Little Doll

Chapter 27: Calm after the storm

Alec

"That's everything. Arabella has officially moved in" I smiled as I placed down a photo frame of Arabella on Leon's desk.

"Excellent. And where is she currently?" Leon replied, his eyes softening at the photo of Arabella.

"She's outside playing with her dogs" I smiled as I pointed to the window. Leon spun around in his chair and smiled as he watched Arabella run around the garden with her army of puppies chasing after her.

"She looks so happy. I'm glad everything is back to normal" Leon muttered quietly as he turned back around to continue his work.

"Me too. How's Vera doing?" I asked as I sat myself down in the arm chair on the opposite side of the desk.

"Much better. After being discharged from the Hospital, I organised a 2 week getaway in the countryside. She deserves a break. She tried to fight me on it, just like she always does when I try and get her to take leave" Leon laughed lightly as he opened up his laptop.

"Almost as stubborn as you" I smirked as I pushed the chair back eager to hit the gym before spending time with Arabella.

"Whatever" Leon replied becoming far too engrossed in catching up on all the work he had missed.

Excusing myself from his office, I walked towards the private gym and opened up the door eager to release some stress.

It had been a whole month since the death of Leon's father. I thought it would all be straight forward from there, but it had been tough. I never wished to do anything without Arabella's knowledge or consent, but I had Doctors secretly review Arabella after noticing a few strange behaviours. 

She spent almost 2 whole weeks in the hotel room at first, but we tried getting her out as much as possible. But her sleep was becoming an issue, so much so, either Leon or myself had to stay with her at all times. She'd wake up crying even if either one of us had to use the bathroom in the night. She was more jittery and would jump at the slightest thing such as a door being closed. And much to Leon's frustration, Arabella's appetite was straight up awful. She was hardly eating.

After many observations and meetings, the Doctors came to the conclusion of Arabella showing symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder.

That one diagnosis nearly broke me. We vowed to keep her safe and healthy. I promised myself that no harm shall ever come to her. And yet after everything, she was still crippled with fear. 

Ripping off my shirt in frustration, I walked straight over to the punch bag and threw my fist at the giant black hanging bag.

Clenching my jaw tightly as I threw punch after punch, I couldn't help but resent myself for keeping this a secret from Arabella. There was no way in hell I'd tell her she had a medical diagnosis for trauma and it was unlikely she'd fully recover. But I would spend every single day of my life protecting and comforting her from her fears and do everything in my power to keep her happy and safe.

Throwing my leg round, I continued to launch my fists at the stupid bag, screams of frustration and anger sounding throughout the once quiet room.

Taking a step back, I wiped the sweat off my forehead and grabbed the towel from off the bench before wiping the sweat off the back of my neck.

With my back facing the door, I smirked hearing the sound of quiet footsteps creeping towards me. Staring subtly at the mirror, I smiled in amusement at Arabella covering her mouth as she tip toed towards me thinking she would be successful in sneaking up on me.

Knowing what she was up to, I smirked as Arabella wrapped her arms around my waist and one of her legs around mine in an attempt to pull me to the floor.