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Abbie awoke to see Charlie wasn’t holding her hand anymore. She was slightly saddened to see he wasn’t in the room with her. What am I doing? Seriously? I’m sad about a guy right now. I think those meds are turning my brain to mush. Why does Charlie have such a hold on me? He’s easy to talk to and gentle and caring. I’m excited to see him... Did he put a spell on me or something? Abbie wondered to herself. She blinked a couple more times before examining her well lit room. The curtains were open, and light was steaming in.
Abbie yawned then tried to stretch. She felt a twinge of pain in her side at the slight movement. She held her side carefully with fear. She was panicked about fighting again. She didn’t want to see her career go down in flames after reconnecting with an old friend. Abbie wondered if it was all worth it, her abstinence and disregard for relationships. Her career could be over, yet she had nothing to really show for her life. She left a powerful impact on the boxing world, but that could be over. At the young age of twenty-five she couldn’t see a future for herself. She felt like her life was over.
Abbie tried to calm down. She didn’t want to get worked up since there was still a chance she could fight again. Her father’s words penetrated her mind. He was so sincere and concerned about her. She didn’t know how to handle it. Her mind was constantly racing with emotions and thoughts about her past. She wondered if the impact to her head from the pavement caused brain damage. The doctor and her father didn’t share that info.
Abbie wondered where her father was. He didn’t appear to be in the chair Charlie was inhabiting the night before. Abbie started to think about Charlie and all he had said. She wondered why he was so kind and gracious with her. She was rude and gruff with her statements, yet he stayed around. He was truly kind and compassionate. She wasn’t used to kindness and concern. She wondered if her life was truly over. Her father’s entrance into the room stopped her mind from wandering further.
“Good morning.” Her father smiled.
“Morning. What time is it?” Abbie moaned.
“Around one.”
“ONE! This is the most I’ve slept in years.”
“Yeah. Maybe your body is just trying to catch up.” He laughed.
“That would explain why I keep sleeping.”
“Well, that and the pain medicine. The doctor has you on a medication that helps you rest. That way your brain doesn’t go into overdrive. You hit your head pretty hard on the pavement.”
“I still remember everything though... Until I blacked out that is... I don’t have a good grip on my emotions yet though.”
“That’s a good thing. It’s okay to feel things Abbie. Especially since you might not be able to fight again. You need to allow yourself to feel. I know I didn’t allow you to cry or experience healthy emotions growing up... I’m really sorry by the way... I had no idea what I was doing to you. These past seven years of sobriety and meetings have helped me to see how horrible I was to you.”
“You don’t have to remind me. I remember.”
“Maybe this time away from boxing is good... Makes you stop and see what life is really made of. I know I had to stop my career to focus on what really mattered. I wonder if your mother would have stayed if I had stopped my career the moment you were born...” Her father muttered, looking down at the floor.
“Dad, you can’t blame yourself for that. She left us. She made the choice. She could have stuck around.” Abbie encouraged.
“Abbie your mother and I had a lot of fights. She stuck by me through a lot... I wouldn’t wish anything on her. She put up with me more than she should have. Her leaving was the right thing to do... I have come to terms with her absence. You may have a poisoned mindset about her, considering your childhood but I know she did the best thing for herself. I was abusive and neglecting to both of you.”
“She left me. She left us. Dad, I know you made mistakes, but I didn’t! I was a child! I did nothing wrong. She abandoned me!” Abbie interjected. Suddenly emotion welled up inside her and started to boil over. Tears shot out of her eyes down her fast at rapid speed. “Jesus, now I’m crying.”
“It’s okay. Let it out, Abbie. You can’t keep housing these emotions without releasing them.” Her father consoled, rubbing her back. The slight touch made her jump and put up her hands. “See, like that. I’m not going to hurt you. It’s time to deal with your emotions and triggers. You are constantly distant and pushing people away. You don’t have one good friend. You get up, do your routine, box, sleep, eat, repeat. That isn’t a good life to live.”
“Who are you to tell me? Huh? I have these triggers and trust issues because of YOU! I don’t have good friends because I don’t even know what a good friend is. I can’t pick people to stick around in life. Ricky is the best example! He was my booky, friend, and eventually my boyfriend. He turned on me because I went into pro fighting. I only did that, so you didn’t take my money or kick me out! I was planning on leaving when I turned eighteen.” She wailed.
“Wow... That is sad. Just sad, Abbie. Your life wouldn’t be where it is now if you left. That man did no good for you. He messed you up. You didn’t deserve him. He put you in this hospital, Abbie. The police are still trying to find him. You know how they are in Bronx. They probably won’t find him because they don’t care. I wasn’t a good example, and I accept that. I tried to do the right thing when I got sober. And if you didn’t like going pro, why did you stay in the ring boxing? It was your choice. You could have left if you didn’t want to keep fighting.”
“Because fighting was the only thing that mattered in my life!”
Suddenly Abbie’s machine started beeping to say her heart rate was getting too high. A nurse quickly ran into the room to check Abbie’s vitals. Abigail quickly wiped her tears and forced herself to stop crying. The nurse told her to calm down to slow down her heart rate. Abbie nodded. The woman asked about food, so Abbie quickly ordered something to get the nurse to leave. After the nurse left, her father returned from his hiding place near the window. He seemed to be deep in thought about something.
“I’m sorry for making your life a living hell... I’m also sorry you think boxing is the only thing important in life. I sure didn’t give you a good example, but I want to. We can’t keep living in the past. I’m going home so you can stay calm and eat in peace.” Her father claimed. He suddenly turned away from the large window. “I am really sorry, Abbie. I hope you forgive me one day.”
“Maybe I will, one day. Just don’t force anything on me.”
“I know how stubborn you are. You have a head of steel.”
“Obviously not since my head bled so bad... I hope I don’t have any other damage. It would be nice if I lost my memory, so I didn’t have to face the past and emotions. If I could restart my life, I would. I don’t know who I am without boxing...” Abbie whispered.
“Abbie, it will be okay. Stay positive and try to rest. Let your body recoup. Eventually you will find a new path in life...”
“I don’t want a new path. I want my life back.” Abbie cried.
“I know, Honey. I get it... I’ll leave you to enjoy your food. Here is the tv remote. Charlie kept your favorite channel on. I remember how much you loved those old cartoons.” Her father chuckled.
“Is Charlie coming in again tonight?”
“As far as I know... He’s been prompt and reliable unless you said something to him last night.” Her father arched his eyebrow.
“I asked why he was here, and we talked. He seemed determined to stay and be with me... I don’t understand him, Dad.”
“He reminds me a lot of your mother.”
Abbie noticed the smile on her father’s face. She was sad for a moment thinking about her mother. “Do you ever think about finding her...?” Abbie asked. She felt stupid for her question, although she thought about finding her mother all the time.
“All the time... I don’t think she would want to see me though.”
“You never know... I would have some choice words for her.”
“It’s really not her fault, Abbie. I told you what I was like then. You saw it first-hand. I was a horrible boyfriend and father. I never even asked her to marry me. We were together for nearly six years.”
Abbie watched her father closely to see his organic reaction. He seemed genuinely sad about her mother leaving. Abbie missed her mom, but over time her heart was hardened to her. She wondered about her mom and her life without the burden of Abbie and her father.
Abigail had no desire to see her mom ever again. If she did ever see her, she wanted to have a long and painful talk with her. She had so many questions and things she wanted her mom to know she missed by leaving. Abbie hated her mom more than her father. She felt like a broken orphan living in a dysfunctional world.
“Well, I’m going to head home now. Unless you need something...” Her father offered.
“No. I should be fine... OH! Where is my phone?” Abbie asked.
“It’s at my house. Since you were in a coma, I had it in my possession. The police had to look at your phone since Ricky sent more threats after the horrendous encounter.”
“What did he say?”
“I’m not telling you. It’s best if you don’t know.”
“How am I supposed to defend myself!?”
“We have a police officer watching the hallway cameras for Ricky. The hospital security is aware of the situation. You have been fine since arriving here. We haven’t had any new threats.”
“That doesn’t mean he gave up. He won’t give up!” Abbie shrieked.
“Why does he want you so bad?”
“He thinks I owe my virginity to him since I wouldn’t give it to him while we were dating... That’s why he was drunk and hit me. I wouldn’t sleep with him, or any man for that matter.”
“Are you... not attracted to men?”
“DAD!? Seriously?”
“What? It’s huge in society right now... I just wanted you to feel comfortable opening up to me...”
“I am attracted to men. I just don’t want to get pregnant. I refused to ruin my career by getting sidelined with a child.”
“Ah... I see. Your old man ruined not only your childhood, but your thoughts about family as well. I am really sorry.”
“I made that decision for myself. I didn’t want to risk it. Honestly each guy I dated didn’t really interest me enough to do it... I mean I could have but I didn’t want to.”
“Okay... Well... I’m proud of you for making that wise decision on your own. Regardless of your reasoning.”
“Thanks, Dad. Now go home. What time is Charlie supposed to arrive?”
“Uh... He usually comes around six.” Her father claimed after looking at his watch. “So, he should be here within five hours.”
“Okay. Thank you. Have a good night.” Abbie chimed.
“You too, Honey. One last thing, if you are interested in Charlie, I think you should give him a chance... He’s a sweet kid. Really good head on his shoulders. I could see him joining the family one day.”
“Jeez, DAD! Don’t go that far. I was just wondering when I had to endure his questions and annoying kindness.”
“Mhmm. Whatever you say, Abigail.”
“You are sounding more and more like a woman. Go away. Shoo.” Abbie waved him away.
“I will.” Her father smiled.
He came close to embrace her. She fought to not flinch from his soft touch. He was careful to not squeeze her body too hard. Abbie tried to enjoy the new level of emotion and physical contact with her father, but it was hard. She wasn’t used to his sensitive and kind side. Her father didn’t seem like himself unless he was yelling or throwing punches. The man embracing her didn’t feel or look like her father from her youth. He was really different.
“Do you need any pain medicine before I go?” Her father asked.
“No. I will get some after I eat. I just hope this meal is better than the last. They can’t make eggs at all. Rubbery goodness.”
Her father started to laugh. “That sounds horrible, nothing like your cooking at all. I will be back tomorrow morning before work.”
“Okay... See you then.” Abbie answered. She was a little sad to be without company in the stale and dry room.
Her father waved goodbye then left the room as her food arrived. She hoped the soup and sandwich was better than the rubbery eggs. She was disappointed to find the soup to be bland and cold. She sighed in disgust. She didn’t want to try anything else on the menu since everything seemed gross and flavorless. The sandwich wasn’t as bad. It had a good amount of tomato and lettuce. It was super dry since it didn’t have mayo or butter on it. Abbie was very displeased with her meal. She hoped to leave the hospital soon just to get good food.
After Abbie finished her meal, she turned on her cartoons. She didn’t want to sleep just yet. She endured the pain rising up within her body and side to watch the cartoons. She hadn’t sat down to watch tv, much less cartoons, in years. Her schedule consisted of training and fighting. She pondered her father’s advice about life. She wondered if her time in the hospital was really as positive as he made it seem. She started to think about her life and what she wanted to do if she couldn’t fight again.
She got lost in the episodes playing on the television, like she did when she was younger. Suddenly she heard a voice from the doorway with a knock. She jumped from the new arrival in her room. Ricky stood silently in the doorway of her room with a mischievous smile on his face. Abbie hit her call button quickly.
“What the hell are you doing here!?” Abbie screamed at the top of her lungs.
“Oh, you know... Visiting an old friend.” Ricky sneered.
“Some friend. I can’t believe you drugged me!”
“Yeah... What can I say? I really want you.”
“You just want to be my first. I’m a challenge to you. I am not some prize to be won, Ricky. I’m a woman with feelings, you know.”
“Really? The Abbie I know didn’t show emotion. I honestly thought that was the reason you never could sleep with me. You were always so numb and brittle. Perhaps you are swinging the wrong way.”
“How dare you. I have emotions I just don’t like to share them. I told you my reasons for not sleeping with you, several times.”
“Yeah, here’s the thing... I don’t think that is a good enough reason.”
“You already got one girl pregnant. God only knows how many others could have gotten pregnant since you like to spread the wealth.”
“I guess your injuries didn’t affect your tongue or bad mouth.”
Suddenly Ricky started to descend to kiss her. Abbie moved her face away and tried to force Ricky away from her. Her weak limbs refused to fight on her behalf. She felt utterly helpless as Ricky started to touch his way down through her blanket.
“You sick, perverted man. I am in the hospital for crying out loud. Don’t you have any dignity?” Abbie screamed in Ricky’s face.
“I guess not.” Ricky said, planting a rough kiss on her lips.
Abbie pushed against him and tried to get him off of her. Suddenly the nurse appeared at the door. She apologized for breaking up the situation. She asked if Abbie needed anything. Abbie was about to scream for help when Ricky pulled out a knife. He kept it concealed so only Abbie could see the blade. He eyed her quickly to threaten her with his eyes. Abbie knew her words would cause her death. She knew Ricky would stab her and kill her if she spoke up. She was utterly helpless and didn’t know what to do. She looked at the clock to see it was nearly six.
“I have a friend coming soon. Could you walk him down here?” Abbie asked sweetly. She smiled at the nurse, although the nurse didn’t know Abbie never smiled. She completely blew through Abbie’s facial warning to assume she was okay.
“Okay, Hun. Anything else?”
“Yeah, actually I have a little bit of pain in my side. Could you get me a bag of that special medicine the doctor has me on?”
“Actually, they switched your meds today. They said you don’t need pain medication with sleep assistance! Isn’t that great?”
“Yay. Just great. Thank you so much.” Abbie sighed deeply. Annoyance and rage filled her.
“I will be back with your new medication.”
The nurse left the room. Ricky put the knife away slowly. Abbie tried to release the breath caught in her lungs. She was afraid of Ricky doing something stupid. He was irrational and based on his odor, Abbie knew he was drunk and high. He was swaying back and forth. A bulge was forming in his pants. Abbie felt like throwing up again. She was nauseated just thinking about Ricky touching her.
“Who is the friend coming to visit you?” Ricky asked. “Do you even have friends?”
“Yes, I do. The man who rescued me from you is my friend.”
“Pfft. That wimp. He can’t protect you.”
“You don’t know him. Are you jealous, Ricky? Scared I will get with my friend like I got with you? Hmm?”
“Don’t try to get in my head!” Ricky yelled.
“Or what?”
Ricky smacked her across the face as the nurse entered the room. She dropped the bag of medicine then ran back into the hallway. Ricky looked at Abbie quickly with malice and bitterness.
“Great now she is calling the cops. I’ve gotta scram. I know where you are. See you around, Piper the Viper.” Ricky smirked.
Abigail watched him turn to walk away. She didn’t try to calm down until he was fully gone from her view. Instantly tears started to rush down her cheeks. She began hyperventilating and sobbing. Her machine started to go off from her increasing heartbeat. She closed her eyes to deal with the fear and panic filling her.
Suddenly she felt a gently hand on her shoulder. She figured Ricky tricked her and was back for more. She put up her fists to fight and opened her eyes quickly. She noticed Charlie back away quickly with his hands raised. Upon seeing him, Abbie burst into tears again. Charlie stepped closer after analyzing the situation. He slowly embraced her and tried to calm her down. Abbie felt her heart rate coming down slowly from the kind and gentle touch.
“Abbie, what’s wrong?” Charlie cooed.
“Ri...Ricky... Ricky was... Was just.... He... Here.” Abbie cried.
“WHAT?! What happened?”
Abbie couldn’t stop crying. Tears dripped from her eyes at a fast rate. She wondered if she would ever stop crying. The nurse finally reappeared to claim she called the police. She seemed to soften in tone upon seeing Abigail’s dysphoria. Abbie continued to cry as her machine sounded off. The nurse picked up the medicine bag then pushed a button on the machine to stop the beeping. She hung the bag of medication and attached it to Abbie’s IV.
“There. That should help the pain. I’m really sorry I didn’t know your boyfriend was abusive. I’m happy your friend is here now.” The nurse smiled at Charlie. It seemed every nurse wanted the man.
“He isn’t my boyfriend. He is the man that put me in here.” Abbie cried. “Charlie... He... He was going to...” Abbie sobbed harder. “I can’t even say it. He was going to take advantage of my situation in this bed...”
“That’s sick!” Charlie exclaimed. “Tell me, what happened.”
The nurse stuck around to listen to Abbie’s conversation with Charlie. The nurse apologized for not seeing the knife or the situation for what it was. Abbie continued to cry because she knew her life was in jeopardy. Ricky wasn’t going to stop unless he was behind bars. Even then, he would find a way to get out. He was crafty and capable of swindling people, like the unsuspecting nurse. She continued to apologize as Abbie cried against Charlie’s newly hard chest. He comforted her and coaxed her to calm down.
“Abbie, breathe. You don’t need to go into shock.” Charlie cooed.
“I am in shock. I can’t believe he came here and tried to do that to me...” Abbie sobbed.
“I know. He is disgusting but you need to calm down. Don’t let him get to you. It’s a mental game. He’s winning right now.” Charlie cooed, touching her cheek gently.
“Your right... I didn’t even see it like that.”
“Yep. I don’t think he really was going to rape you here. He just wanted to seem big and threatening so you would be afraid.”
Abbie’s mind started racing with what if situations. She wondered what Ricky was planning. She started to calm down. Charlie gently released her since she wasn’t hyperventilating anymore. Abbie was so thankful he arrived just in time. Ricky was caught in the act, which made his time behind bars more evident. He was racking up witnesses for his case. Abbie just hoped she didn’t end up in a body bag before he was caught. She knew Ricky’s potential and pull in the crime world. He worked for the largest drug supplier in all of New York.
The nurse left the room claiming she needed to sit down for a moment. Abbie continued to breathe and calm down. She didn’t realize the room smelled like delicious sandwiches. She looked at Charlie’s bag on the floor to see a local sandwich shop logo poking out the side. She smelled the air then continued to eye the bag. Charlie started to laugh upon seeing what she was looking at.
“Are you hungry?” Charlie asked.
“I had bland soup and a sandwich around one.” Abbie sighed.
“Well how about a good sandwich for supper?” Charlie smiled.
“You got me dinner?” Abbie asked, wide eyed.
“Well, since I can’t bring you out to a fancy restaurant, I figured this would do for now. When you get out of the hospital, I will take you to a good, classy place like I originally planned.”
Abbie was touched by Charlie’s kind gestures. He was unlike any other man she had encountered before. She hoped he wasn’t being fake to get something from her. She knew multiple men who tried to utilize her position for pull in the world. She didn’t think Charlie was like the men she was used to though. He was genuine and kindhearted every time she saw him. The flowers around her hospital room spoke volumes about his character.
“Okay. Thank you so much for bringing me dinner! I could use a good meal after a month without food. The food here sucks.”
“Yeah, I could tell from your face yesterday.” Charlie laughed.
Abbie found Charlie’s laugh and smile to be infectious. Her close proximity to him caused her to feel bubbly and free. She found herself smiling once again. It was like a new Abigail Piper was escaping her dark cocoon. Charlie grabbed his bag then walked back to her side of the bed. He scored not only sandwiches but dessert. She noticed chocolate chip cookies hidden within his bag next to the sandwiches.
“I asked your doctor what you could eat. He said nothing too heavy, so I figured sandwiches was a good start. I don’t cook otherwise I would make food for you.” Charlie uttered.
“That is very kind of you... Thank you. No one has ever done this many kind things for me. I think this one month of kindness will last me a lifetime.” Abbie replied.
“No offense but I think you need new people in your life.”
Charlie pulled his chair back to the side of the bed. He quickly opened the sandwich bag then handed Abbie a footlong sub. She eyed the beautiful, massive delicacy with love. He had bought sandwiches from her favorite place in town. She opened her sandwich quickly then dived into it. She sunk her teeth into the warm, crusty bread. Her tastebuds were going haywire from the aromatic and tasty flavors filling her mouth. She released a moan.
“That good, Huh?” Charlie laughed.
“This is my favorite sandwich from my favorite place. How did you know?” Abbie asked once her mouth was empty.
“I just picked something on the menu. I hoped you liked ham and cheese like most people. It seems my guess was right.”
“How? How do you do that?”
“Honestly, the Holy Spirit told me to order you that.”
Abbie stared at Charlie with wide eyes. He started eating his meatball marinara sub without regret. The cheesy, meaty sub hardy fit in his dainty hands. Abbie watched Charlie eat with wonder. She wasn’t trying to be weird. She just wanted to figure out who the man was sitting in front of her. He didn’t push his religion on her, yet he dropped little hints to stop her in her tracks. She started eating again since Charlie didn’t bother to meet her gaze.
“I don’t have many people in my life, by the way. I don’t trust easily after my past.” Abbie claimed, answering Charlie’s past phrase. She was too distracted with sandwiches to answer before.
“If you ever want to talk about your past, I’m here. It’s sad to live a life without good people in it.” Charlie offered.
“I’m seeing that. You seem to be a good person, Charlie.”
“Thank you. I wasn’t so nice when I was rebellious against God and my mom. I was so self-absorbed. I missed out on so many relationships and opportunities in my life. If I would have pulled my head out of my butt, I would have accomplished more.”
“You seem to be doing good now.”
“Yeah. It took time though. I thought I could get right back into my old life just as fast as I left it. Sadly, my friends left me since I changed. My steady girlfriend ended things and my mom fired me. She told me to find my own way in life. Eventually I did.”
“Were you scared?”
“Of course. All the time. My biggest fear was failure. I was afraid of losing everything or having to start over again.”
“Wow... I guess we aren’t so different then.”
“Is that how you feel about boxing?”
“I’m not afraid of losing or failing while boxing, rather out of the ring is where I lack. I could win any fight in the ring. It was difficult to do life outside of the ring. I have freedom and air to breath while I fight someone. Life situations and relationships aren’t my thing. If I lose boxing, I lose everything. I don’t have a backup plan for a career nor a good support system other than my dad. Even that is shaky though.”
“I see. Well, is there something you always wanted to do?”
“Well growing up was rough. I didn’t really have the option of college. My dad’s career paid our bills but hardly. I knew my options were limited. I got good grades in school. I learned a lot, but nothing sparked interest. How did you know you wanted to work with flowers?”
“I fell in love with the effect of flowers... I know that sounds cheesy.” Charlie laughed.
“Extremely cheesy.” Abbie interjected with another smile.
“Yeah... I saw how my mom’s floral arrangements helped add the extra touch to a wedding or a closing detail for a funeral. The sentimentality and importance of flowers astonished me. I know most people look down on flowers since they die over time, but I got to see smiles from the simple gestures. It’s an easy thing to give with a major impact.”
“Wow... I guess I’ve never seen flowers like that.”
“I found that all out myself then decided to go into that. My mom said I could do anything I wanted to. We had the finances for me to go to college, but I refused. I didn’t want to waste money getting a degree I would never use.”
“Smart.” Abbie said, eating more of her sandwich.
“So, if money wasn’t a problem and you could do anything, what would you do? Imagine you are a kid again.”
“I guess... I would become a lawyer.”
“Really? You have the determination and fighting spirit. That’s for sure.” Charlie laughed. “Why a lawyer?”
“The thought of fighting for someone else makes me happy. I fight for myself too often. It would be nice to defend the little guy for once. Although I don’t know too much about the law. I used to break the law by street fighting.”
“Wow... When did you do that?”
“I was fifteen. My dad was an alcoholic. He was aggressive outside of his boxing career. I found freedom and escape in fighting. Ricky... He was my friend at the time. We met at school after he tried to copy my homework. Everyone thought I was stupid since I was the too cool for school type. I got straight A’s, even while fighting. I cared about getting a good education to have every possibility open to me... Ricky set up my fights. I would do three in a night. I won every time. My dad found my money stash and heard about my street fighting. He gave me an ultimatum. I had to quit street fighting to stay with him, but that meant I had to go pro. It seemed like a win win... Until Ricky got upset and more aggressive. We started dating over time... He tried to force himself on me then too. I got away before he had a chance. Now he is coming after me for revenge. He claims I owe him.”
“That’s seriously messed up. I don’t understand how any person can try to rape someone. I’m really sorry you had to experience that... All of that. It sounds like our childhoods were very different.”
“Yeah, I bet. I didn’t fall in love with flowers. I fell in love with fighting and defending myself against every person.”
“That explains the bitterness and rude walls around you.”
“What do you mean?” Abbie asked, about to take a bite of her sandwich. She had nearly half the sandwich gone.
“I noticed the first time I met you, and last night that you have pain hidden in your eyes. Sometimes I would ask a question and you would respond from that place of pain. I could see, based on your reaction, that someone or something really hurt you.”
“Don’t get too close to my heart or head, Doctor.” Abbie sneered.
“I’m not a psychiatrist. I just notice things. Like I said, I like to see reactions of people when I give out the flowers. It’s habit for me to watch people react. You are the first person to slam a door in my face though. Kudos.” Charlie chuckled.
“I’m sorry... I was actually thinking about my mom... She loved lilies. That’s the only flower that came to mind when you asked me what flower I liked. I haven’t seen many other flowers.”
“What happened to your mom? I know she left, but why?”
“She abandoned us when I was five. My dad was deep into his career and partying. She couldn’t handle it. She left without me.” Abbie revealed. She was surprised by the ease of conversation with Charlie. “Charlie, please don’t share this stuff with the press. I don’t need another thing ruining my career. Pro fighter has parent issues claims insider source.”
“I won’t. I don’t care about the press. I just want to understand you. You are really interesting to me. You make me want to be even more kind since you haven’t experienced the love and kindness you deserve...”
“Thank you for that, but for my sake don’t turn your kindness up another level... You seem like a determined person too.”
“Oh yeah. My mom didn’t raise a quitter.” Charlie smiled.
Silence fell upon them as they finished their sandwiches. Abbie’s head spun with questions about Charlie and his upbringing. He seemed like a great person since he had a great mom. Abbie was slightly jealous of Charlie. She wanted a mom to love her and support her. Abigail pushed away her emotions before she started crying. She put one half of her sandwich away.
“Are you full?” Charlie asked.
“I want to save the other half for my next meal since the hospital food sucks.” Abbie shrugged.
“You can finish your sandwich, Abbie. I will go get you another if you are still hungry or want one for tomorrow. I’m sorry I didn’t get an extra when I was at the sandwich shop.” Charlie uttered.
Abbie was shocked at Charlie’s genuine kindness. He was willing to get her another sandwich so she could enjoy food again. She wasn’t used to anyone providing for her or encouraging her to eat. Often her father drilled into her about eating right to build muscle. Abbie was fully conditioned to eating right for the ring. Abbie answered Charlie by picking up her other half of the sandwich. She enjoyed every last bite of the sandwich.
“That sandwich was so good. I could kiss you.” Abbie laughed.
“No kiss necessary. I’m happy you enjoyed it.” Charlie smiled.
“So, you want to take me out to dinner, but you don’t want to kiss me...? What kind of man are you?” Abbie questioned.
“A chivalrous one. I want to kiss you just not in a stale hospital. Our first kiss should be memorable in a happy location.”
Abbie stared at Charlie stunned. She found herself lost for words. She suddenly remembered how Charlie’s father died in the hospital. Abbie felt compassion for the first time in her life. Charlie was kind to her and helped her to open up. She didn’t mean to make him upset or hurt from her comment. She was just trying to be thankful and funny to lighten the mood after Ricky’s visit. She couldn’t understand why her emotions were going so crazy. She tried to form a coherent sentence to tell Charlie how she felt.
“I’m sorry... I forgot about your dad... I’m thankful for my food. I was trying to be funny. I’m really sorry, Charlie.” Abbie uttered.
“It’s okay. My dad did pass away in a hospital but that’s not the reason why I’m holding back. I believe in making memories the right way. If I kissed you right now, you would remember our first kiss here and the incident. I don’t want any negative event attached to our kiss. That’s all. But thank you for your sensitivity.”
Abbie blinked hard. She was even more shocked and confused after Charlie’s weird explanation. Abbie took time to examine Charlie while he watched the tv. She could tell he was working out more often since his biceps looked much bigger. His crisp black button-down shirt fit him just right. He was wearing jeans and white tennis shoes. Abigail hadn’t taken time to really examine him before. She enjoyed the slight curl in his sandy blonde hair. She wanted to reach out and touch his hair to feel it’s obvious softness.
“You’re staring at me like I’m crazy.”
Abbie looked away while a blush rose to her cheeks. “Sorry...”
“I guess this is the first time you haven’t had some guy trying to take something from you. Right?”
Abbie shook her head slightly while she looked to her right. “How did you know that?”
“I told you I watch people. I see how you act around people and toward me. From what that guy did today I could tell you are used to rough emotions. I’m not like that... If you haven’t noticed.”
“Yeah... I noticed. You are so different than what I’m used to.” Abbie replied. “Sometimes, I don’t know how to talk to you.”
“That’s understandable. We just take it one day at a time.”
“You are so confident. Do you really think you are going to be in my life for a while? Most times men flee after they really get to know me.”
“I am confident because I’m not like other men. If you don’t want to date, we can stay friends. I don’t see myself leaving your life unless you tell me to go. I have been here for the past month. That should account for something.”
Abbie moved slightly then put her face in her hands. She was overwhelmed with emotions and thoughts. She didn’t know how to handle the situation. She felt out of control and afraid of Charlie’s intentions. She didn’t know how to have a good relationship, whether the person was a friend or a boyfriend. She tried to reason out the chemical reaction going through her head.
Suddenly she felt a warm hand grasp hers and start to pull gently. Abbie didn’t feel disgusted or scared by the touch. Charlie stared into her green eyes. His brown eyes were bursting with compassion and kindness. He stood abruptly then approached her face. She couldn’t understand what was happening considering Charlie claimed he didn’t want to kiss her in the hospital. She sat still but closed her eyes. Charlie inched closer to kiss her cheek. She felt a slight tingle in her face at the soft touch. Abbie opened her eyes as he pulled away from her. He smiled down at her.
“I’m going to go get you another sandwich. Do you want anything else?” Charlie asked with a cute smirk.
“Umm... no thank you.” Abbie muttered.
“I will be right back.” Charlie winked.
Abbie watched Charlie leave with shock. She reached up to touch her cheek. The delicate kiss sent electricity through her body. Her heart was racing in a good way. She couldn’t understand the effect Charlie had on her. His kindness seemed to be tearing down the walls within her heart from years of pain and abuse. She closed her eyes again to rest after the events of the day.
