Vulnerable

Chapter 11

Why am I smelling antiseptic everywhere?

Where am I again?

Remember, Audrey.

I think I should open my eyes first and then it would be easier to decipher where I am

Brilliant

I opened my eyes and was met with the sight of a disheveled looking Derrick.

Derrick!

Derrick?

"Derrick what are you doing here?" I said but my voice came up squeaky, my throat feeling dry.

"Oh my God! You are awake!" Derrick said with so much enthusiasm and relief washing his eyes out.

That English doesn't sound correct.

"Can I please get water?" I asked feeling so thirsty all of a sudden.

"Oh, okay. Water, sure." Derrick quickly runs out, coming back with a bottle of water and a lady who I believe is a nurse.

Then, I must be in the hospital, aren't I?

That's when everything came back to me.

The attempted r**e and my attempted suicide.

Just then, my hands involuntarily moved towards my stomach, where I stabbed.

I can't believe I did that to myself

I almost killed myself

What was I thinking ?

"Audrey ? Don't you want the water anymore?" I heard Derrick ask

"Yes... Thanks" I said in a squeaky tone as I drank up.

"My name is miss Samantha and I'm the nurse taking care of you. How are you feeling Audrey?" The nurse asked.

"Fine... I guess?" I said, clearing my throat as I tried to sit up properly only to be struck with a sharp pain straight in my stomach.

I hissed, quickly clinging to the hurt ab.

"Gentle, Gentle" the nurse said.

"I would have to contact the doctor to check on you and give you some medications" The nurse continued.

I nodded and she left the room.

"Where is my mum and Andy? Tomiwa?" I asked, inspecting the room like they would pop out somewhere.

"They went to grab a few bites"Derrick replied looking at me in a way I can't decipher.

"Oh... Ok. Have you eaten already? Why didn't you go with them?" I asked. Trying to break the awkward tension

"Not hungry" he said, still looking at me that way

"Why are you looking at me like that?" I asked, feeling uncomfortable.

"Why did you do it?" He asked

"Do what?" I asked

"Scare me" he rasped

And my body gave a reaction I didn't understand...

"How did I scare you?" I inquired

"I thought I lost you... Seeing you almost lifeless on the floor. You have no idea what it did to me. Don't you ever do that again. Don't. Please" he said as he croaked in the last part while his hands traveled down his braided hair

I felt terrible

"I'm sorry" I said in a brim of tears

"No, it's not your fault. Tomiwa told me everything. Your home is too toxic for you. I don't know, when you are better we would talk more. I believe you are hungry?"Derrick inquired as he brought out his iPhone

"Yeah" I answered

"What would you like to eat?" He asked

"Anything" I said

"How would you like a plate of Spaghetti and fried Plantain with a mix of meatballs?"he asked

"Perfect" I answered with a smile.

I like that combo

"Alright, I have placed an order via Jumia Food, it would be delivered very soon"He said

"Disgusting bastard!" I heard Tomiwa's ringing voice, I believe she was addressing my dear brother.

"I have an indigestion because the sight of you irritates me!" I heard my bro s***h back at Tomiwa as they seem to be approaching closer to the room.

"Oh, they are back. Are they always like that?"Derrick asked as his hands were twirling my hair, seated close to he hospital bed.

I nodded in affirmative

"Please hold your squabbles for later. Audrey doesn't need this" I heard my mum's voice followed by the room door opening

"Audrey!!! You are awake. Oh my God" Tomiwa's voice boomed as she rushed in and gave me a full-on hug.

Ouch... My stomach

I gave a muffled moan and nodded my head.

"Oh, sorry. I forgot about your ab wound"Tomiwa said

"Of course, you forgot, please move out let me check on my sister"Andy shooed

"Scallywag"Tomiwa spat, giving him the tongue as she stepped away for Andy to come to me.

"My baby Audrey. Hope Derrick wasn't all pervy around your poor innocent soul?"Andy asked and I rolled my eyes.

Typical Andy

"My baby" My mom called as her eyes seemed teary.

"I didn't realize things were so bad at home that you considered suicide"She continued

"I- - - I- - -" I couldn't find a word to say

"It's okay, what matters is you are fine now. Has the doctor come to examine you? Have you eaten?" She asked as she placed her hands on my neck to check if I had a temperature

Is that where she is supposed to touch or my abs.

Well, she probably has no idea.

"Derrick just ordered me a meal. What about dad?" I asked and the room seemed to become more quiet

"You are seriously going to ask about him?" Derrick said and you could feel his anger seeping through him

"Yeah..." I said monotonously.

"Well... DON'T!!!" Derrick said, obviously annoyed.

The room was silent.

Till the doctor came in, examined me and gave me a few medications. Saying I would have to stay in the hospital for an extra 3days because the body still needs time to recover.

This would cost my mum too much, I tried to convince the Doctor that I felt okay to leave but she wouldn't have it.

Coming to look at the hospital room I'm in, there are no other patients or a demarcation with a cotton material.

The room contained a couch and other equipments.

It's either I'm in a private hospital or a private room in a hospital.

Why does that sound strange in my head?

I heard a phone buzz

"The food has arrived"Derrick spoke to me as he made way for the door

"Be right back"he added.