Speak To Me
Chapter 56 –

(Gabriella)

I let out a long sigh, the anger still boiling just beneath the surface as I wished more than anything that I could yell at Jamie right now.

It's so frustrating! He lied to me yet again..does he not think I am strong enough to handle it or something? Am I some weak damsel in distress that he thinks will shatter under the first signs of pressure?

I had to hear the news that my family was in a fire from Jolie. That's when I knew for a fact that Jamie found out at the park..it had to be what Ray told him. "Notice: This chapter was created for obn15.om. If it's on any other site, it's been copied. Visit obn15.om to enjoy the original chapters directly from the source."I know she didn't do it to hurt me..I could tell something was up. She checked her phone and things became tense..I pretty much had to beg her to tell me.

So if Jamie gets mad at her for that, he has no right..she was being a good friend.

I glanced down at my Dad's sleeping face, he had his head pressed up against my arm as he held onto me tightly.

I didn't mind...I know this was enough to break him..he is already blaming himself. Wondering if Regina did this because Dad asked for a divorce.

I feel horrible..to think about what they had to suffer through and to know they really are gone...it's so hard to wrap my head around.

I know we weren't close, that they didn't even like me really..but a part of me wished things could have been different.

Would everyone have been happier if I would've just stayed in that room? Would my dad not be heartbroken? Would Cecelia still be alive?

If I did that though, then Cecelia would have married Jamie. If I hadn't gone to the party, then I would've had to watch Jamie be with someone else..that mere thought kills me.

As selfish as it is, I dont regret it and I don't regret meeting him...even if I am mad at the jerk right now...Jamie is mine.

He just needs to realize that I'm stronger than he thinks...I've been through a lot in my life..maybe not experience wise..but emotionally, I have been through it all.

I gently stroked my dad's hair, realizing he had more gray now than the last time I saw him..he must've been so stressed.

Hopefully Katrina will wake up in the next few days so we can figure out what happened if she remembers anything.

I leaned my head back, letting my eyes flutter closed as I felt my phone vibrate, knowing it had to be him.

I gently reached for it and turned the screen on, my eyes gliding across the text he sent as I felt my heart ache.

From Jamie: I'm sorry Gabriella, I didn't mean to hurt you..I swear I will make up for it..I will never keep a single thing from you again..I am going crazy baby. I know you need space but a part of me wants to rush into that room and see that you are okay..please..just give me something..a thumbs up..an emoji..anything.

I could feel the desperation that filled his words, making me sigh as my finger hovered over the keyboard.

I thought of all the things I wanted to say but I opted for the thumbs up. I have never been so emotionally exhausted in my life..I didn't know what to think or feel and I honestly just wanted to zone out. That's when there was a soft knock at the door as someone peeked their head inside.

It looked to be a nurse, his blue eyes met mine as he stood there for a moment, just staring at me.

"Sorry to interrupt." He finally spoke in a deep tone, making me clear my throat before nodding politely.

"Just need to check her vitals." He stated, glancing towards Katrina who was in a separate area of the room.

Considering she had horrible burns all over her body, they wanted to keep her behind a plastic curtain thing, that way she wouldn't catch anything since her body was very weak right now.

I smiled encouragingly while shifting in my seat slightly and trying not to wake my dad.

The nurse walked past us, his eyes darting to my dad and me before reaching Katrina's bedside.

I laid my head back, trying not to seem nosey as I heard the man fiddling with a few things.

We had been here for about three hours now and I wasn't sure if my dad planned to stay the night or not..but all I know is that right now he is out cold.

"Are you doing okay? Perhaps you should go home and get some rest." The man suddenly spoke, startling me as I realized he was right in front of me now. I bit my lip anxiously and got my phone out, typing something.

"Sorry, I can't speak easily so I have to use my phone. I am fine here with my dad, I don't want him to be alone right now." I wrote out and showed the nurse.

I watched the man reading it as I began examining him closer. He looked so familiar..but I doubt I have met him before. Regina always had a doctor come to the house so I know his familiarity wasn't from the hospital. "I see, did it happen in an accident?" The man asked me, surprising me with his curiosity.

I felt weird that he was asking questions about me..but maybe it's because he is a nurse and is just intrigued by the situation. Maybe he just really loves his job or something..

"I have a bad stutter, I was born tongue-tied and even after the surgery my speech never improved." I wrote out, thinking he must see some cases like that. I'm sure there are babies that end up being born tongue-tied here.

"Do you want to speak?" He asked abruptly, making me search his gaze as I tried to figure out what the heck this guy's deal was..was he interested in me or something? Maybe I need to shut this down..

"I do, I want to speak for my husband." There..that should be a big enough clue that I'm definitely not interested.

"Does he make you happy? Your husband?" He suddenly asked now, and I swear I did a double take..jeez..this guy is persistent.

"Very happy, he is my soul mate."

I typed out and began typing again, ready to end this.

"I think I might try to get some sleep if you don't mind. A lot has happened today." I nervously wrote..hoping he would get the damn hint.

The man looked at me again, not saying a word as he just stared at me for a few more moments and then looked at my dad.

"What about him? Do you love him too?" He asked now, making my brow furrow as I watched him shift on his feet slightly. Something very strange was going on..I had a weird feeling..

"Yes, I do love my dad..he isn't perfect..nobody is, but he is still trying. That's all that matters." I showed the man the screen as those blue eyes locked onto me once more.

"How much are you willing to forgive? How big is that heart of yours Gabriella?" He whispered, causing the room to grow thick with tension as I couldn't tear my eyes away..I feared the moment I did that something might happen..what that would be, I have no clue.. That's when a knock suddenly sounded on the door, breaking my trance as I let out a gasp and jumped, causing my dad to accidentally wake up.

The man quickly turned on his heel and went to walk out of the door just as Robert popped his head in.

"Just wanted to check on everyone..oh..excuse me." He quickly stepped out of the way as the nurse pushed past him...well, that was odd..

"I wasn't interrupting anything was I?" Robert asked as I shook my head no and saw my dad sit up slightly.

"Sorry, I dozed off sweetie." He said while clearing his throat.

I smiled sweetly before patting him on the arm and glanced towards Robert again.

I wanted to asked about Jamie..but I also didn't want to break first..

"He is still in the waiting room. He wanted me to make sure you eat something." Robert explained sheepishly making me sigh. Of course he did..

Jamie is protective, there is no doubt about it..I just want him to think about the situation a little more..but I can't lie..I felt instant relief the moment Robert told me Jamie was still here..especially after that weird encounter with the nurse.

I will try to be strong..but I won't give in just yet..not until Jamie comes to me..not until he can't take it anymore and means it when he apologizes...not until he learns his lesson and never lies to me like that again.

Then I will forgive him..even though I miss him so much already..curse that handsome man and this natural pull I have to him..be strong Gabriella..you can do it.