Sorry big chapter.  Most of them are and I've had to cut them in half which is making this a bigger book than I thought it was.  It is a normal sized book though ☺Thanks for continuing to read.  ♥♥♥

Becky watched Rob's father speak to the doctor and sign some papers. She backed into the corner. It was embarrassing having Mr. Jarvis and Rob there while she stood in a hospital gown that would not tie up properly. Her backside kept showing each time she tried to move on the stupid crutches.

"Where's Linc?" Anxiety gripped her stomach. Rob had promised Linc would stay with him.

"He's at home with Mum." Rob could see she was uncomfortable. "Dad and I went to your house and picked up some clothes." He held up the bag. "Linc was still asleep." He smiled and lifted her chin. "It's all good. Dad and I had a few other things to do. We weren't far from here so thought we'd bring your clothes and, see how soon you can be discharged."

Rob twisted up his mouth. "I hope I chose right. It's a dress. I liked the colour." He opened the bag and pulled out an azure summer dress. "There's more in the car."

"It's good." Becky smiled. It was her favourite. The same one she nearly wore to watch him play hockey but had decided jeans were safer. She was glad he liked it. "Did you... um... get... knickers?"

"In the bag." Rob cocked his head, and then leaned in and whispered, "Pretty ones." He kissed her on the cheek and was glad to see her smile. "How are you feeling?"

"Bit sore." Becky shrugged. She didn't want to talk about it. "Can you drop me and Linc home? I'll have to start tidying up."

"Ah... no. You're coming home with us." There was no way Rob was letting her go back to that hovel. He couldn't believe she and Linc shared the same small bedroom while their idiot father had a much larger room and the spare was filled with a stripped down motorbike. "Your place is a bit messed up. The door won't lock."

"Rob." Becky stared at him and hissed, "I can't go to yours." She shook her head. "Linc and I will be okay."

"We're not fighting over this, Becky, so don't even think about it. You're coming to mine until everything's sorted."

"Rob. I'm no..."

He kissed her. She moved her lips against his for a moment, and then pulled away. Rob grinned down at her as she pushed on his chest.

"You're doing it again."

"What?" He cocked his head and beamed at her.

"That smiling, talking thing. With your eyes. You do it so you don't have to discuss things you don't want to." She pinched his nipple. "So stop it." Becky couldn't help but grin at him.

Rob gently took hold of her wrist and winced. "That's hurting me."

"Good. Cause you're being pushy again."

He leaned in and uttered, "I like being pushy. We should go swimming again." Rob put his lips on her lobe. "I love it when you're bossy."

Becky giggled and jerked her head backwards. His warm breath in her ear sent a shard of goose bumps down her arm. She knew he was trying to make her laugh. Trying to make her think about the wonderful time they'd had before her horrific night began. "I know what you're doing," she murmured and kissed the back of his hand. "Thank you."

Rob cupped her face. "Everything's going to be alright, Becky. Let's take one day at a time, hey?" He smiled and gave her lips a light kiss. "Do you want me to help you get dressed?"

"No." Becky smirked. "I can do it."

"I really don't think you can. It won't be a problem. I'm a very good helper."

"Rob..." This time she laughed. "Stop being pushy."

"Ah... hum. Hi, Becky." Michael stood at the end of the bed with a smile on his face. "Is he annoying you because I could fix that if you want me to?"

Rob stepped back and laughed while Becky shook her head, blushed and looked at the floor.

"The doctor says you can come home with us now. He's just going to get a..."

"Excuse me." A middle-aged nurse bustled in front of Michael.

He grinned as he finished his sentence, "Nurse."

"What was that?" She stopped and looked up at him.

"I was just telling Becky a nurse was going to come and help her get dressed and there you are." He chuckled and flipped opened his palms as he said, "Like magic."

Becky watched the nurse blush. Rob's father was doing exactly what Rob did to her. They had this ability to get people to do exactly what they wanted with just a look and a smile.

"Yes. That's why I'm here so if you would both wait in the hall I'll get this beautiful girl ready for the outside world." She tittered and shook her head at Becky. "Men. Always in the way." Then she shooed them out through the door closing it behind them.

"Becky!" Linc dropped his butter knife on the table and scrambled to his feet. He met her half way across the room and threw his arms around her waist. Becky nearly toppled but for Rob standing behind her.

He put his hand on her back and held her steady. "Watch it, Linc. She's on crutches." Rob laughed. "Are you just out of bed?"

"Yeah. I slept in. That bed is really comfy." Linc grinned up at Becky. "You should see how big it is and you've got one too." He grabbed her hand. "Come on. I'll show you."

"Linc." Sheila laughed and jerked her head. "How about you give your sister a minute and not to mention your toast is getting cold." She patted his chair. "When you've finished eating I'm sure Becky will be ready to look around."

"Ah... yeah. Okay." He looked at Sheila, and then back at Becky. "Are you gonna sit with me? Tell me all about the hospital." Linc walked backwards and watched Becky move unsteadily on her crutches. "You're not as good at that like I was."

"Give me time." Becky smirked and hobbled to sit at the kitchen table.

"Would you like something to eat, Becky?" Sheila reached for some cups. "Tea or coffee?" She looked at Michael and Rob. "Are you boys having coffee?"

Both nodded. Michael pulled out a chair. "Doc says Becky's going to be fine. Just a bit sore for a couple of days and she has to keep her weight off that leg. Hence the crutches." He quickly grabbed Linc's vegemite toast and took a bite.

"Hey..!" Linc pulled a face and smirked.

"If you're too slow around here that's what happens." Rob laughed. "Someone else pinches your food."

More toast popped. Sheila juggled it in her hands and tossed it onto Linc's plate. "This one's hot. Let him eat that cold cardboard one." She grinned. "Becky, would you like toast?"

"No." Becky shook her head. "Thank you, Mrs. Jarvis. I'm not hungry."

"Sheila. Call me Sheila, hun." The kettle whistled. "So you ate that horrible hospital food. I bet they fed you cold porridge."

Becky hung her head and nodded. She sucked in a breath. It felt like the walls were closing in on her. Everyone was talking and laughing. The whole house seemed to be buzzing until all the sounds melded into one constant drone. Her chest constricted. Becky clutched her throat and peered at Rob. She couldn't breathe. His smile froze on his face, and then his lips moved but she couldn't hear what he was saying. Becky watched him stand as if in slow motion. His lips mouthed her name.

"Becky..!" Rob caught her as she toppled from the chair. "Breathe, Becky. It's okay. Breathe." He carried her to the couch and propped pillows behind her. Linc gripped her hand and sat on the floor.

Becky gasped. Tears rolled down her face. She heard Rob's father say, "It's okay, Sheila. Let Rob handle it. We're still strangers. It's all a bit much. We've overwhelmed her."

"Keep breathing." Rob ran his hand over her forehead. "I'll get you some water."

Linc got up on his knees and moved closer to Becky's ear. "It's okay, Becky. They're really nice. Don't be scared." He smiled. "Your room is right next to mine. Rob's is across the hall so we're close together but if you're scared I can come and sleep in with you tonight if you want."

"Thanks." Becky sucked in a lungful of air and touched Linc's cheek. She smiled as tears trickled down her face. How did he get so brave? "I'd like that."

"Here you go." Rob sat on the very edge of the couch in front of her and held the glass to her lips. "Take a sip." When she was finished, Rob wiped the tears from her face. "It's all good. How about I take you up to your room?" He smiled. "I think you just need a bit more sleep. What do you say?"

Becky nodded. "I'm sorry, Rob. I felt all dizzy. Please apologise to your parents for me."

"No need, sweetheart." Sheila stepped in beside the couch and smiled. "We can be a rowdy bunch. Hopefully you'll get used to us." She grinned at Linc. "Are you going to finish that toast and let your sister have some rest?"

"Yeah." Linc laughed and stood up. "Unless Michael's pinched it again."

Laughter sounded from the kitchen. "No way, Jose. I'm making some fresh toast. You can eat the cardboard this time."

Becky smiled and watched Linc head to the kitchen with Sheila following. She looked back at Rob, and then reached for the glass of water still in his hand. She gulped it down, and then handed it back. Becky grinned. "Will you show me to my room, kind sir?"

"I'll do better than that." Rob put the glass on the coffee table. "I'll carry you." He lifted her.

Becky giggled and put her arms around his neck. They stared into each other's eyes as he carried her up the stairs, down the hall and into her room.

Rob pushed the door closed with his foot and turned in a circle. "Your room, fair lady."

"Oh...wow. It's pink." Becky couldn't help but look at the room in awe. "I always wanted a pink room." She laughed and looked into Rob's eyes. "Did your Mum choose the colour?"

Rob shook his head and laid her on the bed. "It was this colour when we moved in. I think the previous owner must have had a daughter." He pulled her forward and plumped the pillow. "Do you want to get under the covers?"

"Yes." Becky grinned and nodded. "Are you going to be my slave?"

"Ah... no." Rob smirked and gripped the quilt cover. "Lift your butt."

Becky tittered as she struggled because her arm was still sore and couldn't hold her weight. She plopped back down.

"So I gotta lift it for you?" Rob cocked his head and twinkled his eyebrows. "Dangerous." He put his large hand under her, lifted, and then pulled the covers back. He was about to pull the blanket over her but she shook her head and sidled across the bed.

"Lay with me for a bit." Becky patted the bed and rested on her side with her head on the pillow.

"Yes, Ma'am." Rob didn't have to be asked twice. He smiled and faced her then swept his hand over her hair and behind her ear. "How are you really feeling?"

"Tired and sore." Becky sighed. "I'm okay. I know everyone thinks I'm having a breakdown or something but I'm not. I'm just so tired. So sick of it all." She gave him a weak smile. "Rob. I don't want us to be a burden on you and your family." She touched his mouth with her fingers. "I'll be able to look after Linc. You need to know that."

"Shh... I know." Rob touched her lips with his fingers. They lay like this looking into each other's eyes until Rob leaned in and kissed her. He wanted to run his hands all over her but didn't want to hurt her so he put his palm on the small of her back and gently pulled her closer. "Becky. I was so scared. So scared he'd... he'd..."

"Don't, Rob. It was my fault. I shouldn't have tried to calm him down. I should have known better but I've never seen him so manic before. I thought if I could get him to eat something. It was stupid and I'll never do it again." She sighed, and then smiled. "Thank you so much for being there. Here. For us. You are so... oh... wonderful doesn't seem like a good enough word." Becky kissed him and put her arms around his neck. She pulled herself closer wanting to melt into him.

Rob groaned and ran his hand over her backside. He drew her hips closer so she could feel how hard he was. "Becky... ah... fuck..." He drew in a breath. "I better get up. This isn't a good idea. You need to sleep." Rob dragged himself off the bed, pulled the blanket over her then kissed her forehead and smiled. "I am your slave. Anything you want you just ask." He kissed her again, and then closed the door behind him.

Copyright © 2017 by Donna Fieldhouse. All rights reserved.

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