Chapter 12.

The doctor attended to us and we were done in no time. He prescribed some drugs for Liam and advised to let him rest more. Ever since my encounter with Stella, I haven’t been at peace with myself. I took my family for granted, something they don’t deserve at all. Dixon offered to take us home to which I agreed but not before seeing my brother.

“Hey, where were you guys?” Adeline rushed to me immediately I entered Ian’s room.

“Sorry, Adeline. We had to take Liam to see the doctor.” I looked at Dixon who smiled warmly at me.

“Ohh, it’s fine then. It’s no biggie.” I made my way to Ian’s bed. He’s still sleeping peacefully. His bruises seem to be healing perfectly and he looks fine except he isn’t waking up yet. Remembering my encounter with Stella earlier today, I realized how lucky I was and I didn’t even know or appreciate it.I felt more tears threatening to spill. I really miss my brother and my parents.It’s funny how we never appreciate the people in our lives until something takes them from us.

As the only female child in the family, I was pampered and I had less responsibilities on my shoulders. My parents were always in my hair constantly bugging me about everything, I was always so annoyed at their childish behaviors that I reduced the way the visit them. Now I just want one more opportunity to see and hug them, tell them I truly care and I’m sorry for my nonchalant attitude.

“Do you guys mind leaving me alone for some minutes? I’ll really love to be here with him alone.” I said to my friends.

“Yeah, sure. Let’s go guys.” Adeline and Vicky left the room.

“You okay, Princess? I don’t mind staying here with you.”

“I’m okay, Dixon. Thank you but I’ll love to be alone.” He nodded and left the room quietly with Liam.

I sat down quietly beside him and gently took his hand in my own cold ones. His hands are as warm as I can remember. 

“How can I help you now, Ian? I always promised myself that I’ll do whatever I can to repay you. You were always there for me even when I never appreciate it. Thank you so much, Ian…Thanks for being the best brother in the world, thanks for never giving up on me, thanks for loving me even when I was so difficult to be loved. And I’m sorry. I’m sorry for realizing this late, I’m sorry for not seeing it sooner and most of all, I’m so sorry for taking you for granted.” I said with bitter tears spilling desperately from my face. I’m pretty sure everyone outside can hear my gasp and sniffs as I cried but I don’t care anymore.

I felt some warm big hands bring me closer. I hugged the person with dear life.

“Please, wake him up. You have to wake him up. I have to tell him how sorry I am and how thankful I am of him. Please! Please!”

“Ssshhh, it’s okay, Princess. It’s all going to be okay.” He said rubbing my back soothingly. I cried for everything I lost and can never get back. I cried for the time I had with them and I took for granted. I cried for the love I refused to show them. I cried for the fact that they’ll never know just how much I love them.

“It’s okay. You’re going to get sick if you keep this up. Just calm down, please.” Dixon whispered in my ears.

“Just wake him up, please.” I whispered.

“He will, very soon.” I nodded and finally calmed down. Dixon and I sat down in the same position for about 20 minutes. 

“I’m so sorry. I just couldn’t control myself and I even got snot all over your shirt.” I said shyly.

“It’s okay, Princess. Are you okay now?”

“Yeah,I’m good. Thank you.”

“No problem, I’ll just go clean up.” I nodded and watched as he left the room. I wonder why he didn’t use the restroom in the room. I looked at Ian sleeping peacefully and smiled sadly. I gently brushed his hair carefully from his face. 

“I miss you, you know. I miss you and our parents. Dad left a letter for me, something about some adventure, do you have any idea what that is? I don’t know what he planned or why he did that but I’m going to do it especially because it’s like his dying wish even though I know it’s far from it.” I said. “So please wake up soon.”

 “McKenna, Dixon asked me to tell you he’s ready to leave.”

“Okay, I’m coming. Are you leaving with us?” I asked her.

“Uhh, no. Adeline offered to drive me home. I’ll be fine.”

“Alright then. Take care and thanks for today.”

“It’s always a pleasure.” She smiled hugging me and left the room. I bent down and placed a kiss on Ian’s forehead.

“Get well soon, big brother.” I placed a kiss on his forehead and made my way out of the room. 

“McKenna, hold up.” Sophie called.

I turned around to face her as she came to a stop beside me gasping for breath. 

“Hey, Soph. What’s up?”

“You came today. I’m sure he’ll be so happy.”

“Yeah, I’m sorry I don’t come earlier. Been busy with work.”

“I understand. Just remember that you visiting and talking to him will aid his recovery.” I nodded my head.

“I’ve got to go now. Liam’s sick.”

“Ohh my, is he okay?”

“We saw the doctor already. He’ll be fine, thanks anyway.” I hugged her and made my way outside. I saw Dixon resting on his car typing away on his phone. He’s wearing his sunglasses and boy, does he look delicious. I noticed that no matter how many times I look at him,I never get enough of his manliness and sexiness.

He must’ve noticed my presence because he raised his head and looked at me. He smiled and nodded towards his car.

“Ready?”

“I drove here with Vicky actually. So I’ll just drive back anyway.”

“Ohh, Adeline offered to drive your car back while Vicky drive hers.”

“How in the world did she get my keys?” He shrugged and made his way to open the passenger side of the door. He opened the door and looked at me with a smirk.

“So are you coming?”

“You know, I have a feeling you guys ganged up on me.”

“We’ll never do that, Princess.”

I stood beside him and raised my head to look at him as I’m so small compared to him. 

“Yeah, it’s written all over your face.”

“You’re reading it all wrong then.” He winked and I rolled my eyes before getting into the car. He closed the door and made his way to his side of the car. I turned to see Liam in the backseat sleeping peacefully. He got in and started the car.

“Ready, Princess?”

I giggled and yelled; “Step on it, old man.”

He looked at me in disbelief;

”Well, I’ve been called lot of names but I’ve definitely not been called old. I’ll have you know that there’s nothing old about me.”

”Yeah, yeah. I’m the only one who tells you the truth, you know.”

He laughed as he made his way to the streets. I smiled and leaned my head on the window, looking straight ahead out of the windshield just letting my thoughts roam about.

We seem to be moving at a very fast pace so I brought down the window a little to let fresh hair in. The cool autumn breeze fans my face and I felt so free.

I stuck my hand out the window and brought my head out too to get more breeze on my face. I’m crazy I know. I heard Dixon laughing at me. I turned to face him.

”Faster, dude.”

” Dude? You sure know where to get your words, Princess.”

I shrugged and adjusted myself back into position. I started laughing and screaming as more air blew past us. I know I’ll be fine.

One day.