3WW-Taking Liberty Part 14

Click here for 3WW

Well, I felt that part 13 was a bit of a dud, but I'm hoping that this week will get the ball rolling again.  There's been an idea itching in the back of my mind for a while now.  I'm not sure if it's going to be unveiled here or a bit later, but I think its time is fast approaching.

So let's all hold on and hope for the best! If you need a quick reminder, make sure you stop by my Taking Liberty page.

Today's words are abrasive, handful, and loss.

As the nurse closed the door behind her, I looked one last time at James.  He comforted me in a way that surprised me.  We had only spoken a handful of time, but here I was literally and figuratively leaning on him for strength.

"Ok, honey.  What did you take this morning?"  Even though her southern drawl was still firmly in place, the sweetness was lacking.

I stared at her for a long minute. "What?"

"What types of pills did you take this morning?"  Her foot tapped against the rough carpet.

"I don't know."  I thought back on the morning.  Was it possible that I had taken something?  Or rather, did Liberty take something?

The morning was fuzzy, but I thought I had been in control, if not completely on top of things.  I looked at the nurse and shook my head.

"Look, you're about to pass out right now, but your pulse is racing.  Honey, you're strung out.  Now what did you take?"

Her cute drawl was becoming harsher and more clipped, abrasive to my ears and distracting.  I couldn't focus on what she was asking me.

"Pills? I didn't take any--"

"Then get out of my office."

I stared at her for a long moment and then shifted my weight.  The paper on the examining table crinkled.   "What?"

"If you're not going to be honest with me, I can't help you.  Your loss.  Just go home and call 911 before you black out."

She walked to the door and opened it.  Her foot started tapping again.  Something about the sound grated on my nerves and I could feel Liberty stirring somewhere.  I forced myself to my feet and walked out the room.

James was already standing, with my bag slung over his shoulder.  I walked over to him and heard the loud thump of the door closing.  He took my hand and smiled at me.

"Don't let her get to you.  Heard she's going through a divorce or something." He led me to the hallway, where he looked both ways, like some secret agent or something.

"What do you say we get out of here?" He smiled at me again.

Something about his smile calmed me, and I could feel my heart, well, if not stop racing, at least ease the pace.  I nodded, feeling like a mute fool, and followed his lead into the parking lot and into his car.

Ok, so not this week, but maybe the next.  Groundwork is being laid, though, and I think it's safe to say that I'm probably about halfway through the story.

Any thoughts on what might happen next?