"What do we have for music?" Lori asked.
"An iPod on shuffle. I think you'll find something you like." Elam put his arm around Blythe.
Jason started the car, putting it in reverse. Music started playing almost immediately, I'd Rather Go Blind by Beth Hart spilled from the speakers. Blythe smiled, her lips meeting Elam's.
"I approve," Lori said, humming with the song. "He can stay."
Elam chuckled, putting his forehead against Blythe's. "Thank you," he murmured. "All of you, thank you."
The trip to Rosemont seemed to take no time at all, though it was nearly a three hour trip. Blythe and Elam spent most of the time kissing in the back seat. Jason spent the drive trying to ignore the fact his sister was with another man. Granted, he liked Elam, he was a great guy. He just wasn't Alec. Jason hadn't realized how much he wanted his friend back. Alec's death had left a hole in his life, just as it had in Blythe's. He had to admit, Elam would be a good friend, too. He was determined to give him a chance, for Blythe's sake, as well as his own.
"Destination in point five miles," the GPS announced.
Jason had turned onto a narrow paved road that looked like it wasn't big enough for two cars to pass. It wound through the forest, seeming like it went on forever. Soon, it took one last sharp left and Rosemont Hospital loomed before them. Surrounded by trees, it looked more like a Tudor style manor house. The grounds were beautifully landscaped. A circular fountain graced the center of a roundabout that led up to the front door. Dozens of rose bushes ducked and fluttered in the breeze. They found a parking lot that was marked Visitors. Blythe felt stiff when she climbed out of the car. She had to lean on Elam as they walked to the desk.
"They aren't expecting four of us," Elam said. "They probably won't let us all in."
"We'll wait outside if necessary," Lori said. "It's beautiful here. I don't imagine they would mind if we walked around."
"Probably not. Shall we?" Elam confidently led them to the receptionist's desk.
A plump, round faced woman in her thirties, sat at the desk. Her blonde hair was teased up, Eighties style and she wore too much makeup. Despite that, she smiled in a friendly manner.
"Are you Elam?"
"I sure am. Sarah?"
"Yes!" She giggled, trotting around the desk. She had on pink, fuzzy, four inch stilettos, tiger striped leggings and a leopard print top. She kissed Elam on the cheek before turning her smile on Blythe. "And you must be his girlfriend. But who are you two?"
"My brother and his fiancée," Blythe replied. "We thought we'd make a day of it, find dinner on the way home."
"What a great idea. I can tell you all the best places. I can't let you two visit Mal," she told Jason and Lori. "But I'll get you passes, and you can take in the sights. It's real pretty here." She grabbed a handful of badges, distributing them with a giggle and flutter of her false eyelashes. "Now, let me call Mrs. G. and let her know you're here. This is so exciting. No one ever comes to visit, unless they have a loved one in our care."
Clapping her hands gleefully, making a vast variety of bangle bracelets jangle, she scurried behind the desk and picked up the phone.
"Mrs. Garafolo, your guests are here. Yes, ma'am. I'll send them right back." She hung up. "Just take the main hall, turn right at the corridor and follow it to the end. Mal is in room 1-301. His name is on the door."
"Thanks, darlin'. Much appreciate it," Elam said with a grin. "See you two later." He nodded to Jason and Lori.
"I'll text you when we're done," Blythe promised.
They followed Sarah's directions and found the room easily. The door was slightly ajar. Music played and someone sang softly. Her voice was a lovely, mellow alto. Blythe felt herself wanting to sing along. They tapped on the door.
The singing stopped, though the music continued. "Come in."
A tall, black haired woman greeted them. She was simply dressed in a shift and cardigan, but her real pearl necklace and sparkling diamond ring showed there was wealth in the family. The fact they'd been able to pay for their son in a high end private hospital, also told that they had money. Her smile showed Blythe the strong resemblance to the Malachi she had seen in her dreams.
"How do you do, Mrs. Garafolo. I'm Elam Armitage. I asked if we could come visit."
"Come in, please. And this is?" She held out her hand to Blythe.
"This is my girlfriend, Blythe Donovan. It's because of her, that we wanted to visit your son. Honey?"
Blythe took Mrs. Garafolo's hand, smiling. "I think your son saved my life last week."
"How could he? He's been here since last November."
"I know. I can't explain it, but he did. And ever since, I've been seeing him in my dreams." She faltered, holding back a sob. "I thought maybe, if I saw him, somehow I could help. I know it sounds crazy."
"No, sweetheart. It doesn't. There are so many things in life that we can't explain." She led Blythe to the bedside.
©2022 Dellani Oakes
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