Chapter Two
Egypt was now fast asleep in her bed, and occasionally Adam would come in to check up on her. His character was written out with an injury and so he had time to take care of his young roommate. He planned to take her home the next morning and let her stay there while he went to court. He knew, however, that she would be defiant about staying home and resting. She wanted to be there in the courtroom---not necessarily with Adam constantly by her side, but anyone who could support her. She could even do this on her own if she wanted to, for she was so angry. But Adam would not let her.
She had no family, so he was the only one who seemed willing to help her. He was her true friend.
He watched her sleep and found her so exquisitely childlike. He touched her face softly and and found her skin so smooth like satin. She was, in a way, a child. She had to go to hearing after hearing, trial after trial, just to get this case resolved---and she didn't want to be there. She thought it was all her fault, but she was also incredibly angry. She didn't remember a thing, so it made sense for everyone to call it an illusion, a figment of her imagination. For the first time in her life after so many tragedies, she felt helpless. And for the first time since he met her, so did Adam.
"Baby," he whispered softly in her ear, "we'll get through this. You've been through so much as it is, and now it's time for your life to get better and stay there. I don't know how long this will take and neither do you, but just know that.....I'm here whenever you need me."
He called her 'baby'---a name she never liked but came to accept. She was not a baby, but she was young, younger than him. Her body, however, was more womanly and graceful, and her face reminded him so much of Grace Kelly. He never watched her movies, but Egypt had and she showed him pictures. She loved Grace Kelly in movies, even after she stopped her career in Hollywood to marry Prince Rainier of Monaco. Young Egypt imagined her life as that of Grace's, despite the fact that the princess had died so young---two years before Egypt was even born.
He watched the rhythmic breathing---in and out, in and out again. He couldn't bear to lose her. He loved her, but only as a friend. They both felt the relationship should remain strictly platonic. What was more, she had been raped and she wasn't going to give her body, her heart, or soul to someone who didn't want to care for her or commit to her or even endanger her. Idealistically, she would be safe and he would have her prince. But this was the real world, and reality always wins.
He thought of leaving, but he believed she was too fragile for him to step away and let her be. She was asleep, though. What could possibly happen to her that could make him want to stay? He would soon find out as he began walking away.....
"No, no, please don't hurt me! NOOOOOOOO!!!!"
Adam rushed to her side immediately as she woke up in a fright and began sobbing in hi arms. Adam pulled Egypt close and vowed never to let go.
Later, a cot was brought in by a nurse for him to stay the night.