“You look beautiful in that dress, Ana. You always do look beautiful.”
I gently rub my nose with his. “Take me home now, Jake.”
He smiles. “Oh baby, it would be my pleasure.”
We set off quite quickly after Jake makes sure I’m settled in the car. He seems anxious to get out of here and I’m right along with him. I feel as though I don’t let out a breath until we’re on the I-495, heading back home.
When pulling into the drive at home, Matthew comes bouncing out the door. It’s almost as though he has been waiting there all day. He rushes in for a hug and I welcome it wholeheartedly.
Once he retreats, I see tears in his eyes, which set off a fresh batch of my own. I had never seen Matthew cry and I certainly didn’t want to be the cause of it.
“Hey, don’t be upset, Matthew. I’m fine, look at me. I’m okay.”
I hold his face in my hands and he nods, trying hard to compose himself.
“I’ve been going crazy with worry, Ana—everyone has—and my jerk off father wouldn’t let me come see you while you were in hospital.”
Jake slams the boot of his car a bit more forcefully than he should of, obviously angry at Matthew’s grievance. I feel I have to say something to calm the situation.
“Look, Matthew, he was right to make you stay. Your studies are important, especially now.”
He looked like he wanted to argue the point but the expression on my face stopped him. I think he had said enough.
We strolled back into the house with Matthew’s arm wrapped tightly around me. It was almost as if he was afraid I’d disappear. I can’t believe how tall he is getting. He’s towering over me already.
“You feel like you’ve lost weight, Ana. Obviously hospital food doesn’t agree with you that much. I’ll make you some noodles if you like?”
He seems eager to be doing something and I don’t want to disappoint him. “That would be nice. Thank you, Matthew.”
He goes running towards the kitchen, as I take in the full view of the living room filled with flowers. Matthew remembers and turns around.
“They’ve been arriving all day for you, Ana. Everybody’s so happy it’s all finally over and that you’re safe.”
I feel overwhelmed with emotion. I walk over to a bunch of pink orchids and read the card.
‘Ana, we’re all so happy you’re safe. Get well soon. All my love Joe, Sally and family. P.S. It’s a girl!’
Tears spring my eyes. I’m so happy for them. I’m also really glad that Joe doesn’t seem to be holding a grudge. I wouldn’t blame him if he did.
Jake wraps his arms around me from behind, and I lean my head back into his chest.
“Joe’s wife is pregnant?” he asks.
He had obviously read the card over my shoulder.
“Yes, he told me in the car on the way back to the house that day. I asked him to let me know how they got on at the hospital. They were going for a scan and he wanted to know the sex of the baby.”
Jake inhales my scent and I wince. “I must smell awful after being in that hospital for four days.”
I feel him nuzzle his nose into the back of my neck. “You always smell so wonderful.”
I turn around, wrap my arms around him and give him a light kiss.
“That’s very kind of you to say so, Jake, but I would still love to get a shower as soon as I’m done with my noodles. I’m starving.”
Jake laughs and pats me on the backside. I look at the other notes attached to the flowers. There are some colourful Chrysanthemum’s from Jessie, wishing me well and begging me to call as soon as I get the note. I must give her a ring after my shower.
There’s a big bunch of summer flowers from everyone in offices and another surprise one from Mandy. I pick the note up and read it.
‘I’m so sorry to hear about your ordeal. I hope you get well soon. I’m looking forward to seeing you back at work. Love, Mandy. P.S. I’m still going to hold you to that drink.’
I laugh at that and show Jake the note. Everyone seems to like there P.S.’ on their cards to me today. Jake looks at it and raises an eyebrow.
“A drink ha, when was this planned?”
I sit down and sigh. “Jake, seriously. You’re going to get all caveman on me now?”
His face softens as he sits next to me. “Yes, sorry. I didn’t mean for it to come out like that. I guess some things never change.”
Chapter 29
The rest of the afternoon into the evening went in really well. Matthew brought out some chicken flavoured noodles for everyone. It tasted great but my throat was still sore, which didn’t help. It was hard to eat all of it up, but I thanked Matthew for making the effort for me.