Winter was walking by Christmas. She was slow and hesitant but gradually becoming stronger. Without saying anything to Viper, she called the school board and told them she would be able to return to work in the upcoming semester. Thankfully the school would be closed until the second week of January. She would still need the cane she was using but she felt more than capable of dealing with the workload. The physical part of her job she could delegate to her vice-principal while regaining the final stages of her strength.
Christmas was quiet around the house with just a few of The Last Riders remaining. Even Shade had disappeared for the holiday. Beth and Razer had spent the holiday with Lily, who had seemed recovered from the biker grabbing her. Beth told Winter that she had finally convinced Lilly to see a psychologist. The women had never shared with her what demons tormented Lily, and Winter wasn’t sure she wanted to know what had damaged the sweet girl so badly. Some things in life were better left undisturbed.
Christmas dinner had been good with just Viper, Rider, Knox, and Evie. This time, Winter had pitched in to cook and was rewarded with the compliments given. Smiling, she shrugged off the compliments and they settled down to a night of watching television. Two days later the crew was back and it was Friday, a combination that Winter could tell would lead to a wild night. She hadn’t attended another party and wasn’t about to. She planned on returning to her home at the end of next week, giving herself one more week of therapy, and though she adamantly refused to admit it to herself, a last week with Viper.
***
“That will do it. I don’t want to overwork those muscles.”
Winter relaxed, leaning down to catch her breath.
“You’re looking much healthier, Winter.” Donna complimented her.
“Thanks. I actually feel pretty good. I don’t take pain meds anymore and I don’t have as many muscles spasms.”
“That shows they are almost healed. What does your doctor say?”
“To take it easy and not run before I can walk.” The doctor had made the joke but Winter hadn’t found humor in the pun.
Donna laughed. “Don’t worry, you’re handling the workouts well and I think in a couple of months you’ll even be able to ditch the cane.”
Winter grinned back. “I am planning on it. I’m already scheduled to return to work the week after next.”
Donna frowned. “Are you sure you’re ready? There is a big difference walking around a house and staying on your feet for short periods versus standing for hours at a time. What did the doctor say?”
“I didn’t tell him.” Winter confessed. “I will do fine though, I have a staff at school. When I get tired, my vice-principal can handle things.
“I would think about it seriously, Winter. I think the next school year would be a more realistic option.”
“I need to get back to work. I don’t want them to replace me permanently. There is just the one high school in Treepoint. If I lose my job, I would have to find another school district.
Donna stopped arguing, knowing good jobs in Treepoint were hard to come by. “Let’s get you in the hot tub.”
Winter changed into her swimsuit and met Donna in the hot tub room. Sinking into the warm water, she was beginning to relax when Donna’s phone rang. Listening unashamedly and seeing Donna’s concerned look, she came to the conclusion one of her patients had an accident.
“I’m afraid we need to get you out of the tub,” she said after disconnecting her call. “One of my patients has had a bad fall and they need me to help get her back in the bed.” Winter got out of the hot tub with her help. Donna normally would have stayed while Winter got dressed, but she urged her to leave.
“I can handle it from here by myself. You go on, I’ll be fine. I can get dressed then call someone to help me up the stairs. While Winter refused to let herself be packed around any longer, for safety someone always stood close by as she went up and down the steps.
“Are you sure?” Donna asked, her mind on the other patient.
“Go.” Finally convincing the woman to leave, Winter went inside the restroom to get changed. When she was almost dressed she heard voices enter the hot tub area then splashing as they obviously entered the water.
Winter hurried, not wanting to remain there without anyone’s knowledge. Quickly opening the door, she went out and started towards the hot tub room. The door was half closed blocking her from view. She was about to make her presence known when she heard voices and stopped.
“Leave that alone.” Winter recognized Bliss’s voice and Rider’s when he replied.