Chapter 30: Chapter 30

REECE

When Etta asked if I was leaving her, it broke me. I wasn’t leaving her, but I believed we needed some space.

I refused to be someone’s emotional punching bag.

I wouldn’t leave her home alone, so I asked Olivia to stay while I crashed at Wren’s. She needed someone to talk to, and if she wouldn’t see a therapist, maybe having a friend around would help.

I stopped by Etta’s work to update Olivia and to give her a house key. I didn’t want to risk Etta not letting her in.

Before seeing Caroline, I made sure dinner was prepared and put away. I did the laundry and grocery shopping.

I didn’t want Etta to have to do anything.

She was dealing with a lot, and I wanted to make things easier for her. I left a note for Etta on her pillow and a message in the kitchen indicating there was food in the fridge.

I hoped this time with Olivia was what she needed.

***

“We missed you earlier when Odette was here,” the NICU nurse said as I walked into the nursery.

“I had some errands that needed to get done. Can I hold her today?” I asked.

“You sure can. She is doing very well. She is almost off oxygen. Do you want to feed her too?”

“I would love to,” I said with a smile.

The nurse prepared the bottle and brought Caroline to me. She was fussing, but it was music to my ears.

She took the bottle as soon as it was placed in her mouth.

“When do you think we will be able to bring her home?” I asked.

“The doctor told Odette this morning that he would like her to gain more weight before releasing her.”

“Could you take my phone and take a picture of us?” I asked.

“Of course.”

She took the picture and handed the phone back to me.

“Thanks.”

“No problem. I’m going to give you some alone time. If you need anything, I’ll be over there.” She pointed to the nurse’s station just outside the room.

“Hey there,” I whispered to Caroline. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here earlier. Your mom needed to have some time alone with you. We love you, and we can’t wait to have you home.”

After my visit, I sent the picture to Etta, saying we loved her. I hoped that would make her feel better about me not being there for a while.

I wasn’t going to leave her, but I thought she needed time to process everything. Maybe being around someone who isn’t constantly there or trying to take care of her would help.

She would also be able to talk to Olivia about things she felt she couldn’t speak to me about.

***

“There’s beer in the fridge,” was the first thing Wren said when I walked into his condo.

“Thanks.”

“I figured you needed it, and I’ll give you that entire beer before I ask what your fucking problem is. Etta was a mess when I picked her up from the hospital today,” Wren snapped.

I let out a sigh and sat on the chair across from the couch Wren was sitting on.

“She isn’t dealing with things well. She’s been taking it out on me, and I want to give her today and tonight to have some space. I invited her friend Olivia to stay with her. I’ll be back at our house tomorrow morning,” I stated.

“She thinks you’re leaving her.”

“I told her I wasn’t when she asked me earlier. I would never leave her. I’m just giving her space to get things worked out. I asked her to see a therapist, and she started yelling at me. I’ve been the outlet of her anger the past few days, and it isn’t healthy.”

“Well, she is terrified that you’re going to leave her,” Wren added.

“Again, I’m not going to leave her. She can’t talk to me about certain things, so I’m hoping she’ll speak to Olivia,” I repeated.

“Don’t forget, if you hurt her, you’ll have five guys waiting to beat you.”

“You know I wouldn’t hurt her. Can we please change the subject?” I asked.

***

My mind kept thinking about Etta and how I should be at home with her. By the time the sun came up, I had probably gotten two hours of sleep, so I went home.

The house was dark and quiet, and I silently made my way up to our room. Etta was asleep, lying on our bed.

I quietly got undressed and slipped into the bed next to her, pulling her close but making sure I wasn’t hurting her stomach or arm.

“Reece?”

“Shh, you can go back to sleep,” I whispered.

She rolled over and placed her hand on my face.

“I’m sorry I took everything out on you,” she said. “You were right; I needed to talk to someone. Thank you for having Olivia come over and for making sure I was taken care of.”

“I love you, and I want to make sure you’re okay,” I replied.

“I love you too. I’m not okay right now, but I will be,” Etta said. She leaned in to kiss me.