I love you. Forever.

Chapter 33: Empowered

Ben’s POV

“I’m a mess.” I hear Becs say to herself as I walk into her hospital room. She was looking into a small mirror. Today is the day she gets to move out of the ICU and into a regular hospital room until she is discharged. “You are the most beautiful girl in the world.” I say with my classic smile. I startled her a bit. Once she realizes its me she stands up and smiles widely. “You’re here!” She cheers starting to walk towards me. “Hold your horses missy.” I chuckle walking up to her. She still seems a little unsteady on her feet. She throws her arms around me and buries her head in my chest as I gently wrap my arms around her still holding her surprise. “Hi baby doll.” I kiss her head as she leans into me. “Hi Ben.” She smiles looking up at me. She remembered my name today! “Becs lets sit down so you don’t get too tired.” She nodded and pull away slowly. I guided her to her bed and kissed her cheek. I’d give anything right now to kiss her lips. I miss her sweet taste against my lips but hers are still busted and swollen somewhat. But she is looking a lot better today. The doctor walks in and I turn towards him but not before winking at Becs and making her blush. I hide the milkshake behind my back for Becs to take. I hear her gasp and before I knew it she took it off my hands. “Hello Dr. Carte.” I say as normal as possible. “Oh this is so good.” I hear Becs groan behind me making us all laugh. Dr. Carte just shakes his head and looks Becs over as she enjoys her treat. “You are healing well Miss Sampson. I am officially kicking you out of the ICU today. But I will still monitor you in the short term unit. Hopefully this time next week you will be back at home if not sooner.” The doctor smiled brightly. “The orderly will be here shortly to move you to your new room.” He added before leaving to see the next patient. “Thank you Ben.” She said cheerfully taking a big sip of her treat. “Anything for you sweetheart.” I gently caress her cheek. “Want a sip?” She asked offering up her milkshake. “You said that we share these.” She added with a smile. “ I did say that didn’t I?” I took a good long sip. “Hey! Save some for me!” She squeaked tugging at my arm. We both laughed and cuddled on her bed until the orderly came. She has been getting more and more comfortable around me. I am so thankful for that.

…

She’s in her new hospital room and settled in. I stepped out to grab a snack in the gift shop along with flowers for Becs since she can now have them. She is such a strong young woman. She’s starting to ask more about her parents and her past. I’ve been trying to tell her only good things. I really don’t know if she could handle anything else. The doctor says she can still get easily agitated. We had a minor setback the other day when Stacey came to visit. She was extremely excitable and Becs was getting overwhelmed. I had to pull her outside to ask her to calm down. She didn’t stay long after that thankfully. Becs ended up crying herself to sleep as I held her due to the frustration of not remembering. Thankfully Matt has been visiting each evening reading to her. His presence is calming and Becs has enjoyed his company. My mom has been sitting with her a lot as well. She painted her nails and attempted to braid Becs’ wild hair. It didn’t work out so much but they had fun. My dad visits when he can in-between work and finding out who did this. He struggles seeing Becs this way. I mean, we all do but all he sees is his little girl in love. My dad would have made a great girl dad. Who knows, maybe in the future he’ll have a granddaughter to dote on. All I know is my future daughter better have her mother’s crazy red hair….Hey…I can dream can’t I? My future is with my Becs. She’s my everything. I will stand by her side no matter what.

I walk back into her room just as her lunch is dropped off. She smiles brightly seeing me again even if I was only gone for 10 minutes. Her reaction each time I step into her room never gets old.

“Miss me baby doll?” I smirk holding everything behind my back. “Nope.” She said grinning popping the p. She’s becoming more and more of old herself each day. I love it. “Thought so.” I chuckle leaning down and kissing her forehead. “I have something for you.” I bring around the vase of wildflowers and a cute teddy bear –I know I know, cliché but totally worth it if she smiles—“Aww, thank you Ben. I love them!” She said cheerfully giving me her best smile. She cuddled her teddy bear as I sat her flowers next to her bed. I helped bring her tray closer for her to eat and sat down as my phone buzzed. I picked it up as she uncovered her food.

“Hey dad. What’s up?” I said into the phone. “Hi son, just checking in.” Dad said. “We’re good here. Becs was moved out of the ICU. Hopefully she’ll be out of here in a few days.” I answer. “Good. Still no word on Tim or Lily. I’m not sure if they will release her until they come. Her house has finally been cleaned as well.” Dad explained. “Okay dad. Thanks.” I say trying to keep it short. “You're with her now?” He asks. “I am. Will you stop by later?” I ask. “I will around dinner time with your mother. I’ll let you go. See you later.” He says. “Sounds good. Bye dad.” I cut the call to see Becs playing with her food. She caught me watching her. “I don’t think I like this. You want it?” She asks pushing the plate over towards me. “No you wouldn’t like that. You don’t eat fish. Hold on, I’ll get you something else.” I smile as I get up and walk to the door. I couldn’t find the person who delivered the lunches so I head to the cafeteria and order her a lunch that she will like. I got her a club sandwich with fresh cut fruit and a piece of cherry pie because she deserves to be spoiled.

“Here you go babe.” I set the food down in front of her before I dig into her original lunch. Me, I’m not so picky when it comes to food. Guess it’s the teenage boy in me. “Thank you, this is really good.” She said in between bites. After we ate, she scooted over and wanted me next to her. “Lets split this.” She beamed reaching for the pie. Before she grabbed it I cupped her cheek and looked into her eyes. I need to kiss her. Just once. “Baby, can I kiss you.” I ask softly as I caressed her cheek lightly. She met my gaze and nodded her head leaning into me. Our lips met in a delicate kiss. A small moan sneaks from my mouth as I taste her again. I kept it short, gentle and sweet not wanting to hurt her. “Thank you Becs. I needed that.” I whispered into her lips before we slowly pulled out lips away from one another. She blushed and smiled shyly at me. She’s so adorable.

…

3 days passed and Becs has been doing well physically. Her face is almost back to normal. The swelling is gone, only a small scab in left on her lips and the bruising is fading only leaving the faint green discoloration. Another day or 2 she will be perfect again. Her ribs and fingers will take longer to completely heal but they are mending well. Being stuck in the room is getting to her though. She had a rough night of not sleeping. She never wanted me to leave the night before. I think she is starting to have nightmares but she hasn’t said anything yet. It’s just a gut feeling I have. The doctor was in doing his rounds and was talking about her future discharge.

“I want to go home with you.” She cries as she grips my arm. This sweet girl is breaking my heart. “Can she?” I ask Dr. Carte. I take her right hand and gently squeeze it. I’d take her home in an instant. “Unfortunately not. She can only go home with a parent or guardian. I know Dr. Wright isn’t due back for another few days. Still no word from them. I’m sorry.” Dr. Carte smiles sadly. This is frustrating the hell out of me. “If we finally reach her mom, can she give my parents permission to take her home?” I ask. “That could be a possibility if they call back.”  Dr. Carte said before excusing himself. I sit on Becs bed and take her into my arms as she cries. “Its okay baby. We will keep trying your mom.” I coo in her ear. The poor girl is so tired. I feel her nod as her head is still buried in my chest. “Let’s lay down sweetheart and try to take a nap.” I whisper. She moves away to shift in her bed. “Please stay.” She whimpers. “I will baby doll. Come here.” I pat my chest after I lay on my back beside her. She laid her pretty head on my chest as I wrapped my arms around her protectively. Her sobs slowly dissipate and she finally falls asleep. I make sure she is covered with the blanket I brought. She’s been so cold here. I must have fallen asleep as well. I woke up to my parents gently shaking my shoulder and saying my name softly. Becs is still out. “What time is it?” I ask groggily trying not to move too much. “Its 5pm son. I take it hasn’t been a good day.” Dad said in a whisper looking over at Becs and the dried tears on her cheeks. “No, she’s been asleep most of the afternoon and apparently so have I. She wants to go home with us. She’s not sleeping here at night anymore.” I said quietly. “This has to be tough on her. I wish we could.” Mom said softly. “If Lily calls back she could give you two permission to take her home until they are back. The only reason she is still here is because her mom isn’t here.” I explain. “We’ll keep trying. I’ve been talking to the cruise line. I hope they can get a message to them. Hopefully we will hear something soon.” Dad encouraged. “I hope so.” I sigh. Please God, let Lily call ASAP. Becs would do so much better with us at home. Just as soon as I got done praying Dr. Carte walked in all smiles. “Becs, wake up babe. The Doctor is here.” I said as I rubbed her arm. She slowly stirred before sitting up and giving everyone a tired smile. “I have good news for you Miss Rebecca. Your parents finally got our messages and was able to call me. Your mom gave The Wilders permission to take you home under their care.” Dr. Carte explained cheerfully. “Really?” She gleamed happily. “Yes, you get to leave this place.” The doctor confirmed. “Thank you so much.” She hopped out of bed and hugged him before turning back to me. “I get to go with you!” She cheered falling back into my arms. “Yes, you do baby doll.” My heart is so happy and relieved with this news. She embraced my parents as well. “I just have go over her home care with you all and then will begin her discharge. She should be ready to go within the next 2 hours. I would like to schedule upcoming follow up appointments at my private practice as well for the coming weeks.” Dr. Carte went on and explained her discharge instructions and her home care. She just mainly needs to rest and stay calm. She can begin schoolwork from home until the doctor feels she is ready for the classroom again. Its too soon right now as a crowd of people could easily overwhelm her. Thank you God for answering my prayer. Now just to get her memory restored.

…

Thankfully she was discharged pretty quickly. I ran home as soon as the doctor left and grabbed her my joggers and sweatshirt to wear. Dad and I will go to her house tomorrow to get her clothes. We can also pickup Maya. She is doing well at the vet. Everyone just loves her. The surgery was successful. She just needs to stay contained for a few more weeks before her leg wrap can come off along with the stitches and she’ll be free to roam normally. I am so glad things are finally looking up. What a f*****g whirlwind it has been.

Becs fell asleep on the ride home. I carried her in and laid her on the bed in the guest bedroom. She briefly woke up as I tucked her in and kissed her forehead. “Ben.” She whispered as she half opened her tired eyes. “I’m here baby. I’ll be in the room across from you. Close you eyes and go to sleep.” I say as I caress her cheek. “Okay.” She said before falling back to sleep. She’s such an angel.

I hopped in the shower and got myself cleaned up. I am so exhausted. I threw on a t-shirt and boxers and crashed into bed. I left my door open in case Becs needed anything. I swear as soon as my hit the pillow I was out. It was around midnight when I felt a hand on my face. I slowly open my eyes to see Becs standing by my bed. “Can I stay with you?” She asks softly. “Always Becs. Come here.” I say in a raspy voice. I moved over laying on  my side facing her and she slid under the covers facing me. I pull her into me breathing in her scent. She never resisted. She hid her face in my chest and fell asleep like normal. This feels so good and perfect. I missed this.

…

Dad and I went to Becs’ house to pack her some clothes as mom watches over her. Its eerie being here knowing what happened last week. Dad took another look around as I packed. Just as I was going downstairs something caught my eye. “Dad, look.” I point to the upper corner of the foyer. “How the f**k did everyone miss that?” I question. “s**t, Ben is there a step ladder anywhere?” Dad said surprised at what was just discovered. “No, I’ll grab a chair.” I said running down the rest of the steps. I pull a chair up and step onto it to have a closer look at the small video camera. “There’s a memory card.” I say as I take it out. “Should we take this to the police?” I ask. “Yes, but I want my team to look at it first. I’ll have them meet at my office at home and then we will take it to the police department.” Dad said taking the card into his hand. “Hopefully this will put an end to everything. Let’s go pick up Maya and get back to our girls.” He added.

Dad made the call to have his team meet at home ASAP. We found Becs and mom in the living room looking at the professional pictures mom had ordered from the ball. “Hey baby doll. Someone has missed you.” I smile bringing Maya over to her. “Maya!” She cheered catching all of us off guard. “Becs, you remember Maya?” I ask shocked. It took her a minute to realize what came out of her mouth before she started smiling again. “I..I do remember her!” She said surprised. She hugged the precious cat close to her chest being careful of her leg. Maya’s purrs filled the whole room. “I’m so proud of you sweetheart. You’re getting better.” I say sitting next to her and kissing her temple. We all sat and enjoyed the moment until Becs got sleepy. I led her to my bedroom for a nap. She wanted me to lay down with her until she fell asleep with Maya curled up beside her. I quietly got out of bed and went back downstairs. Dad was in his office putting the memory card in his computer. We found the time code of when the attack happened just as his team walked in and sat down. We didn’t realize his office door was still open when he began the video. Watching the 2 men roam her house right before Becs walked through the door had my stomach in knots. The video had sound. Dad turned the volume up so we all could hear what was being said. He paused it right as Becs walked back down stairs. Right before s**t hit the fan. “Ben, are you sure you want to see this? I understand either way.” He turned and looked at me. “I need to know what happened.” I said firmly staring at the paused computer screen. He resumed the video. Hearing Becs’ voice over the video made my heart race. She stood up to them and never showed any fear. I was proud seeing her take a defensive stance and using moves that Jordan and I taught her. We were all cursing under our breaths watching my girl fight for her life. She was fierce. Even watching Maya attack was surprising. No wonder she broke her leg. I saw the tears escaping my dad’s eyes seeing her lay there. Me, all my anger resurfaced. Just as the video ended we all heard a gasp behind us. It was Becs looking ghost white. Her hand over her mouth as she dropped into a chair by the door. f**k. None of us realized she came in. “Becs, baby. Talk to me?” I rush over to her kneeling in front of her. “I saw it all. I remember that night. I heard a noise thinking it was Maya but….it….wasn’t her.” She said breathlessly. I took her in my arms and held her tight against me. “You fought well Becs. You did everything right. We will find them.” I said running my fingers through her hair. Everyone remained quiet as I comforted her. “You’re safe here.” Dad came up and sat beside her resting his hand on her shoulder. I loosened my hold on her to read her expression. One of the my dad’s team members spoke up. “Who taught you to defend yourself?” He asked softly. She pointed to me. “Jordan and I taught her some moves.” I replied still looking at Becs. “Well your lessons saved her life. You did good Miss Sampson. You did what most girls your age couldn’t.” He stated. Becs just nodded still meeting my gaze. “Come on baby doll, let’s go sit on the back porch. I could use some fresh air.” I think she could too. I need to get her out of there so dad and his men can talk. She was never meant to see that. Hell, I was hoping she wouldn’t remember this traumatic experience at all. But of course it’s the first thing she remembers. I take her by the hand and lead her to the back porch. I sat on the whicker love seat and guided her onto my lap. She rested against me, her head just under my chin.  “I wasn’t suppose to see that, was I?” She whispered. I caressed her legs and kissed her head. “We didn’t want you to have to relive that experience. You’ve been doing so well Becs. We just want you to keep moving forward.” She nodded at my response. “Are you okay?” I ask. “I think so, I hope I will start to remember everything else now. Maybe this is wrong, but I kind of felt empowered watching that video. I was scared to death but I knew I had to control my fear and defend myself. I was not going to make it easy on them.” She said looking up at me. “That’s not wrong at all. As much as I hated seeing you in that position, I was proud of you and how you reacted. You are brave and fierce Becs. You are the strongest person I know.” She leaned in and captured my lips. We shared another delicate and sweet kiss. I had to hold myself back from completely devouring her lips. I’ve just missed her so much but I will wait for her, always.