Free SCARRED - Part 5 by Kylie Walker Page B

have to be transferred to a rehab hospital for. The speech is one of them. He can say my name and he’s trying to say other things, but the doctor says it’s likely the nerve that controls his speech was partially damaged but will repair itself over time. The brain is a remarkable beast. The doctor says that in time, the brain can incorporate a new nerve, or a new pathway for his speech to follow. He did say it would be difficult and require a lot of hard work...but this was the most successful businessman on the east coast we were talking about. He’s starting out with more brain power impaired than most people have on a given day, I’d be willing to bet. He can do this. I have no doubt.
    I’m ecstatic about him getting out of ICU also because each time he passes a level of care that brings him one step closer to going home. Samantha and Trevor came into the city to see him a few days ago and Samantha talked to Kevin about taking him home to their house when he was ready. Kevin had been planning to take him to the mansion and hiring a nurse, but Samantha was offering to care for him herself and Kevin like that idea better. I like it too. I’ll be able to spend more time getting to know my family while Derek heals. Before any of that happens, I have to deal with Jesse. This has to end.
    I have a semblance of a plan in my head. When I spoke to Lexi a few days ago, she told me that she and Brock were going to Arizona in a few weeks for his cousin’s wedding. They would be gone four days. Somehow, I need to make sure that Jesse knows that. I’m pretty sure that he’s still following me, so that shouldn’t be too hard. The hard part will be giving Kevin and Jake the slip. They keep a tight rein on me and I do appreciate it...but this started with me and Jesse and that’s how it has to end. At least once a week I still meet with Max. He referred me to a gym here in New York too, so I’m still working out every day. I’m strong and I’m ready...I hope.
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    R oxi called a few days ago to see how things were going with Derek and to tell me that they are having a going away party for Mike on Saturday night. Mike got an actual DJ job on the radio. I was really happy for him. He’s a great guy. She told me that they’re all meeting at her friends bar Club 234 at ten. I haven’t talked to Jake about it yet, but if Derek continues to improve, I would like to go. I thought that when I finally got the chance to escape that nightlife, I would never look back. But I realized that most of the people working in those types of clubs, that they were just like me...doing only what they had to in order to survive. They’re good people at heart and although I don’t miss the disgusting, perverse clients even a little bit, I do miss my co-workers and my boss.
    I’m headed back to the hospital now. I get to watch Derek’s therapy session today. His therapist thought me being there when he tried to walk would motivate him. I hope so. I want him back worse than I’ve ever wanted anything in my life.
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    D erek was taken to the therapy room by wheelchair. He was able to stand and transfer into the chair with the help of his therapist and his assistant. Chloe followed them, anxious to see how he was going to do.
    “Derek, before we begin I want to just tell you what we’ve assessed so far about your condition. Your head injury seems to be located in the vestibular system. That’s a tiny little mechanism at the back of your skull here,” the therapist touched Derek’s head to show him. “That’s what shows up damaged on the MRI’s that you’ve had done. What this means is that you will very likely be strong enough to stand and walk and your body will likely remember how to do that. What you will probably have difficulties with is your balance. You’ll feel a little bit dizzy and like you’re going to fall. While we’re here in the therapy room, you don’t have to worry. We won’t let you fall.