A cautious recovery

The throbbing in my head had finally dulled to a manageable ache, a vast improvement from the jackhammers of yesterday. Dr. Jones, true to her word, had ordered the drainage of the hematoma. It was a strange, unsettling sensation, but the relief that followed was immediate and profound. "All clear," she'd announced this morning, a faint smile on her face. "The antibiotics are just a precaution to ward off any infection from the drainage. And nothing worse than a concussion, thankfully."

Being discharged felt like a small victory. Walking out of Evergreen Medical Center, even with a persistent dull ache, felt like stepping back into my own life. My entire support system was there, a welcoming committee that instantly started to fuss over me. My parents enveloped me in a hug so tight it nearly knocked the remaining wind out of me. Bob and Darnell flanked me, their expressions a mixture of relief and watchful concern. Vince was there too, his hand hovering, unsure if he should touch me after my last sleepy threat. Sheila and Pastor Dan offered quiet, comforting words, while Kay chatted animatedly about plans for my recovery.

Just as we were about to pile into cars, Aditi arrived, her arms laden with bags, a wide, triumphant smile on her face. "Deppgrl! This calls for celebration, but a quiet one," she gestured to the bounty she carried. "I brought enough food to last you a lifetime. You need your strength now."

We all laughed, grateful for her ever-present generosity and the rich aroma of warm spices wafting from the bags. Between her generous feast and my determined cheerleaders, it seemed my recovery would be anything but solitary.

Back at my house, everyone quickly sprang into action. My parents fussed with pillows on the couch, Bob cleared a path to the kitchen, and Vince carefully placed my bag in my bedroom. Aditi, meanwhile, was already orchestrating the unpacking of her culinary gifts, filling my fridge with an impressive array of containers. They made sure I was settled comfortably on the sofa, a soft blanket tucked around me.

After ensuring I had everything I needed, my parents gave me their last embrace of the day before heading home. My brother gave me a final, reassuring pat on the shoulder and followed them out. Aditi, Sheila, and Pastor Dan, after heartfelt goodbyes and blessings, also departed, leaving just Darnell and Vince in the living room.

An immediate, unspoken tension filled the air. Darnell leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, a smirk playing on his lips. Vince stood by the arm of the sofa, looking at me, then at Darnell, a challenge in his eyes.

"So," Darnell broke the silence, his voice casual, "who's on first watch?"

Vince immediately straightened. "I am. I'm her boyfriend. Of course, I'm staying."

Darnell chuckled, a low, easy sound. "Oh really? Last I checked, she threatened to leave you forever if you proposed again. Doesn't sound like 'boyfriend' status to me."

Vince's face flushed. "That was when she was half-asleep! It doesn't count!"

"It counts enough that she explicitly said she wanted me here, along with Bob, because we 'don't tolerate her bullshit,' " Darnell countered smoothly, pushing off the doorframe and taking a step closer. "And she knows she's an awful patient. She needs someone who can handle that."

I groaned from the couch, the beginnings of another headache forming at their antics. "Oh, for crying out loud! Are you two seriously having a pissing contest right now?" I pushed myself up slightly, wincing. "Vince, you can stay tonight, but for the love of all that's holy, do not annoy me." I turned my gaze to Darnell. "And you, Officer Daniels, you're on tomorrow."

Darnell's smirk widened into a full grin, a silent victory acknowledged. Vince, despite the slight sting of my words, looked immensely relieved to be granted the first shift.

“Don’t look so pleased with yourself,” I said. “It’s just for tonight. When Darnell arrives, you’re out of here.”

“Just say the word, Deppgrl,” Darnell teased. “I’ll be single.”

“Darnell…” Vince started, his patience clearly wearing thin. “I’m not in the mood for this.”

“Boys!!” I screamed, the effort sending a fresh throb through my skull. “The both of you! Out. Now!!”

They looked at me in shock, their playful rivalry instantly forgotten in the face of my unexpected fury.

“Go!”

It took a few seconds for my command to register, but when it did, they grabbed their things and scurried out the door. I immediately called Bob.

“I kicked Darnell and Vince out,” I announced when he answered. “Are you able to spend the night?”

“I’ll be there soon,” he said, a note of amusement in his voice, clearly already sensing the drama.

I yanked an air mattress from the front closet, dragged it out to the living room, and began to inflate it. Bob walked in a few minutes later with a small overnight bag.

“Are we having a sleepover?” he asked with a laugh, surveying the partially inflated mattress.

“Something like that,” I said. “Figured it’d be a good idea if I took the couch and you take the air mattress. Or the other way around.”

“Sounds like a plan,” he agreed, already helping me finish inflating it.

It was great spending time with my brother, just the two of us. It had been a while. We talked most of the night, but it was mostly about Vince and Darnell. Bob was as annoyed at Vince as I was and thought that for now, Vince needed to take some time and not visit for a bit. I agreed with him and asked if he’d talk to him the following day. I really do have the best big brother ever, and he readily agreed. Bob appreciated Darnell and his sense of humor; however, he didn’t appreciate him flirting with me while he had a girlfriend. I simply said that Darnell was harmless and someone I wouldn’t date.

We ended up staying awake most of the night. I wasn’t used to the quiet after almost a week in the hospital. Bob ate some of the food that Aditi had brought over the night before for breakfast, then headed home. I cleaned up after Bob and I, started the laundry, and moved all my hospital belongings upstairs.

Later that afternoon, my phone buzzed with a text from Vince…

Vince:
Your brother and I spoke for quite some time. He laid out all the frustrations you both have with me – my need to be with you 24/7 while you’re recovering and my unnecessary rudeness to your male friends. It was... a lot to take in.

Me:
I asked him to as you wouldn’t hear it from me nor listen to me. It’s sad that my own boyfriend doesn’t respect me enough to understand that I need to have some time alone from him. Your rudeness to all of my male friends is beyond unnecessary; especially to Darnell. His girlfriend is just a cover…he’s a gay man.