Inseparable

That’s great news! We’ll be there soon xx

Kella and Fraser hung off my every word as I ran over what Aaron had said.

“This is just so amazing.” Kella murmured, shaking her head, still in shock. We all were. Though we had been hoping for this outcome, the idea of finding Steffy alive after ten years had seemed so outrageous.

“What now?” Asked Fraser. “Where do things go from here?”

I shrugged. “No idea.” Standing up, I went over and ordered three coffees. “I might take them up some coffee.” I said, wandering back over to them while I waited for the drinks to be made.

“Good idea.” Kella nodded. “Will you tell Dane we’re here, and thinking of him?” she added. I nodded, grabbing spoons, and sugars, incase his parents took sweetener. God, I hoped they drank coffee. Balancing the takeout tray of coffees, I pressed the elevator up bottom, waiting impatiently for the doors to open. I was just about to step in when Dane stepped out.

He grinned at me. “You must be psychic.” He said, kissing me and taking the tray. “Come up with me.” We both got into the elevator.

“How is she?” I asked.

“She’s sedated, but okay.” He sounded tired. I reached up and brushed his hair with my fingers. “That bad, huh?” He laughed.

“No, it was just sticking out a bit.” I smiled. “How are your parents?” I asked.

“They’re feeling every emotion under the sun right now. They want to meet you properly, not just a quick hello in the hallway.” He added, taking a sip of his coffee.

“Me?” I said, shocked. Had he told them? The doors opened onto a ward, and Dane led me down the hall.

“Yes you. My wonderful girlfriend, and the girl that brought back their daughter. Is that really so surprising?” He looked amused by my discomfort. ”Should I not have told them?” He asked.

“It’s okay. I just didn’t want them thinking of me as your weird girlfriend who speaks to her dead sister.” I sighed. It was too late now anyway.

“Well, you are my weird girlfriend. And you do speak to your dead sister.” He added, ducking aside as I tried to hit him. “Hey. Hot coffee!” He said, shaking his head in mock disgust.

We reached Steffy’s room, Dane held onto my hand as we walked in, together. My heart pounded. My eyes fell on Steffy first. Her long dark hair, tangled and listless lay fanned out on the pillow. Her eyes were closed, but she looked peaceful. Poor girl. I couldn’t even imagine the pain she’d been through. She looked so young, so vulnerable lying there, tubes coming out of everywhere. I felt Dane squeeze my hand, letting me know he was there for me.

His mom came over to where we stood. Her eyes filled with tears as she threw her arms around me in a massive hug. It took me less than a second to respond, hugging her back.

“I can never thank you enough Lily. I can’t even begin to show you how grateful I am for all you’ve done not only of Steffy, but also Dane.” She sobbed, with no intention of letting me go. We hugged for ages, eventually Dane’s father came over and gently moved his wife away. His eyes met mine, as he smiled at me. He reached out, and we hugged.

“Thank you.” He whispered. “You will never know the extent of our gratitude.” His voice broke, as he moved away from me, once again hugging his wife. Dane’s arm snaked around my waist.

“I’m just glad she is safe.” I smiled, wiping my eyes. I glanced at Dane. He too was crying. “What have the doctors said about her?” I asked, eyeing the tubes and machines.

“The tubes are just to nourish her, and the machines are just precautionary, to check her heart function. They say physically, she will make a full recovery, but we won't know how emotionally scarred she is until she wakes up.” Andrew said, taking a deep breath.

“How was she when they found her?” I asked.

“Terrified. In shock. She wasn’t alone, there were other women with her too.” Andrew shook his head, as if he were trying to understand. I had figured there would be other women, based on the website. My heart went out to them too as I wondered what their stories were, and how long they had been kept from their families.

“I hope you don’t mind, Lil, I said mom and dad could use my hotel room, and I would stay with you.” Dane said, turning me so I was facing him.

“Of course that’s fine.” I smiled at him. Didn’t he realize yet that I would do anything for him?

He nodded, relieved. “You should go and get some sleep, sexy.” He said, kissing my lips. “You look so tired.”

“I don’t want to leave you.” I protested.

“I’m fine. I will get a lift back with mom and dad. Please baby, you haven’t slept well in days.” He insisted.

“Neither have you.” I grumbled. “Okay.” I added, seeing his expression. “Frase and Kella are here. They can take me back. They send their love.” I lifted my mouth to his once again, placing a soft kiss on his lips. Smiling at his parents, I quietly left the room, nodding at the guards outside her door.

Chapter Twenty-Three