When I woke up the next morning, Kevin was walking into the room with a cup of coffee in his hand.
"Good mornin', beautiful," Kevin greeted. I just replied with a smile. "I bumped into the doctor in the hall. He said he'd be in to check on you in a few minutes."
"Good. I'll be glad to get out of here," I said. Minutes later, Dr. Stantor walked in with a nurse following behind him.
"How you feeling this morning, Amanda?" he asked.
"Better."
"Ok, let's have a look at you." The nurse took my pulse while the doctor felt my stomach where I was shot. "Does this hurt?"
"Some."
"Ok, the wound seems like it will heal fine. If there's any trouble with it or any side effects, come in and see me."
"So, we can leave now?" Kevin asked.
"Sure can."
"Thanks Dr. Stantor."
"Yes, thank you doctor," I said. Kevin shook the doctor's hand, and the doctor and nurse left.
The nurse returned and unhooked me from the IV and heart monitor. He handed me a blue shirt and pants and said I could wear them out. I thanked him and he left.
"I'll let you change," Kevin said, closing the curtain around the bed.
I carefully got out of the bed and changed into the clothes. After I was finished, I opened the curtain.
"I'm ready," I said.
"Ok, let's get out of here," Kevin responded. Kevin put his arm around my back to help me walk. We walked out to Kevin's car and he helped me in.
"Where are we going?" I asked once we were out of the parking lot.
"To your dorm," Kevin responded.
"Good."
"But not for long."
"What do you mean?"
"You're just going to get a few things."
"Huh? For what?"
"Ok, Amanda, I know you're gonna think I'm being overprotective, but I want you to stay at my apartment. At least while Andrew is still out there."
"But Kevin---"
"No excuses. You're staying with me, ok?"
"Ok."
So we did what Kevin said. He went inside my dorm room with me. I told my roommate that I wouldn't be staying there for a few days. And then Kevin and I left.
That night Kevin let me have the bedroom and he slept on the couch. I fell asleep rather easily, because I was extremely tired.
"Andrew, no. Stop! Please!" I said in my sleep. "Stop Andrew, please. Kevin help!" Waking up, I quickly sat up and was breathing heavily. Then I saw Kevin coming over to the bed and sitting on the edge.
"It's alright, Amanda. It was only a bad dream. I'm here now," Kevin said, trying to calm me.
"Oh, Kevin, it was horrible," I started.
"Don't worry, I'm here now. I'm not going anywhere," he comforted. He took me in his arms. For some reason, at that moment, I felt so safe in his arms, like nothing in the world could hurt me.
"Kevin, please, don't leave me."
"Ok, I won't go anywhere." He paused. He let go of me and looked me in the eyes. "Now, why don't you lay down and try to get back to sleep."
I moved over on the bed and Kevin sat beside me, leaning against the headboard. He put his arm around my shoulder and I rested my head on his chest.
I knew when I was in Kevin's arms nothing could happen to me. So I fell asleep listening to him breathe.
Chapter 17
Chapter 19
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