Chapter Eight
Grace
Aunt Kim and I had been talking for what seemed like hours. She would make me laugh when she sensed our topic was making me upset, or bringing up bad memories.
I asked her where Jaxon was travelling to this time but didn't get an answer. I patiently waited, not wanting to interrupt whatever she was thinking about.
"Oh, sorry dear. I got kind of got wrapped up in my own thoughts." She apologized guiltily.
"Aunt Kim, could you help me over to Pete's bedside? I'd like to sit with him before I leave tomorrow." I asked her hopefully. It was getting late and I was upset I hadn't been able to see Jax before I left. It would probably be the last time I'd get to talk to him.
She squeezed my hand. "I'd love for you to meet Pete. He would love you, you know." She gushed, helping me out of the bed slowly. She let me use her shoulder as support as we shuffled past the curtain separating our room in half.
She led me to a chair and she took my hand in her own.
"Petey, this is Grace, the amazing girl I've been telling you about. She's really something. I know you would really like her." Aunt Kim said; her voice heavy with unleashed tears.
I bit my lip, knowing that if she started to cry I would follow suit immediately.
"Hi Pete. My name is Grace... I've heard a lot about you. I really wish that we were meeting under better circumstances, but I have something I need to tell you." I started, unsure where I was going. I knew I needed to talk to him- I had this feeling in my gut that wouldn't go away.
"I know you've been through a great trauma. And waking up isn't going to be easy, but... your family, they need you. Recovery won't be easy, but I know that with the support of your amazing, beautiful wife Kim, you will pull through."
I could feel Aunt Kim shaking as she cried, and it tugged at my heart. I knew I had to keep going.
"You need to wake up. You need to face whatever you're afraid of. You need to come back." I finished softly, reaching out for his hand. Aunt Kim took my hand and placed it on top of Pete's.
I gave it a squeeze and pulled back. I rubbed Aunt Kim's back as she cried.