Elona’s POV
I stirred with pain and discomfort, squinting as the light blinded me. I groaned as I rubbed my eyes. The events of what happened came rushing back to me as I now take in my surroundings. I am lying in the hospital bed. I placed my hand on my belly. I had to make sure that I took my pills, but I forgot. Now, I am here because of that.
“Hey,” I heard a familiar voice and I looked to my side to see Tristan lean forward in the chair that he sat in beside me. He took my hand in his. I swallowed my throat feeling dry. “How are you feeling?” he asked, concern evident on his face.
“I feel like crap. Some pain and discomfort,” I sucked in a breath.
“You had surgery. I know what the issue is. Your father explained to me, because I asked him too, since he put you in my care. If something had to happen like this to you, and he was not around, I needed to know. So, don’t be angry with him that he told me. More importantly, I am your boyfriend. You could’ve told me,” he squeezed my hand gently.
I let out a slow breath, “I didn’t want anyone to know about this since my father and I knew about it years ago. I was irresponsible by forgetting to take my birth control pills, which was a massive help with my pain.” I licked my lips to moisten them.
“You also could’ve fallen pregnant easily by being that irresponsible,” he said with disappointment, and when my eyes met his, there was a bit of disappointment.
“I’m sorry. I just… I’m not even sure if I will ever fall pregnant. That is a good thing for us both, so relax.” I tried to reassure him.
“What if you didn’t have this condition, and you forgot to take those pills?”
“But that is not the case with me. You know it. Sorry if I have disappointed you in that regard.” I was not happy with where this conversation was going.
“As long as you are okay, your health is top priority, and we know what is going on, then there is nothing to apologize for,” he let out a breath as he caressed the back of my hand with his thumb. “Just know that I am always here for you and you can tell me anything.”
“Thanks,” I said. “Where’s my father?” I asked.
“He went for a walk, I did text him that you were out of surgery. I have been here by your side ever since they brought you back in.” my heart fluttered that he was by my side the entire time.
“Thanks for being here,” I said.
“I will always be here for you. From now on, you tell everything whether you have pain or discomfort. If I had known what was wrong with you at the camp, I wouldn’t think twice about taking you back home. You were very pale, but somehow you were strong through it all. So, from now on, you will tell me, okay?” his expression softened.
“I will,” I replied. I looked at the door, “I just hate to go through this. I don’t wish this on any woman. When I’m in pain, I keep asking myself, why is this happening to me? Why me? I don’t like to have my father go through this with me, because I know that it reminds him of my mother. I don’t want these things to trigger him. I have no cure and I had to make peace with that. Some doctors would say that painful periods are normal, that it’s all in my head as if I was crazy. My father clearly saw that it was not normal for me. He fought to get the right doctors. The doctors that I’m under at this hospital are amazing. I can only do things that will relieve the pain and discomfort and surgery. I just… don’t want you to be in this situation either if this is something that will also trigger things inside of you that…. that might remind you of loss or anything. But I’m not going anywhere. If you want to support me through this, then, you need to be sure to stick by my side, no matter what. If this is not something that you want to deal with, then you are free to leave,” I looked at him as he continued to caress the back of his hand. It hurts to say it.
“I am in this for the long haul. I am not leaving your side… ever. You are stuck with me forever. I don’t want any other life without you in it. I only want you because you make my life complete. I may be feeling sad about what you’re going through, but we will get through this together. I am your strength whenever you are weak. I am here to lift you up when you are down and to be that little push when you need it. But I will not go anywhere,” he gave me a little smile.
“Promise me that you won’t grow tired of me and this condition… ever,” I said.
“I promise. I will never grow tired of you and this condition. You make my life colorful and I feel alive. As long as you need to do whatever it is in order to feel better. And to take your pills, we will be fine.”
“I ruined your birthday.” I felt down that I had ruined it.
“Stop that. You didn’t ruin anything. I hate celebrating my birthday. But maybe in the future when we are married, then I might just be able to celebrate my birthday again.” he smiled. That concern was no longer visible on his face.
“I will surprise you with breakfast in bed and whatever you want,” I smiled.
“Well, that depends on what kind of breakfast you are talking about,” he stated in thought, smirking.
“Whatever breakfast you want,” I continued to smile. “What is taking my father so long?”
“He should be here any minute, or he hadn’t read my text. But I am able to get more time alone with you before he enters. Cris went to the cafeteria. She should also be here.” he explained.
“I feel like Cris knows something is going on between us, but she is taking it as if you are choosing me over her in a father/daughter type of way.” I was worried about that.
“Don’t worry about her. I told her that I am your guardian and that is all that it is. Also, the jacket of mine that I left by you. I had to lie and say that it was your father’s jacket, and we wear the same scent.”
“So many lies to keep up with, what if we eventually slip up?” I asked.
“We will take it one day at a time. We should try not to make things obvious, especially in front of Cris. She is a clever girl and I hope that she will be okay with us when the time comes,” he said with worry etched on his face.
“Me too.”
All we can do is play it safe and make sure that we can keep up with all these lies until we tell them. My priority right now is to get better and recover. My biggest secret is out with regards to my endometriosis, and it feels like a weight has been lifted knowing that Tristan won’t go anywhere and to be my support.