An evening of romance ends in tragedy Every Room of the House Part 4

Mitch paced the hospital waiting area, anxious for information on Raven’s condition. Periodically he glanced at Jack, who’d said nothing and did nothing except sit staring at the floor. What was he thinking? Why hadn’t he said anything? Then again, maybe it’s better that he didn’t say anything.

Both focused their attention the doctor who approached them. Mitch’s heart accelerated in anticipation of the news he was about to hear.  He squared his shoulders, bracing himself for a negative report.

“Hi. I’m Doctor Brown. Raven has a concussion as well as some contusions and lacerations to her face and head.” He looked alternately between Mitch and Jack.

“Is she going to be okay?” Jack’s first words since his arrival.

“It’s hard to determine the full extent of her injuries. We’ll know more when she wakes up.”

Jack stood just inches from the doctor. “The… full… extent… of her injuries. By that you mean–?”

“When she wakes up… we’ll be better able to determine if there is irreparable damage.”

“Mitch’s head sank. He closed his eyes and let out a deep breath. Can we see her?”

“Yes, but one at a time. And only for a few moments.”

Mitch nodded toward Jack, who immediately went to Raven’s room.

Doctor Brown took a step closer to Mitch.  “You were with her at the time of the accident, is that right, Sir?”

“Yes.”

“Can you tell me what happened?”

“She fell. Like I told the Emergency Technicians.”

The doctor pressed his lips together. “Are you sure that’s what happened?”

“What do you mean, am I sure?”

“I just need to make sure I have all the information. For my notes.”

Mitch held the doctor’s gaze, unwavering under his scrutinizing stare. How dare this man imply Raven’s fall was anything other than an accident? Mitch refused to look away, refused to move or give the man any indication he had something to hide.

Finally the doctor turned to leave. “Remember, just a few minutes with her.”

Mitch began pacing again as he waited for Jack to return. He replayed the events of the evening in his mind. He and Raven making love in front of the fireplace and again on the kitchen table. Her hasty retreat as Jack entered the house. And the fall. That was the image he couldn’t shake from his mind. It played over and over like a scene from a movie. Her body falling. Her head hitting the table with a startling bang. That fucking table. Why was it there? Because he’d put it there. He’d moved the table from its usual spot so he’d have more room to fuck her by the fireplace.

He stopped pacing and lowered his head, pinching the bridge of his nose. This was his fault. This disaster was a result of his desire for her. Their desire for each other. He sat in one of the soft cushioned chairs. Comfortable. But he didn’t deserve comfort. He didn’t deserve to feel good while Raven suffered.

What if her injuries resulted in permanent damage? He’d never forgive himself if he’d caused harm to the woman he loved.

Engrossed in his thoughts, he hadn’t noticed Jack approaching.

He searched Jack’s face as if he’d find the answers revealed there. Even just a clue, a hint about her condition. “How is she?”

Jack shrugged without looking at him. “I don’t know. She’s asleep like the doctor said.

Are you going to tell me what happened?”

Jack obviously wasn’t going to let this go. How could he after what he’d witnessed?

Mitch took a deep breath. “Your mother and I didn’t expect you home from school until tomorrow.  She panicked when she heard you coming, and stumbled in her attempt to cover herself.”

“Why were you guys naked?”

What the hell kind of question was that?

“Seriously? You’re 18. Do I need to have the talk with you again?”

“You guys were having sex?”

“Yes, son. We were having sex.” Saying the words wasn’t as bad as he thought it would be. He and Raven have sex. Often. After all this time he still enjoyed making love to his wife. Surely Jack was old enough to understand that.

“But … you’ve been married for like …”

“Twenty years.”

“And you still do it?”

“I’m sorry. I must have missed the chapter of the marriage manual that mentions when we’re supposed to stop doing it.” He smiled at his son.

“That’s disgusting! But … kinda nice, I guess. In a weird sort of way”

Jack shifted in his seat. “Do you think she’ll be okay?”

Mitch wanted desperately to comfort his son, assure him that his mother would be fine.

For years Raven had been his friend, his lover, the mother of his children. She was his partner in everything. He needed her to be okay. “I hope so, Son. I hope so.”

Will Raven recover from her injuries?

Follow along to find out what happens next!

In Every Room of the House

By Sha Renee