Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 99623 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 498(@200wpm)___ 398(@250wpm)___ 332(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 99623 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 498(@200wpm)___ 398(@250wpm)___ 332(@300wpm)
"Yes."
"Do you regularly have suicidal thoughts?" The weight of her words and their implication are almost too much for me to bear. If Sterling wouldn't have found me, I really might have died. The thought is as sobering as it is terrifying.
Still, it feels so weird to talk about this in front of Sterling, but they all think he's my husband, so of course, no one bats an eye.
"I've, um... I've thought about it before, but this was the first time I've ever tried anything."
"I see. Your husband told me a little bit about your past and the abuse you suffered. Given your circumstances, we're going to place you on a seventy-two-hour hold."
Shame and regret and a little bit of panic race through me as my eyes move from the doctor to Sterling. "You talked to people about me?"
"Your husband wanted to make sure you received the best care possible. Now you can enter the hold on your own volition or I can mandate it. Do you understand what I'm saying?"
I nod.
"The choice is yours."
"Not much of a choice," I muse. "Go to the psych ward by choice or go by force."
She offers a sympathetic smile.
"It's fine."
"So, you're agreeing to go?"
I lift one shoulder in a half-shrug. "Sure."
"Now, I have to ask, do you still feel like harming yourself, Mrs. Price?"
"No. No, I just want to sleep."
She nods thoughtfully. "I'll get the ball rolling on that and we'll get you moved shortly. If you need anything at all, just press the call button and until then enjoy some time with your husband."
It's on the tip of my tongue to shout that he's not my husband, but I don't have the energy to fight this or anything else. Hell, I barely have the energy to keep my eyes open.
* * *
"You all ready to head home, honey?" Kelsey, my favorite nurse, asks.
"As ready as I'll ever be."
She smiles warmly. "That's the right attitude to have! The paperwork's all signed, we're just waiting on your ride." She checks her watch. "That husband of yours should up any second."
I lift my lips in some semblance of a smile at the mention of my husband. I've had a lot of time over the last three days to think—and talk—about everything that happened.
I see some things a little more clearly, but I have questions about a lot of things, too.
But... I'm fairly certain that Sterling wasn't involved. Sure, he's not perfect, but I don't believe he was plotting against me either.
I'm actually of the belief that someone set him up. And I know that someone is Rob.
All the way down to the deepest depths of my soul, I know it.
If nothing else, I guess Sterling and I at least have one thing to talk about on the drive back to my dorm.
"He brought some clothes by a little earlier so you'd have something to wear home."
"Oh, that's nice." I want to smile, but I don't have the energy.
"He's called to check on you multiple times every day." Her tone implies just how swoony she thinks that is.
Me, though? I'm not sure how I feel about it.
"So I've been told."
"You must be so excited to see him!"
"Ecstatic."
She smiles again. "I'll step out and let you get changed. I'm sure you don't want to wait any longer than you have to."
I grab the bag she left on the chair and dump it on the bed, inspecting the contents.
He grabbed all of the essentials, including my favorite sweatshirt. For some reason, the thought of him riffling through my panty drawer gives me pause. It's silly, given our level of physical intimacy, but still.
Five minutes later, Kelsey sticks her head back into the room. "He's here."
"Like, here-here?" I ask, tipping my head in her direction.
"Waiting right outside of the unit." She pushes the door all the way open. "Come on, I'll walk you out."
"Thanks."
Apprehension builds inside of me with every step toward the double-doors leading to my freedom. Or maybe it's seeing Sterling that has my heart rioting in my chest.
Either way, I guess I'm about to find out.
We pause in front of the doors, and Kelsey turns to me. "Take care of yourself, hun."
"I will. Thanks."
She nods. "Your discharge paperwork has a few options listed for continued treatment. I really hope you'll consider it."
My eyes burn, but I blink back the tears. "I will."
"Good. Glad to hear it." She presses the buzzer on the wall and the doors swing open.
My eyes land on Sterling immediately. He looks as nervous as I feel.
Deciding to offer an olive branch, I lift my hand in a silly wave. "Hey, Ster."
He's as still as a statue as he takes me in.
"So, you, um...you ready to take me home?"
At that, he springs into action. "Yeah. Yes." He steps forward as if he's going to reach for me, but draws up short, awkwardly stuffing his hands into his pockets. "Let's go."