Page 15 of Timeless Pages

Evan darted into my bathroom and brought back a white towel.

The doctor politely stepped away and turned his back to us as we carefully removed Isa’s shirt and draped the towel across her breasts.

I tucked the ends beneath her body for good measure.

He wasn’t getting any sideboob action either, if I could help it.

As far as I was concerned, only three people on this planet were allowed to see them, and the doctor wasn’t one of them.

Well, I guess four. Isa was obviously allowed to see them anytime she wanted since they were hers, but if I were being honest, I think it’s only fair that if she’s going to look at them, we should get to look with her.

I might be dipping into the unhealthy obsession territory regarding her.

Hopefully, she didn’t mind too much because I was quickly finding that I was unbothered by it.

The doc checked and fixed up her cuts. Thankfully, she didn’t need stitches.

Her legs and torso seemed to have escaped injury.

Morris was primarily focused on her face.

As Doctor Smith prodded Isa’s face with his thumbs, she winced in her sleep.

He gently opened her mouth, looked inside, and then felt her neck and throat. Finally, he checked her scalp.

“Judging by the egg on her forehead, I would say she likely has a concussion. I didn’t find any broken bones in her face.

Her breathing is labored, so I’ll put her on oxygen to help with that.

Otherwise, she’s one lucky girl. Most of her injuries will start to heal or be completely healed within the next few days.

Apply a cold compress to her face and neck to help reduce swelling.

For now, the only thing she can take for the pain is Tylenol.

Give her lots of fluids and low stimulation for the concussion.

You may also want to get some softer foods.

I imagine chewing will be painful for her over the next few days. ”

“Is it normal for her to have slept through that exam?” I asked.

“It’s not unusual,” he replied as he placed the nasal cannula for the oxygen in her nostrils and turned the tank on. “She suffered a very traumatic event, and judging by her scars, that wasn’t the first time. Her brain needs time to heal, as does her psyche.”

“Is she in a coma?” Dom asked. “Should we bring her to the hospital?”

“She isn’t in a coma. If she were, she wouldn’t have responded to the pain during my exam or reacted the way she does when you aren’t nearby,” Doctor Smith explained.

“She needs to rest, so let her. No strenuous activities, reading, and absolutely no screens. When she wakes, give me a call, and I’ll come back over for a follow-up. ”

Doctor Smith turned to leave and then spun back around. “And absolutely no fire near the oxygen tank! If you smoke, go outside.”

“No worries there, Doc. I’ll show you out,” Dom replied.

“I’ll get the cold compresses for her,” Evan said, leaving the room.

I lay back down beside her on my side with my head propped up on my hand so that I could watch her as she rested.

The scars covering her arms and torso sickened me.

Not because I found them disgusting or Isa less desirable for having them, but from imagining the pain and torment she went through as a child. From what that sick fuck did to her.

It was close to midnight when we finally crawled into bed with her to sleep.

Isa hadn’t stirred once, and it was beginning to worry me.

If she hadn’t woken by morning, I would be taking her to the emergency room.

We had only been asleep a couple of hours when I felt her move.

She began to hyperventilate as the panic set in, and she fought against the blankets covering her.

“Isa, Isa, it’s ok. You’re ok!” I said quickly, worried she was going to hurt herself if she didn’t calm down.

I switched on the bedside lamp as Evan and Dom woke up and sprang from the bed to give her space.

“It’s just us. You’re safe, Little Bell.

I promise.” Isa’s eyes were wide open and crazed as her eyes darted around the room, searching for the monster in her nightmares.

“He can’t get you here, Beauty,” Dom assured her. Slowly, her breathing evened out, and the sheer terror left her eyes.

“Would you like to go to the bathroom?” Evan asked her.

Isa nodded and winced at the pain the motion gave her. “Yes, please,” she croaked, wincing again.

“Ok, let us help you up,” I told her. “We’ll take it nice and slow—no sudden movements. If you’d prefer, I could carry you,” I suggested.

The expression on Isa’s face told me she’d rather crawl to the bathroom on her hands and knees than let me carry her to the toilet, but surprisingly, she nodded.

“Poor Little Bell,” I crooned as I unhooked her from the oxygen and gently lifted her into my arms. “You must feel awful if you’re willing to let me carry you.

” I kissed her forehead and felt her stiffen in my arms, but I ignored it.

I meant what I said. I would never force myself on her, but I wouldn’t be subtle about my intentions.

“I can take it from here,” Isa whispered when I set her down.

“Are you sure? I can just turn around,” I offered.

Isa’s eyes widened in horror as she shook her head.

“Ok, ok. Don’t hurt yourself. I’ll leave,” I chuckled.

“How is she?” Evan asked when I closed the bathroom door behind me.

“She’s going to be just fine,” I told him. “Why don’t you call the doc and tell him she’s awake.”