Seeking Relief

Reconvening

Adam woke to the alarm he had set on his phone. He didn’t get as much sleep as he wanted, but what rest he got was substantial enough. He’ll rest more during the next day since it’s his day off. He saw that a few replies came from the group in the group text. The radiologist had called earlier this afternoon before his second “nap”. As soon as he got off of the phone, he sent a group text, saying he’s going in early to meet with the radiologist. Adam asked that if they all have time, to stop by the hospital before their shifts start. Mitch is off duty so he won’t have any issues, Jake and Emmett will meet up with him right before they start their shift.

Adam rolled over, swung his legs off to the side, and proceeded to get ready. He was anxious to know what the radiologist had to say.

Mitch pulled his phone out of his pocket to reply to his friends’ group text. He texted another buddy that wanted to watch the game with him. Mitch was going to watch the game, but he was planning on planting his butt in his chair in his house. After his night shift, a short morning nap, coming back to the station this afternoon, then meeting the guys for who knows how long at the hospital, he knew he needed to be going home for more rest. He opened up an app on his phone to double check that his DVR was set to record the game.  

He locked his screen then put it back in his pocket.

He reached for the file packet that was on Snyder’s desk. Snyder and one of the administration assistants compiled it for him.

“Thanks for this.” Mitch said.

“No problem. Hope something out of that turns out to be some use for you.” Snyder said as he came around his desk. They walked out of the station together, said their goodbyes, then separated to go to their vehicles.

Jake and Emmett cleaned off the table after sitting to eat. They rinsed off their dishes and put them in the dishwasher. Jake wiped off the table while Emmett started the dishwasher.

They grabbed their bookbags, slipped on their shoes, and walked together in companionable silence to Jake’s car. Jake started it up, pulled out of their drive way, and drove the familiar route to the hospital.

A middle aged woman wearing black leggings and a floral tunic strode in the hospital doors and to the information desk for visitors. She asked for the room number for an individual. Thanked the receptionist then turned to the elevators, obviously knowing the layout of the building. She got on the elevator, pushed the button for what floor she was going to and crossed her arms as she waited.  When the elevator stopped and the doors opened, she easily navigated the winding halls to find what room she was looking for.

When she came to the room, she didn’t miss that her friend was right by the nurses’ station. She knocked lightly on the door before walking in. When her friend turned in her bed to face her, she immediately rushed over to hug her.

“Linn!” Jade exclaimed as she wrapped her arms around the other woman gratefully.

“I was called and told you were admitted last night. Sweetie, what happened?” Linn asked.

Jade gestured for Linn to sit and she told her story. She explained her desperation for relief, what her nonchalance towards medication and alcohol ended up causing, waking up in the ER, then the group of men who swore they want to help her and her confusion on their motives.

“But they all seem to know that something is wrong and think I have injuries from Lance. Today I was taken to radiology and took all sorts of xray’s and imaging.” Jade finished

Linn took a deep breath.

“Okay, so I’m very scared of how close you were to dying. Jade, when you leave here, you are going to need to be more careful and mindful.

Now, about the men. One of them was the one who called me, it was the police officer. He and I actually know each other because of our, uh, professions. The others I know of. I think they’re all good men. Jade, don’t throw away the help you’ll get from having these guys in your corner. I know you’re skeptical and scared. But part of healing and getting over what Lance did to you is developing healthy relationships. You know what was unhealthy about your affiliation with Lance and you know what would be a healthy relationship. The next step is to now act on it and retrain your body. It is okay to still be mistrustful but don’t waste what could end up benefiting you.” Linn said. What Linn didn’t say is that she felt that if Jade felt interest and healthy attention from other men, it’d also be a step towards healing and reaffirming healthy correlation for her.

Jade smiled at her friend s***h advocate.

“I don’t know what I did to get you.” Jade said as she hugged Linn.

“I’m just trying to balance out what s**t you had gone through.” Linn said as she hugged her back.

After their embrace, they sat back and softly chatted about mutual friends and plans for the upcoming week. Linn had 2 young children that Jade adored. Jade asked about the kids and how they were doing in school.

Linn was finishing a story about the latest antics of her oldest daughter when Mitch appeared in the doorway.

He knocked lightly and said, “May I come in?”

In an indistinct silver four door sedan, sat a man with artificial colored salt and pepper hair. He shifted in his seat. He had been sitting in a particular corner of a parking lot where no one could see him, but he could see perfectly. He reached to adjust the crotch of his bargain brand “construction” pants. He preferred the smooth feel of his expensive slacks. They were also tailored and fit him perfectly, he mentally griped in annoyance. But while he was here on this errand, he had to blend in. By looking like the working class laborer, no one would pay him any mind or think of him as any consequence. But these inconveniences won’t be lasting for forever. He’ll soon have his way.

He always does.

He ran his tongue along his cheek as he looked at a particular door of the apartment building.

He hadn’t seen her all weekend.

Usually she comes out for a walk or to go to the complex gym at least once during the weekend, if not twice.

She also always takes out trash, which gives him his favorite view. The best ones are when it’s first thing in the mornings, when the sun isn’t even completely risen, and it’s obvious she’s still in her pajamas. Shorts, a tank top, flip flops, and that's it. No bra and wild hair.

Those glimpses are just enough for his own inspiration so he can get by during their temporary separation.

He hates jerking off. It should be her mouth on his c**k not his own hand.

But soon, things will be back to the way they should be.

The sun was climbing the sky and it was getting on in the day. He should be moving soon so he’s gone before others start moving around.

But he still hasn’t seen her yet.

Finally, when he saw someone else walking through the parking lot, he grew too antsy to wait any longer. He started the car and slowly pulled out. As he drove home, he was angry that he didn’t get the glimpses of her that he wanted. He put in all that work and time with no pay off.

It was just like her to be selfish like that. He can see that she still has that personality flaw.

Guess that will just have to be something he’ll work with her on once things are back to normal.