Chapter 3

Trevor's POV

I came back to the hospital the next morning with a bag that had an outfit for her to wear. I also brought her favorite accesories like her gemstoned necklace she so badly loved. 

I passed the front  doors and went to her little corner in the hospital. 

The bed.

It's empty...why?

What's happening?

Where is Stella!

I headed for the desk at the end of the hallway and asked the blonde nurse. "Uhm, there was a patient in that bed. May I know where she's at?" I asked her while I pointed to the far end of the hallway. "Name of the patient please?"

"Stella. Stella Malks." I told her and worridly looked around for any signs of Stella. "It seems she was moved upstairs to the advanced rooms and her bill was paid. ." The nurse said looking intently at her computer screen. I gave her a nervous and confused smile "Oh... That sounds expensive."

She gave me a small smile and looked back down to continue her work.  I turned and walked away with a little boost in my step as I tried to figure out what was happening. 

Why is she up there? Who would pay for that? Who?

The elevator door opened and I found myself in the next floor of the hospital. As I walked down the hallway I searched for Stella until suddenly,  I found her.

My eyes squinted a bit in confusion and suspicion as to what I was seeing.

She sat at the edge of the bed with regular clothes on. Standing in the middle of the room by the doctor were both of her parents.

They were dressed, as always, with suits and ties and fancy dresses and jewelry. I knocked and turned the knob to get in whether they wanted me to or not.

"Mr. Arling!  Wonderful to see you. " the female doctor greeted me extending her arm to shake my hand. We shook hands, then I gave her a confused smile. "Uhm, You wouldn't mind telling me what's going on, would ya?" I asked as politely as I could. " Well a fe-" the doctor was beginning to explain when Stella's father cut in.

"We heard our daughter was in a terrible car accident and we came as quickly as we could." He paused and looked at his wife who gave him displeased look- obviously towards me -then he turned and glared at me. "It would have been nice if 'family'  had told us."

Now I won't lie, this made me want to punch his face and smash it to the ground so it would crush a break into millions of pieces. But,  given the circumstances, that was not an option. "What? Why didn't you call my family?" Stella asked standing up.

"Stella, " I paused not knowing how she would take this. "you haven't spoken to your parents for years. " I told her calmly looking at her and her parents. "What? Why? "

I wanted to tell her. I truly did.

But I didn't. I couldn't. She isn't ready to know this information yet.

" It doesn't matter now sweety! All that matters is that you get home and we get you all cozy up when you get home! " Her mother said fixing Stella's hair and clothes.

Wait?  What!

"What?  Stella has to go backto her normal routine so shs can better remember. Her normal routine is with me. " I stated and looked between the doctor and the parents. 

"I don't even remember you. How can I be so sure your not just lying to me about being married and all. " 

" Because I have proof! " I stated revealing the message recorder. " This is proof that I'm not lying and that we do live together! "

I looked down

At the machine

And then I

Pressed

Play...

"(laughs) Hi baby! Turns out I am coming home early today. (chuckles) Can't wait to get a piece of you tonight. Raawwrr! (laughs) See ya in a bit,  love you."

The ending tone echoes in the room and everyone shifts uncomfortably.  " I sound... Happy there. "

She stays in deep thought and we all looked at each other. 

That doctor sure is making me angry though not showing any support for me even though I'm right and she knows that as well as I do.

"I'll go.  I mean the doctor did say to go back fo my normal routine. " Stella said with a shrug.

Thank god!

"Honey, no." the father says turning around and looking down at his fail attempt to get her with them. " It's only for a few days!  If I think something is bad or I don't like it I'll go back with you. " Stella says reassuring  them. "

Her parents agreed while giving me a very displeased look and the doctor assigned a date for Stella's  brain scan. 

As we drive towards our house I keep hoping that things will go back to normal

...I hope... I truly hope it does.