“That’s very clear.”
“What was Ellie like as a child?” I ask, wanting to know as much about her past as possible. If I can’t ask Ellie, I can ask the next best person.
“A pain in the ass,” Monica laughs.
“What?”
“She was. She never stopped moving, she got into everything and was independent to a fault. We used to call her Hurricane Elizabeth.”
I chuckle. “That is surprisingly a very accurate nickname.” Considering the way she turned my world upside down.
“She was also very loving and so, so adorable. Like a living doll. She could knock you over with just one dimpled smile. I think that’s how she survived childhood. She had us all wrapped around her little finger.” Monica is now laughing and crying all at the same time. I’m not sure how to interpret that.
“It’s how I survive adulthood, too,” Ellie murmurs, and both Monica and I jump up. “How did you two end up in the same room?” she asks as she cracks her eyes open. I thinkI’mabout to start laughing and crying.
“Were you eavesdropping on us?” I ask, as my heart starts beating again with short shallow pumps.
“Yes. You’re not the only one who can spy,” she responds groggy.
Monica shoots me a funny look. I grin uncomfortably. “Inside joke.”
“Oh, well I guess that’s a good sign that she’s making jokes.”
“Why does it feel like I was shot?” Ellie groans in pain.
“Because you were,” Monica tells her kissing her forehead. “I have to go get the doctor and your father,” she announces overjoyed. “I’m so glad you’re awake.”
Once she’s out of the room, Ellie looks up at me confused. I want to smother her with kisses, but I brush my lips lightly all over her face instead.
“How long have I been out?” she strains.
“Three days.” I kiss her lips, reacquainting myself with the feel of them. “I’m sorry, baby,” I nearly weep, the guilt eating me alive.
“Sorry for what?”
“Everything. Every single second of suffering I’ve ever caused you.”
“It wasn’t your fault,” she grimaces as she tries to move.
“That’s a fucking lie, and we both know it.”
“Kayne, don’t. Just tell me it’s over.” She says exhausted.
“It is. He’s dead.”
Ellie’s eyes start to cloud with tears. She’s been up for five seconds, and she’s upset already.
“Do you know?” Her lip quivers.
I nod solemnly.
“Do my parents know?” Her voice tapers off.
I shake my head.
“Good,” she sighs with relief.
“Do you remember everything that happened?” I ask delicately.
