I was mortified. Kedron was asking what Wam's intentions were with me? If there had been a rock big enough to crawl under, I may have done so.
"Kedron," I exclaimed, "that is absolutely none of your business!"
Amazingly, Wam did not look in the least bit upset nor offended. He looked at me and said, "it's okay Lee. It's a fair question from a protective brother."
"Lee huh?"'Kedron asked snarkily.
Wam nodded, "yeah, I tend to give nicknames to the objects of my affection, and I care about your sister. I promise, I want nothing more than for your sister to be happy and successful at whatever she sets her mind to."
"I'm to believe that a successful doctor, no…Neurosurgeon, takes an interest in my little sister and it's only with her best interest at heart?" Kedron retorts.
I had to stop this or Kedron would ruin the best thing that has ever happened to me. "Kedron, please stop," I pleaded. Why did he always do this? Kedron met my eyes with a look of pure disdain. "I lay in a hospital bed and you're off playing house with some doctor?"
"I swear it's not like that Kedron. Wam was nothing but a gentleman the whole time you were in the hospital. He has helped me more than you know."
Wam simply stood there and met Kedron's eyes, but I noticed his posture had stiffened and his fists were clenched. I had to put an end to this. "K, you know I love you, but you have nothing to worry about. I'm a big girl and can take care of myself. We aren't in high school anymore. You don't have to chase and threaten any potential suitor that comes close. For me, I'm begging you, please stop!"
"Wow Kynlee, you must really like this one," Kedron laughed, but it sounded almost evil, not as if something were funny. "You've never stood up to me before. Or…is it that I'm in this damn bed…and I can't do a DAMN THING ABOUT IT?"
I just stood there stunned as Kedron screamed at me with such ferocity that spittle flew from his mouth. This hairpin trigger anger issue was really serious, and I didn't have the slightest idea how to diffuse this situation. I refused to lie to Kedron, but my relationship or lack thereof with Wam was none of his business. When neither of us responded, Kedron again yelled, "just gET OUT!"
Footsteps sounded behind Wam and I, and several people entered. One appeared to be a nurse that approached Kedron and spoke in a soft, non threatening voice. The second was a security guard in a perfect dark blue rent-a-cop type uniform. The security guard approached us but it was the man in professional clothes that said, "perhaps it would be best if you left for the day?"
I nodded before saying in a monotone, "I'll bring your clothes sometime tomorrow Kedron," and I walked out the door with Wam right behind me.
The security officer followed us down in the elevator like we might suddenly refuse to leave. On one hand I was glad they were protecting and caring for Kedron, but they were acting like I did something wrong. All I did was defend myself and Wam.
As we stepped off the elevator, I noticed a wall of photos we hadn't seen before we entered the elevator. There were five large pictures underneath a sign that read, 'Benefactors'. There on the wall was a man I didn't recognize but his name plate read, 'Dr. Armani.' The next photo was of Ray, the Physical Therapist from this morning. Next to Ray was a picture of Dr. Adams. I didn't recognize the other two pictures, but the first was a female whose nameplate read, 'Dr. Kuntz.' Lastly was a very attractive man whose plate read, 'Dr. Malari.'
"Okay folks, you have a good day now," the security guard whose name tag read, 'Gary,' said.
Wam put his hand on my low back and guided me toward the front door. "Kynlee, we need to go."
I went through the actions rather robotically, but walked out to Wam's SUV and climbed into the passenger seat. Wam started the ignition, but didn't drive away immediately. I felt like I was living in a dream. No, not a dream, a nightmare. Kedron kicked me out again, but worse was that he insulted Wam. Kedron questioned his intentions. I don't know what I'd do if I lost Wam.
I felt Wam's hand take mine and heard him ask, "Lee, are you okay?" I nodded in response. "You don't look okay. Can you talk to me, please?"
I didn't look at him, but I did manage to choke out, "I'm so sorry Wam….you were nice enough to accompany me, and then Kedron lays into you. I'm so sorry. Please forgive me," I pleaded while I fought to hold back the tears that threatened to spill from my eyes. My chest felt tight, butterflies or maybe bats took flight in my stomach and I wasn't sure if I was going to be sick. I felt cool air blowing from the vent and shivered.
"There is nothing to forgive. You did nothing wrong Lee. Kedron is just trying to be protective."
"You call that protective? I call it being a pompous jerk," I replied.
"I can't argue he was rude, but I've no doubt he has your best interest at heart," Wam explained.
"Chasing you away would not be in my best interest. Maybe sheltering him from the situation I'm in, hasn't been a good thing? Maybe he needs to understand how this has affected me to see you are the best thing that's ever happened to me?" I questioned out loud.
"I feel that way about you too Kynlee. I'm happier since you've come into my life. I really do have your happiness and best interest at heart. The last thing I ever want to do is hurt you," he said as he stroked his thumb across the dorsum of my right hand. "Anything in particular you'd like to do today? It seems we have some free time on our hands," Wam teased.
At his lighthearted comment, I turned and met his eyes, "you'd joke at a time like this?"
"There she is, there's my Lee," he smiled.
My shock seemed to be wearing off as time went on. I took a couple calming breaths. Finally I said, "he is just so angry now. Every little thing sets him off. I don't know how to respond when he is like that."
"Have you considered counseling? To deal with Kedron's trauma and all the emotions that come along with it?" Wam suggested.
"This isn't about me Wam. Why would I need counseling?" I questioned in an irritated tone of voice.
"Trauma like this, affects the whole family Kynlee. Although the focus may be on Kedron, it isn't just about him. A counselor could help you learn coping mechanisms and maybe even help you understand the emotions you and Kedron are feeling." Wam pauses but I don't reply, so he continues, "I could refer you to someone if you'd like me to, but it must be your choice."
The last part warmed my heart, that Wam asked instead of demanding. "I don't dispute that it may be beneficial, but I have no health insurance. So it's not really an option right now," I admit.
"The health insurance system is so messed up. I wish there was a way to always get people the care they needed. That is one of my most frustrating issues as a physician practicing medicine in America," Wam shakes his head when he is finished voicing his frustration.
"I've heard complaints from citizens of other countries as well. I don't think any of our systems are flawless. I do agree it would be nice if our system was need based though and not run by the almighty dollar," I agreed. "Please take me home Wam. If I remember correctly, you mentioned something about dessert?"
Wam smiled and his eyes grew big as he put the car in gear, "your wish is my command beautiful,"
Wam held my hand all the way home. I just kept thinking how lucky I was to have him in my life. Unfortunately in my life, when things were too good, something always happened. I was leery and waiting for the other shoe to drop. Then in the next breath I was thanking the good Lord for bringing me this wonderful man and pleading that he let me keep him for my very own. This 'dessert', was just the kind of stress relief I think I could enjoy!