Stay with Me by Awesomekristii (jenna bush book club .TXT) 📖

“Can you sleep like this, Lilah? Are you uncomfortable? Is there enough room for you?” She just nodded at me, moving closer and snuggling in my chest, her legs pulled up near to her chest into a ball.

“Can you hold me, please?” Her voice was so soft as she spoke. I wrapped my arms around her in a firm hold. “I…” I didn’t interrupt as she spoke. “I'm scared to sleep. It feels like they’re getting me again.” I could hear something breaking inside me at her words. I pulled her closer to me, trying to control the moisture fogging my eyes.

“you’re safe with me, sweetheart.” And again I couldn’t stop the guilt wrapping me up. She didn’t say anything just nodded her head and before I know she was fast asleep. She mumbled in sleep as I looked at her tiny form. “I have something to tell you tomorrow.”

“Okay.” I kissed her forehead and found her saying nothing else. The medicines were making her sleep more. However, I didn’t sleep a wink. I couldn’t. 

My fingers ran through her hair all night, and my mind haywire with everything happening and I couldn’t make out how to help Lilah to get out of this impact.

••••••••••

The next morning, Steven came over. Lilah was discharged and was good to go. She still had the bandage around her head. There were bruises in her arms and legs which the doctor said would take a few days to go away.

We walked out as I settled her in the car. Steven went to get all the medicines. I attached the seatbelt around her, while she remained quiet. So damn quiet that it made me miss her former self. The vibrant one, where she used to laugh around me… her smiles, the happiness and innocence dancing in her eyes. I missed everything.

I shook my head and moved away closing the car door and saw Steven jogging towards me with the medicines. “I got the” he handed them to me, and I gave him a nod. “Thanks.”

“I will be heading to the hospital. They called about some emergency. Will you…” I shook my head at him.

“You helped me a lot, Stev. I will take her home.” He nodded and pushed his hands inside his pockets. “Call me if you need anything.”

“Sure.” With that, he walked towards his car while I climbed into mine and strapping the belts, ignited the engine. The entire car ride whenever I looked at her, her eyes were always outside the window, never turning towards me.

I moved my hand over hers, resting on her lap, but she flinched at that in her seat. I quickly moved my hand away at that, cursing myself inside.

“Did I startle you? I’m sorry.” Her gaze lowered to her hands and she shook her head.

“I… it caught me a little surprise. I didn’t mean to…”

“It's not your fault, Lilah.” I smiled at her which she tried to reciprocate but it didn’t reach her eyes. I saw the dark circles under her beautiful eyes, the paleness on her cheeks, and the bruises. It tightened my chest as I struggled to look in front and keep it from wondering how to kill that bastard.

We reached home in no time, and I helped Lilah to her room. It felt like she needed to be by herself, maybe that would help her more but while walking there I saw her stop in her place and looked up at me.

“What happened sweetheart?” She looked down at her foot and didn’t say anything so I dropped my hands under her chin and pulled her up to look at me.

“I… Do I have to stay alone?” Her eyes hold that same innocence, but there was fear in them. I hold her closer to me, wrapping an arm around her shoulder.

“It’s totally up to you, Lilah. If you wish you can stay with me or I can stay with you in your room.” She didn’t say anything for a while before tugging me with me to my room.

I didn’t deny it as we walked inside and I helped her to settle in the bed. Her head rested against the headrest while I pulled a comforter over her.

“Let me bring you something to eat.” I began to walk out of the room when she spoke again.

“I have something to talk about with you.” I walked back and dropped a kiss on her head before saying. “Sure, whatever you want to say. Let me grab the food first.” And with that, I walked downstairs to make something for her.

•••••

THANK YOU FOR READING.

Drop your love and comments. The next chapter will have the revelation. Stay tuned.

Vote. Comment. Follow.

Love,

Author.