(I decided to try to work from both Angie and Liv's perspective on this one. Bare with me...)
~Angie's perspective~
I slept like shit. Mostly from trying to be still so I didn't hurt Liv's shoulder, but also the idea of talking to Shaina was stressing me out. I'd been through my own shit, but who hasn't? At least it was morning and I could sneak out of bed. Liv grumbled a little when I slid out from her arm, but stayed asleep. I love the way my sweet, seemingly always broken, girl looks when she sleeps well. Peaceful. Happy. Especially since most of her nightmares had backed off. She still gets them on occasion, but it doesn't take such a toll on both of us the way it used to. Shaina really did help her, maybe this wouldn't be so bad. Maybe making breakfast would help. I always love cooking and feeding people. I laid Liv's sling next to her in case she woke up before I finished cooking.
I know how much she likes making us coffee. It's one of the little things she does since she can't cook for shit. Deciding she shouldn't try it anyway, and needing a boost, I turned on the pot to brew. Looking into the fridge, I made a mental note to go shopping on my way home. Eggs and bacon were about the only thing still good in there. Cracking the eggs into the pan and laying some bacon in another made a satisfying sizzling sound. Grabbing my coffee, I sipped while I cooked, starting to relax. Hearing Liv getting up, I wondered if her taking the pain meds would be another argument. She shuffled out into the kitchen, and I smiled at her wearing the sling.
"Morning love. Smells good. Hey, is this thing on right?"
"Your hand should be a little more elevated. Can I help show you?"
Liv nodded, studying the positioning of where I adjusted the sling. She thanked me and sat down after grabbing her own energy drink. I watched her struggle to open the can while I plated our breakfast. Eventually, Liv discovered if she held the can in her slung arm, she could pop the top with her left. I couldn't resist laughing at her large chest getting in the way slightly, spilling some on her shirt. Liv was good humored about it, only shaking her head and smiling at me.
"How bad is the pain today?" I asked, watching her struggle to eat with her left hand.
"Ugh. Hate to admit it, pretty bad. Less than yesterday, but barely."
"You can probably take the sling off to eat. I'll call the doctor after breakfast. Wanna try that, or I can make some toast and turn it into a sandwich?"
"Kinda hurts to move. This is fine, love. Just don't watch me too closely. Pretty sure I look like a child learning to use a fork!"
"Yeah, you kinda do," I laughed with her, "I'd offer to feed you, but I'm sure your stubborn ass will say no."
"Correct."
It's hard not to watch her. She probably sensed that I was a little anxious today and I appreciated her surprisingly light spirit, considering how she was acting yesterday. I started cleaning up after myself, placing one of the pain pills near Liv's drink. Liv thanked me and took it. I'd never seen such little resistance from her when it came to any kind of medication. If only it were always this easy. I kissed her forehead and excused myself while she finished eating.
I called the doctor to ask my questions. If it doesn't hurt, she can take the sling off to eat, as long as she doesn't have to cut anything tough. Video games are fine, make sure she doesn't put pressure on her elbow. Sometimes the injections really don't react well for some people. He let me know she might be in pain a few more days. My biggest concern was letting Liv go back to work. The doctor, knowing how stubborn she is as well, said to let her, but only if she can do things with the one hand. I'd have to talk to her about that. Bathing is fine alone, but we usually shower together anyway. I confirmed driving is a big no for now. I felt selfish being a little frustrated that I would have to drive her to and from work if she went back. None of this was her fault, just an accident. I asked a couple more questions about her follow ups and such. Hearing something clatter across the kitchen floor, I quickly ended the call.
"Don't worry! Just dropped the fork! I got it!"
I walked back into the kitchen. Liv put the plate down, put the fork back on it, then it slid off again when she tried to move the plate. I let her try one more time before stepping in.
"You really aren't a lefty, girlie!"
"Hey, there's one thing my left hand is good for... want a little loving and stress relief before you get ready?"
"Maybe later, let's see how you're feeling. Can I tuck you back into bed with some ice? I'm going to have to go to the grocery store after, so I might be gone awhile."
"Yes, and take your time, love. I'll call you or Jimmy if I need help or anything."
I watched her climb into bed carefully. Wanting to make sure she would be fine alone for awhile, I asked her if she could take off the sling and get the ice on by herself. It took her a minute, mostly because of how tender her arm and shoulder were, but she succeeded. Filling her in on all the doctor stuff, I started getting dressed. I told her we could talk about her going back to work later. You could always tell when the meds were kicking in, something goofy or silly would come out of Liv's mouth. As she began nodding off, she asked if she could rub my ass for me later if she was a good girl. Liv had a decent tolerance for alcohol, but none for narcotics. Laughing, I tucked her in, making sure her phone and the remote for the tv were close enough to reach easily. By the time I got my keys to leave, Liv was out cold.
Sitting in the waiting room, I observed the others there. Most looked calm, happy even. It made me wonder why I was there, then I realized that for the most part, I'm also happy and calm. Shaina let her current patient out, calling me in. I sat on the couch, fidgeting with the pillows.
"Angie, it's good to see you. What brings you here?"
"Umm. I'm not really sure. Liv suggested it when I told her I have flashbacks of Larry or other things sometimes. It's not that bad, really."
"A lot of people say that. They think because someone has it worse, their pain isn't important."
"I went through a lot with him before Liv came along. He was controlling and abusive as all hell."
"How long were you two together?"
"Six years total. Married for three."
"Was he always like that?"
"No. It started small, and at the time, it seemed like he was doing nice things. Like insisting I don't work. He'd leave me an allowance, more or less. The last two years were when it got really bad."
"Is that what the flashbacks are? His abuse?"
"Sometimes. Usually, it's the first few days with Liv. Running out of his house, the process of getting to her house, then... well, you know the whole fight where she saved us."
