Page 49 of Axel
“Nothing to worry about. “He looked sheepish as he stared at her. “Just a stupid bug and my diabetes has been acting up. It’s not COVID.’ He assured her quickly.
“I know. Nurse Grainger told me that it was a nasty cold that is going around.” She had brought him some soup and some over-the-counter cough drops that were safe for him to take.
“Would you like something to drink? A glass of water? You need to get your electrolytes up. I…”
“Sit.” He pointed to the edge of the bed and then towards the table laden with energy drinks, bottles of water and a half-finished bowl of soup. “I am well taken care of. I want to wrap you up in my arms and welcome you back properly, but I would not like to pass on the bug.
Even though the nurse said I am no longer contagious, I don’t want to take the chance.” His eyes studied her face curiously and what he saw there had him frowning.
“What is it sweetie?”
Lowering herself into the chair, instead of the bed, she shook her head and produced a bright smile.
“Nothing. Just tired.”
“Nuh Uh.” He shook his head as he continued to stare at her. “I know weariness because I have been going through a spell because of this damned cold. You look sad as if you lost your best friend. What happened at that place?
The interview did not go as well as you thought?” His frown deepened. “Honey, I have confidence in you and you…” He broke off in alarm when she covered her face with her hands and started crying.
“Oh, good Lord.” Easing himself up against the pillows and reached for her arms to pull her against him. Resisting the urge to curl up on the bed next to him, she buried her face in his chest and let the tears flow.
In her subconscious, she realized dimly that she should not be burdening him with her problems, because he was just recovering from an illness and knowing how he was, he would be worried sick about her. But she had been bottling up her misery since last night and it needed an outlet.
His hands roved over back soothingly. He did not say a word, did not ask questions, but waited patiently until her tears had turned into hiccups.
“I am sorry.” She whispered, keeping her head buried on his chest. “Your shirt is soaked,” She tried to pull out of his arms, but he was not having any of it.
“I am not going to melt or die from the deluge.” Tucking one hand under her chin, he studied her tear-streaked cheeks. “I do believe this is the first time I have ever seen you cry.
Yes, when you were a child and skinned your knees scaling that tree, you had tears brightening your beautiful eyes, but even then, when you were in a great deal of pain, you refused to utter a peep. What’s wrong honey? Or should I hazard a guess? You met a man, and he broke your heart. Is that it?”
She curled her fingers around his wrist and felt calm and in control for the first time since she discovered that Axel had left. “I did something stupid.” She admitted wryly.
“No!” He shook his head decisively. “Never stupid. You are the smartest and strongest woman I know. And there is nothing foolish about giving our hearts to someone- worthy or not. Who is this undeserving individual?”
She laughed and felt the pressure lifting off her chest.
“It doesn’t matter. I fell hard. I knew he did not want a relationship but kept hoping he would change his mind.”
“Are you sure he hasn’t? You are a beautiful woman sweetie, and I am not just saying that because you are my daughter. A man would have to have his brain cells removed from his body, he would have to have had his eyes taken clean from his face, for him to be able to resist you.”
“Oh, dad.” She whispered, lifting her head to kiss on the lips. “You certainly know how to make a girl feel wanted and special.”
“You are indeed both of those things and more.” Using the pad of his thumb, he wiped the tears away, a whimsical expression on his face. “I spent years missing out on your childhood because I allowed Eleanor to dictate the terms of my leaving.
We both suffered as a result and it’s something I am finding it very difficult to forgive myself for. You are the most important person in my life, barring none. You are beautiful, kind, and sweet and I am so damn proud of you that my friends here are getting fed up with my constant mention of you.” He smiled at her.
“I keep asking myself what I ever did to deserve a daughter like you and am still waiting for the answer.” His expression sobered. “This man is a fool, and I would hope that he would realize whathe is missing out on before it’s too late.” His eyes narrowed. “Is he worthy of you?”
“He is hardworking and confident.” She shook her head sadly. “You would like him dad. But there are issues he is not prepared to deal with and I…,” she blinked at the fresh spate of tears burning the back of her eyes.
“Anyway, talking to you about it has lessened the misery. And I have spent enough time on my own sorry and miserable love life. I want to talk about you and get you a fresh shirt.” She pulled out of his arms and went to closet to select a baby blue cotton shirt with a crest on the pocket.
“Ellie…”
“No dad,” She shook her head as she handed him the shirt. “I don’t want to talk about it anymore.” She told him firmly.
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