Tough Love

Chapter One Hundred Sixteen

Arrow meets Ash and myself by the window, "Well, if there was someone here, they're long gone by now."

I hold up the bag of butts and say, "There was someone here. She was right. I'll get these to Tom and see what he can find. Don't mention anything to her about this. We'll be out of here tomorrow and she doesn't need to be worrying about this. We'll just have to make sure we're not followed anywhere."

They both nod and we head inside. As I'm about to step into the bedroom, Arrow says, "I'll take Beth home. I'm going in that direction anyway. Just make sure Dani's ok. I don't think you'll want to leave her now."

"Thanks man. Stop by the precinct tomorrow. We've got to go through the details and add some final adjustments."

"Will do."

Dani is still waiting in the bathroom and she doesn't open the door until I sing 'Gravity' to her. She's a little bit calmer now, but she's still on edge.

"No one there. It's all safe. The guys and I checked everything and we're all good."

"Maybe I really am losing my mind."

I can't let her think that, but I also don't want her to worry they've found her. It could just be a random person walking past. I won't know anything until I get some results from Tom. "No, you're not losing your mind. Maybe it was just someone passing by or something. We'll be out of here tomorrow and you won't have to worry. Babkin is dead. No one knows you're here. Why don't you get into bed and I'll go get cleaned up."

"Don't leave me, Eli..."

How can I deny her request? I don't think I'll ever be able to say no to her.

"Can you sit in the bathroom while I get ready for bed?"

She mulls over it for a few seconds and then she nods. It's times like this I notice just how much Dani has changed. Before, she would have freaked out at the prospect of me changing in the same room as her. She sits on the toilet, with the lid down, as I change. I glance at her, and she's staring at the floor, picking at her fingers. She's not completely comfortable about this situation, but she's managing far better than she would have previously.

Once my sweats are on, I say, "I'm done."

She looks up at me and I notice her gaze lingering on my shirtless upper body. I smile internally. She's noticing that more and more as the days go on. The thought makes my heart flutter a little, but I need to make sure I keep 'little Elijah' quiet for now. As much progress as Dani has made, I don't think she's ready for that step.

As we settle in bed, I hold Dani close and I feel her running her fingers over the freckles on my chest.

She whispers, "I'm sorry, Eli. I'm paranoid and I scare too easily. I apologize for that. I know you guys think I should be better by now, but it's not that simple for me. I am trying, but sometimes the memories take over and I can't stop them."