Page 187 of Dare To Fall

On day four, the doctor tells Arabella that she can go home. My dad insists on bringing a car, so I don’t have to drive, and she leans on me the entire way through the hospital and outside. It takes us a while to get there, but she refuses to use a wheelchair. She’s still a little cautious and slow. I say nothing. I even manage not to offer to carry her because I know it will be met with snark and glares. She’s eager to get out of here, but she wants to do it under her own steam, and I can’t blame her for that.

When we finally reach the car, she settles onto the back seat with a relieved sigh. I drape my arm across her shoulders and draw her closer. I can’t stand having even the smallest distance between us right now. Her head drops against my chest, and she curls sideways into me.

I meet my dad’s eyes through the mirror as he starts the car. He nods and smiles, then pulls out of the parking lot.

We both doze on the journey back to the house, drifting in and out, having partial conversations which break off, only to resume when we wake again.

When the car engine cuts out, my eyes snap open.

“It’s okay.” My dad’s voice is soft. “We’re home.”

Elena is standing in the doorway when we climb out of the car. Silently she holds out her arms and wraps Arabella into them. She’s been a frequent visitor to the hospital, but I asked her to stay home today and move a few things around for me. After I explained why, she agreed. When Elena finally releases Ari, I take her hand and draw her inside toward the staircase.

“The doctors say you need to keep taking it easier for a few more days,” I say as we ascend the stairs. “I’ve had your stuff moved into my room, so I can keep an eye on you.”

As predicted, she rolls her eyes. “I’m fine, Eli.”

I stop when we reach the hallway and turn to face her. “You might be, but I’m not. I want to be beside you when you fall asleep and find you there when I wake up. I nearly lost you, Ari.” I cup her cheeks. “I can’t go through that again.”

Her arms lift to loop around my neck. “You won’t have to.”

She’s not wrong. I’ve already arranged to have extra security cameras fitted around the house and grounds. We have trackers installed on both our cells, so we know where each other is at all times, and I have no intention of letting her out of my sight any time soon.