She takes the bottle from me. “What do you taste?” I ask again.
She gulps one big mouthful. “I taste clean water. There’s nothing in it but water.” SHe looks at the bottle like it’s trying to trick her, then back to me.
“We are safe. Now, let’s get clean and downstairs before all of the bacon is gone.”
She slowly gets up and follows me to the bathroom. I help her get the hot water turned on and tell her I am going to leave the door cracked so Doc Sylvia and I can hear if she needs help.
While I wait I cross the room to Lillian and give her another big hug. “Thank you for coming for us.” I let her go and walk into Osiston’s arms. He wraps me up in his massive embrace. My arms almost don’t reach all the way around him, my fingers barely touching.
“We will always come for you, not just because you are a warrior, but because you are family, Little One.” I hug him a little tighter at that and fight to keep the tears at bay. I can’t cry here, I’m not sad, not really. I just didn’t know how much words like that would mean to me.
Jena comes out complete with the black warrior training uniform I put in there for her and I head in for my turn. I keep it quick, not wanting Jena to be alone with anyone yet. I don’t know how she feels about this place or my team and friends and I don’t want her to have to go down to the chaos of the cantina alone.
I clean as quickly as I can, while still trying to get however many days of grime off of me. I have to remember to ask how long I’ve been gone, I still don’t know. Once I feel like I got as much filth off. I step out and dry off with a fluffy white towel. I never knew I would appreciate such simple things like showers and warm towels, but here I am and it’s glorious. I put on another warrior training outfit and it’s another thing I will never take for granted.
I walk out with my blonde hair stringy and wet hanging to just below my shoulders. It’s finally starting to really grow out since Kaley cut it off, man how long ago was that? I really need to get better at keeping track of time.
I walk out of the bathroom to Lillian and Doc Sylvia talking to Jena. She looks like she’s trying to keep up, but maybe a little uncomfortable.
“Hey, I’m hungry. Are you ready for this Jena? It’s going to be a lot of people and a little crazy. We can just eat up here until you’re comfortable.”
“No, I’m okay.” She takes a deep breath like she’s getting ready for a battle and stands up. “I’m going to have to do it sooner or later, I can’t
hide out forever. Just maybe don’t leave me, okay?” She asks, looking up at me through her eyelashes, her face still tilted toward the ground. Like she is ashamed of the question.
“I won’t leave you.” I smile at her and link our arms as I lead her towards the door with Lillian and Doc Sylvia following.
“I have to get back to the hospital for a while and gather things for the both of you. I will be back in about an hour. Sierra has been rattling my head waiting to hear about you.” She pokes me in the shoulder and I giggle.
“Can you bring her back with you? I don’t know when Osiston will let me get back up to the school.” I plead.
“I’ll ask, let’s get you both some food, you’ve been out for a little while.”
“That reminds me. How long was I gone? How long were we out? I don’t have any idea about time right now.”
“The Alpha King wants to talk to you about your time away, but you both slept for two days after we found
you and brought you back here. Just so you both know,” She stops us just outside the door in the empty
toe 1. Must hallway. “I did a full exam on you both.” She pauses to let that sink in. “We didn’t find any permanent damage in either of you, but I did take samples for research. Jena, we also had to remove your IUD. It was damaged and causing some damage to your uterine walls.”
“What does that mean?” Jena gasps, tears forming in her eyes.
“Only time will tell, but we will check on your healing regularly. For now everything appears normal, but I believe you should know what is going on even if it might be a little scary. Hbelieve you have been kept in the dark for too long.” She pats Jena on the shoulder. “Even the stuff that’s hard to talk about. Knowing what you face will only make you stronger, and voicing what is going on with you will also help. Come to me for anything, alright?” Content
She sniffles and nods. I wrap my arm around her and start to move forward again. We head down the main stair case and through the white foyer to the large common room. All conversation just stops.
