Bring Me Back by Taryn Plendl Read Free Book Online Page B

an antibiotic while she waits in the car.  I notice that Ally doesn’t look at anything as we drive.  Her eyes remain on her lap, and upon further analyzing, I see that her hands are shaking.  When we are back on the road and headed out of town, I can feel the relief from both of us.
Getting Ally into the house takes some time.  She is so sore, but refuses to say so, so I am forced to stand back and watch her struggle as she climbs the stairs one at a time—pausing to catch her breath.  By the time she reaches the top, she is panting and sweating.  When she looks up and sees me standing in front of her with my hands on my hips, she smiles so slightly, that if I wasn’t looking straight at her, I might have missed it.  “Ready for some help?”  I ask, tilting my head to the side.  “Yes, I guess I might need a little.”  Finally!   I am starting to realize that Ally has just a bit of a stubborn streak.
We make much better time once she surrenders to my assistance.  “Do you want to be on the couch or in your bed?”  I pause with her before we head out of the kitchen.  “I think the couch please.”  She looks around.  “Um….Ian?  Would you mind helping me to the bathroom?”  I can tell she is mortified to have to ask me to do this, so I try not to make it worse.  “Of course, just take it slow.”  I wait patiently outside the bathroom door, praying that she is able to handle everything alone in there.  After a few minutes she emerges.  “Thanks.”  She says softly and takes my arm as I assist her to the couch. 
Grabbing a glass of Sprite and a blanket, I get her settled.  I hand her the TV remote, and as she is surfing through the channels, I ask her if she needs anything else right now.  “I’m okay Ian, thank you for everything.”  I turn and look around, “Okay, I’ll see you soon.” I say as I walk to the front door.  “Okay.”  She says softly.
***
I pull my car back into my garage and head inside for a shower and to pack a few things.  The shower feels great.  I feel like I need to wash the memories of the hospital away.  The smell seems to be imbedded in my nostrils, and my hair is an absolute mess.  I’m not sure what happened to it, but it looks like I walked through a wind storm.  I think back onto the last 18 hours I spent with Ally. I feel like I have taken on something beyond my control, but in a way it doesn’t seem like a burden.  I can’t explain it, but this is the first time in the past year that I feel like I have a purpose.  Even if it is only for a couple of weeks, I will help Ally get back on her feet. 
I throw on some sweats and grab a change of clothes, as well as my toothbrush and a couple more personal items.  I turn the porch light on as I lock the door, and turn to head back to Ally’s.
     

Chapter 19
~Ally
Ian had been gone for about an hour when I hear the front door open.  I look back and see him standing in the entry way with a bag.  “What are you doing?”  I am so confused.  “I am staying with you.”  He says simply as he drops the bag by the side of the end table and walks around to the chair across from the couch.  I shake my head, “What do you mean you’re staying here?  Ian, you don’t have to do this.”  He leans forward and places his elbows on his knees.  “I do Ally, you can’t stay alone, the doctor even said so. What if you fall?”  Great, I have made this poor man feel obligated to take care of me.  “Ian, while I appreciate your willingness to help me, please don’t feel obligated to.”  I sigh, “You have done more than enough already, more than you should have.” 
Before I know it, he is sitting next to me.  Grabbing my hand in his, he says, “Ally, I want to do this—I need to do this, as much for you as myself.  I know that doesn’t make sense, but I think there is probably quite a bit about both of us that doesn’t make sense.”  What can I say to that?  I don’t know