Reconstructing Amelia (unedited)

Chapter 61

December 8th, 2019

"Are you ready to go?" Neo asked with a proud grin.

I smiled. "Yes," I answered, not wanting to stay in here another minute.

Neo grabbed my backpack, adjusting it over his shoulder before I could take it from him.

"Hey, I can carry it myself," I told him, reaching for it.

He swatted my hands away playfully. "Absolutely not," he informed me. "You're still healing, I don't want you to be lifting things,"

I gave him a pointed look. "Neo, I am perfectly able to carry my own backpack,"

"Well you're not going to, so suck it up," he teased, tipping his head down and kissing me.

I rolled my eyes with a soft laugh. "You're lucky I love you,"

He turned up his chin, feigning indignance before he grinned. "I'm so honoured," He took my hand, pulling me out into the hallway. "Come on, silly,"

Javi was already at the house, as I'd sent him home with Neo the night before. I felt bad for Javi having to spend so much time stuck in here with me, so I'd been trying to keep him out longer. I knew he missed the Adams boys, he'd cried every night since they'd left. He kept asking to see them, and it made my heart hurt every time I told him he couldn't.

I let Neo guide me out to the parking lot after saying goodbye to a handful of the nurses, welcoming the fresh winter breeze on my cheeks as we stepped outside.

"Are you too cold?" he asked me, his eyes scanning over me in concern.

"No, I'm okay," I replied honestly. It felt really nice to be outside after being cooped in a single room for a week.

He nodded, pulling out his keys as we neared the car. I'd half-expected him to bring his bike.

"You brought the car," I noted as he opened the door for me and helped me sit down.

"Yeah, I did. I figured it would be more comfortable for you right now," He paused, grinning. "Don't tell me I've already converted you to the punk side,"

I giggled. "Never," I told him as he laughed and climbed into the car with me.

***

"I'm surprised you remember where it is," I mumbled uncomfortably as we pulled up alongside my old house.

"Of course I remember," Neo said, giving me a quizzical glance. "Why wouldn't I?"

I bit my lip, turning to look out the window. "We weren't supposed to let anyone know where we lived. Ever," I admitted quietly.

"But I've walked you home," he said slowly.

I smiled faintly. "I may have liked you a little bit,"

He smirked. "A little?" He leaned over and kissed me, grinning like mad. "Let's go in now, yeah? Ma will kill me if I don't bring you home soon,"

"You should stay here," I told him.

He looked at me incredulously. "And why would I do that?"

"You're not going to like what you see in there," I warned. "Please, just stay in the car,"

"You can't lift things, I'm going with you," he insisted, and he promptly got out of the car before I could stop him.

I followed him up the porch, deciding it wasn't worth it to try to talk him out of it. I pulled my key out of my pocket, my hands trembling as I unlocked the door.