush. It was warm, and the warmth soaked into my skin, into mybones.
“Kaleb?” I whispered, keeping my eyes closed. I could feel the vehicle we were in start to move and I clenched onto him tighter, if it werepossible.
“I’m here, sweet girl,” he said calmly. “You need to relax forme.”
“I can’t,” I cried out, fearing this was just a dream. I was light headed. “Elijah?”
“He’s safe,” Kaleb said. And that’s all I needed to hear to allow my body descend intodarkness.
* * *
Ifelta heaviness in all my limbs and I couldn’t seem to move anything but my fingers. When I did, something warm and strong squeezed back on both sides. My eyes were closed, but I could feel the warmth of the sun across mybody.
The beeping of a machine reached my ears in the quietness of the room. I could hear muted voices from somewhere, but wasn’t sure if they were nearby or milesaway.
“She’ll have a full recovery, but she needs an OBGYN as soon as she’s up to it,” said a voice from somewhere. Were they talking about me? “I did a rape kit, and it came back positive. According to the files from the doctor she saw just a few weeks ago, she is able to have kids, but it’s low risk for her to get pregnant since she hasn’t had a normal menstrual cycle for years. She needs to get on the pill to help re-start it. I can give her the Plan B pill to make sure she didn’t getpregnant.
“The accident broke one of her ribs, so there is bruising around that area, and they will be longer lasting than the others. The swelling on her face will slowly go down, but ice it a few times a day if needed,” the doctor said quietly. “She could benefit from seeing a psychologist, possibly long term. Overall, she seems to be in pretty decentshape.”
“Thank you,” I heard Kaleb say quietly from besideme.
“And you, Elijah, need to get some rest. You really aren’t in much better shape,” the doctor saidlightly.
“Yeah, yeah,” Elijah said from the other side ofme.
“Take care,” the doctor said, beforeleaving.
I was just about to doze off again when Kaleb spoke up. “How are you holding up?” He sounded tiredhimself.
“Don’t even try, Kaleb,” Elijah said, just as tiredly. His voice was coarse and sounded wornout.
“I’m only asking,” Kaleb repliedcalmly.
I wanted to open my eyes, to move, to grunt something. My heart soared at the thought that Elijah was safe, and alive. I wanted to dance if I could just get my body to move, but it wouldn’tcooperate.
Breathing in and out, I let sleep claim meagain.
* * *
“Please,Dawn, wake up for me, sweetheart,” I heard Elijah beg as I felt his head against myarm.
“She’ll wake up when she’s ready,” Kaleb sighed as he moved into a more comfortable position. “And she may not want you touchin’ her when shedoes.”
“Don’t you dare,” Elijah said, and I could feel the tension between the two sweep overme
“Stop,” I managed to get out. I wasn’t sure it came out clear, but I squeezed Elijah’s hand as tightly as Icould.
“Oh, Dawn. Thank God,” Elijah said, neartears.
I slowly forced my eyes open, glad there was no bright light above me. Blinking, I looked over at Elijah first, seeing how tired he looked. His forehead had a few stitches. His eyes were sunken in, and I had to wonder what had happened to him, before remembering we were in the same caraccident.
I turned to Kaleb, who looked just as tired, but not as banged up. “You came.” My voice was no more than a whisper, but I was in awe. He had savedme.
“Of course, little sis,” Kaleb smiled at me. His smile was filled with love, and I truly felt like he was my bigbrother.
“When can I go home?” I asked, looking between both of them. I wanted to be held and never let go. I wanted to see mydaughter.
“Probably tomorrow afternoon,” Elijah said, giving Kaleb a look that said to getlost.
