Page 22 of Drive Me Crazy

Landon waits out in the hall until I get changed into a gown. I need x-rays. I settle back on the table and Scout gets Landon; he joins me while we wait on the doctor.

"You know, I've put this thing on, and he might not even want them done." I wrinkle my nose, checking out the design on the gown.

Landon sighs. "Have you looked at yourself? You will need them. I'm upset you cleaned that damn place up before you left."

"If I had left without doing it, he would know that I left. I wanted to buy sometime, maybe even throw him off this evening long enough to get settled."

Landon takes my hand, his voice low. "I need to call the police, or they will. You need to file a report, Harper. If nothing more than for protection."

"Please try to understand," my body curls in on itself as fear churns in my stomach. "I have no doubt if I file one, he'll try to kill me." No sooner does it leave my mouth than there's a knock at the door and a lady walks in.

"Miss. Jennings, I'm Doctor Burgess." My eyes shoot to Scout. My sister-in-law listed me under my maiden name. She reaches for my shaky hand when I offer it. "This is?"

"My brother Landon and his wife, Scout." I introduce them, hoping she'll dismiss them after.

She nods with a smile. "Thank you, folks for being here for her, if you don't mind, we'll spend some time together while you speak to the detective in the other room."

"Will you be Alright?" Landon wraps his arm around me, pulling me to his side. "I'll be close, don't worry. I love you." He presses a sweet kiss to my temple. Scout gazes at me, waiting for me to give her any sign I want her to stay.

"I'll be Alright, thank you for coming to me." She squeezes me with the greatest of care, following Landon out the door.

Doctor Burgess pulls up a chair, sitting down in front of me. "This will not be easy, but you've come through the hardest part. I want you to know, whatever’s discussed between us stays here unless I have your permission to share it. I'm talking beyond protocol; this is survivor to survivor."

"I don't have a clue what I'm doing. Something finally clicked, and it was time to leave." My shoulders fall, following the path of my heart.

"Well, let's start with getting you checked out. Besides, it's the reason you're here." She moves closer to me. "May I touch you?"

I nod, no longer holding onto my facade. "I'm an idiot and to come here looking this way. I'm mortified."

"Haven't you ever listened to the song about all of us having bruises? Some people can see, others hide there's well, and others bury them." She lifts my gown, checking my legs and thighs. "I'm assuming he kept his hands to specific locations."

I fight my tears, trying to keep my face dry. "Yeah, the back of my head and my sides and back."

"Classic asshole I see." She stands, positioning herself at my side. "Let's check your other injuries, I'm going down your back and sides. Then we'll do your head."

"Thank you." My words are more than a whisper, but she understands. Asking or warning an abused person what you're about to do is something I never considered but appreciate very much.

She opens my gown with care, giving me time to adjust. "I'm not sure how you made it here on your own, it appears you have a few cracked ribs. Maybe a bruised kidney, but we'll test to be sure."

"I'm sure you'll find old injuries too, but this is my first time coming to the hospital." I murmur as I cross my arms over my chest for protection.

She stands straight, smiling. "Can you take your hair down and lean your head over? I want to be as jealous as possible of these locks."

"He pulled my hair. Most of the time, he only punched and kicked my back. I suppose it's because I'm hardheaded." I snort and snub at the same time.

"Well, too bad he never broke his hand."

"Right? It would never have served him." I giggle with her as she runs her fingers through my mane, stopping to check any knots or bumps she finds.

She steps back with a sigh. "You can raise up." I do to find her eyes glistening. "You remind me so much of myself."

"Stayed too long, feared too much, loathe your entire existence?"

"All of that but I want you to know, there is a better life and you deserve it." She holds her arms up, I lean into them. I can only think of one person who has ever thought so much of me, and no way I want to see him now.

I release her and my lip. "So, what's the damage besides my face?"

"Lacerations to your lip, eye and scalp which should've been stitched but looks as though it's sealed now. Multiple contusions to your face, body, and head. Possible broken ribs, concussion, bruised kidney, fractures, and we can rule out any old injuries as we go."