saving carter | n.m.

XI

Nate's POV:

Carter's screaming woke me from my sleep, her body shooting upright. 2:27 am.

"Nate, where's my arm?" She cried, as I quickly sat up next to her.

"Baby, they had to take it off." I tried to soothe her as I rubbed her back, kissing her temple.

She sobbed into my chest as I stroked my hand through her semi-straight hair. I could tell she was struggling to breathe so, I walked her out onto the balcony.

As we sat there, Carter seemed to only get more upset and scared. Swazz opened the door, startling her even more.

"Nate, who's there?" She asked, fear evident in her voice.

"It's just Swazz." I said softly, Swazz taking her hand in his, causing her to look up.

"It's okay, Carter Jo." He spoke softly, using her nickname.

"I think I'm gonna die, Swazz." She said, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"You're not going to die, everything is going to be okay." He assured her.

"No, this is really going to kill me." She shook her head, visibly gripping harder onto his hand.

"Baby, you are going to be perfectly fine." I said, before going to get her pain meds and a small glass of water.

When I came back out onto the balcony, Carter was on the ground, sobbing into Swazz's chest. He practically pried her off of him so she could take her medication.

"Everything hurts, Nate." She sighed, while trying to steady her breathing.

"I know, babe but, you can get through this." I said, rubbing my hand up and down her arm.

"We'll get through it together." Swazz said, looking between Carter and I.

I nodded in response. Swazz's presence during all of this has helped create a sense of security for not only Carter but, me. We're not alone.

"Carter, I don't think you see how many people love you and have your back." I whispered, kissing her temple.

"Can we go back inside?" She asked, once she had completely calmed down.

"Yeah, let's go." I said, helping her and Swazz both up.

"I love you guys." She said as she crawled into the bed.

"Love you too, Carter Jo." Swazz replied before going back to the couch outside of the bedroom, shutting the door behind him.

As I settled into the other side of the bed, I felt Carter cuddle up, as close as humanly possibly. Her hand pressed against my chest as I kissed her forehead.

"I'm so sorry, Nathan." She whispered.

"Don't apologized. You are not a burden. If this is the way life is with you now then, I don't wanna live any other life." I said.

"I love you." She said, her voice tired.

"I love you endlessly." I said before falling asleep.

~

The second I saw her, I felt like my heart was going to beat right out of my chest. I hadn't seen that beautiful face in two years.

I quickly ran over, as fast as I ever have, almost tackling from the force as I hugged as tightly as possible. My baby is finally home.

Her family soon surrounded us, forming a large group hug as I kissed her a million times. I allowed her family to give their own individual hugs.

"Come here." She smiled to my siblings and parents with open arms, as they waited for her. The relationship Carter has with my family is an irreplaceable one.

I always had this image of when she would come home. Everything was perfect, except from one element. I was thought that would be when I'd propose to her. But, I can't bring myself to do it under these circumstances. She's gone through too much these past couple of weeks. She needs a breather.

~

Carter's frantic shaking of my leg caused me to wake up. 5:34 am. A little later than usual.

"Nate, it's burning." She whisper-screamed in agony, clenching where her left shoulder would be.

"Come on, babe." I said, getting out of bed, picking her up bridal style, carrying her to the bathroom.

I quickly pulled her shirt off of her, removing her bandages gently. She took some of her pain medications.

"This is going to hurt." I warned and she nodded, gripping tightly onto my shoulder.

I began to clean the incision wound with the disinfectant. It was like she was in so much pain that no noise could come from her.

I hated seeing her like this, as any boyfriend would. I'd so much rather it be me. I'd switch places in a heartbeat. No questions asked.

I began to rewrap her before putting the shirt back on, kissing her then, carrying her back to bed.

"Happy Anniversary." She said as I laid her back down.

"Happy Anniversary. The best eight years of my life." I smiled.

"Even with all of this?" She asked, suddenly turning shy on me.

"I'd do it a thousand years over." I assured her, pulling her in close to me.

I'd do it a million times over and over again. All for her.