All I could hear was machines beeping around me as I flickered my eyes open ... my hand warm I look down Leyton was holding it tight asleep on the chair.
Flashbacks of the night cane flooding back. My heart started pounding ...
I flinched which startled Leyton "April?"
"I ... can't ... breath" he saw me sweating and instantly took my hands and looked in my eyes .. "look at me! And breath ..."
"Ms Rhodes?" A doctor asked as he came into the room. "This is she" the doctor looked towards Leyton direction.
"Ms Rhodes you've suffered internal injuries ... we've stabilised the bleed for now ... we would like to keep you in for observation for now"
I shook my head. "No .. I want to go home, please! I can't stay here ... I'm not safe" Leyton squeezes my hand as he could sense my panic.
"Please discharge Ms Rhodes ... medication will suffice we can arrange doctor visits every day at home .." he took control.
He left the room with the doctor. How could this happen to me? What did I do to deserve such hatred and hurt?
We arrived back at the apartment. Leyton had called Maggie and told her everything .. I wasn't ready to talk yet she understood I knew she would be waiting for me when I was ready.
He took me to my room and laid me down on the bed.
"Thanks ... for everything ..." I whispered. "If you need anything let me know ... I've told the police to hold off for a couple days but they will want to speak to you" he says softly. I nod in agreement and wait until he leaves the room before I just let the tears fall into my pillow.
It's 1am ... I haven't stopped crying. My eyes are so sore my body aches ... I'm exhausted. "April?" My door is open slightly "Leyton?" He walks in and crouches beside my bed resting his hand upon my head. "I couldn't leave you crying .. I've heard you for the last hour .."
"I feel so stupid! How could I let this happen ... why me!!"
Leyton laid with me until I fell asleep he listened to me as I let all my frustration and anger out. He comforted me when I need it.
He pulls the comforter up over me as I rest my head upon his chest. I haven't felt this safe and secluded in a long while ... but was this gonna end?
"April ... good morning" Jane wakes me gently she has my medication in hand. "What time is it?" I yawned as I sat up slowly and painfully. "9am dear ... mr Stevens has gone to sort some business out ... he told me the doctor will be here at 10am he will be back as soon as he can" she smiles as she watches me take the tablets. His orders I'm guessing.
"Thanks Jane ..." - as she left I looked at my phone - I wanted to call Maggie but I just couldn't speak about what happened. I decided to shower instead I still felt dirty and disgusting.
"Ms Rhodes .. Dr Tyler is here" Jane calls up the stairs. That's my cue. I walk slowly down and was greeted with a warm smile from the doctor.
"How you holding up?" She questions. "Sore .. uncomfortable but ok" I lay down so she can examine me as much as she can.
"Ok ... everything appears to be fine - but I do recommend another few days rest ... I will prescribe more medication to help with the pain and the internal bleed .. it doesn't sound there at threatening so long as you rest" she smiles.
Rest.
What I always seem to do.
My graduation is literally around to corner ... it's next week. What am I gonna do?
Graduation day.
It was here, I spoke to Maggie eventually but not about what happened I didn't want to relive that moment.
The police came round the day after dr Tyler. Leyton supported me throughout the whole process he was amazing.
I was just glad when it was over. They would be in contact in due course.
I was thankful the bruising had never enough cleared up and my face was clear for the photos today.
"April you ready?" Leyton asked as he knocked on my door! Wait? "Are you coming?" I ask smiling towards him.
"I wouldn't miss your graduation for the world .."
When my name was called I stepped forward shook hands and collected my certificate. I was officially finished. I'm a nurse. I've done it.
I congratulated all my friends especially Maggie she was waiting for her fiancé to arrive Sean he was great.
"April ... congratulations" Leyton smiles as he congratulated me with a warm hug. "Thanks"
"Maggie you too." She blushes. "Thanks Leyton, listen I've gotta find Sean but I'll call you ok?" She kisses my cheek twice. "Sure thing .."
"As you've graduated! We should celebrate how about dinner?" Leyton offers as we approach the car. "Erm yeah .. why not, it's not like I need to change" I chuckle as I take off the robe and I reveal my little black dress with red heels ..
"Great"
I need to have this talk ... tonight.
Leyton needs to know ...
I want to give him his baby.