Caretaker
The bar erupted into chaos as fists flew and chairs were overturned. Mapi, fueled by adrenaline and jealousy, fought with everything she had. She couldn’t let anyone disrespect Ingrid, no matter how complicated their relationship had become.
But in the heat of the moment, Mapi took a brutal hit, and that's when everything went black.
When Mapi woke up, she found herself in a hospital room, the sterile smell overwhelming her senses. Blinking against the harsh lights, she turned her head to see Ingrid sitting by her bedside, looking worried and relieved simultaneously.
“Mapi,” Ingrid whispered, tears welling up in her eyes.“I was so scared.”
Mapi’s heart swelled at the sight of Ingrid. Despite the fight and their recent breakup, the love she felt for the shy librarian was undeniable.“I’m sorry for what happened,” Mapi said, her voice hoarse.“I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
Ingrid nodded, wiping away her tears.“I’m sorry too. I never wanted us to fight. I miss you, Mapi.”
“I miss you too,” Mapi said, trying to sit up. Ingrid rushes over, helping her up as the doctor comes in.
“Welcome back,” the doctor said, trying to joke. “ So you're still probably confused and light-headed, but that will go away soon.”
“ So what happened? All I can remember is getting hit; then, everything else is a blur.” Mapi asked.
“ Well, you came in with a severe concussion. You were out for quite a while. Can you follow this light?” the doctor asked, shining a light in her eyes and moving it around as she asked questions like her name and date of birth, testing her cognitive abilities.
“ Ok, all your tests came back normal, so I can release you today, but only if you have someone with you 24/7 for the next couple of days,” The doctor said. “Do you have anyone that can sign you out?”
Before Mapi could answer, Ingrid jumped in. “ I can take care of her. What do you need me to sign?” She asked, not looking at Mapi.
“Ok, perfect. Sign here,” he said handing the paper over, watching Ingrid sign it. “ A nurse will be in shortly to explain the recovery process and help you leave. Have a nice day, and take it easy.”
With that, they were alone again. “ You don’t have to stay with me. I can call Alexia or Patri..”
“ It’s ok. I want to.” Ingrid shrugged. “Unless you don’t want me to?”
“ No, of course I want you to stay with me; I just don’t want to pressure you.”Mapi smiled as the nurse came in, interrupting their awkward conversation. Explain all the rules to both the girls, giving Ingrid some pain killers to give to Mapi. Nurse grabbed a wheel chair trying to get Mapi in it as it was policy.
“ Hell no, I’m fine. I can walk.” Mapi said, trying to walk away but struggling as she was still lightheaded.
Ingrid caught Mapi before she fell. “ Get in the wheelchair chair.” She told her, not waiting for an answer, pushing her in it.
“ Fine, “ Mapi said, pouting and kicking her feet like a little kick getting a giggle out of Ingrid as the nurse pushed them to the parking lot where Alexia was waiting with her car for them.
“ Oh, wow, Mapi Leon agreeing to sit in a wheelchair. I never thought I would see the day,” Alexia joked.
Mapi rolled her eyes. “ Shut up and help me up.” Alexia grabbed her arm, helping her stand as Ingrid opened the door.
The car ride to Mapi's place was quiet. No one knew what to say, and Mapi’s head was still pounding, so the radio wasn't an option.
When they arrived at her apartment, the two girls helped Mapi get settled before Alexia left them alone again.
“ Ingrid!” Mapi tried to yell, still a little lightheaded. Ingrid rushed into the bedroom, worried.
“Yes, are you ok? Do you need water? Are you in pain?” She started frecking out.
“Head calm down, I'm fine, “ Mapi reassured her. “ I just wanted you to figure out the sleeping arrangements because I'm going to sleep now.”
Relieved, Ingrid sat down on the bed next to Mapi. “ I can take the couch, and you can call if you need anything.”
“Actually, can you sleep here?” Mapi asked, wanting her close. Ingrid was too surprised to answer, which scared Mapi. “ Only if you're comfortable with it. I just wanted some company.”
“ Ok,” Is all Ingrid said, getting in the bed, laying down, turning off the lights as Mapi got comfortable, pulling Ingrid close to her, laying her head on Ingrid's chest, feeling safe.
“Goodnight, Mapi,” Ingrid said, wrapping her arms around Mapi.
“Goodnight, Princess.”
During the night, Mapi woke up in pain; her head was pounding so much. She tried to get up without waking Ingrid but failed.
“ Hey, what's wrong?” Ingrid asked, still half asleep.
Mapi took a minute turning to control the pain before answering, “ My head” Is all she could get out. That scared the sleep out of Ingrid as she jumped out of bed, running into the kitchen and grabbing the painkillers. “Here, take this, “ She said, handing her the pill and a glass of water that Mapi chugged.
Ingrid knew it would take some time for the pills to kick in, so she got back in bed, holding Mapi and trying to take the pain away. Eventually, they both fell asleep again.
Ingrid woke up again, but this time it was morning and someone was staring at her. “ Hey, beautiful, good morning,” Mapi said, blushing at getting caught watching Ingrid sleep.
“Morning,” Ingrid said, shifting her body closer to Mapi , cuddling into her arms. “How are you feeling ?”
“ Better the painkillers helped.”Mapi shrugged, not wanting to get up. “ Do you have plans today?”
“Nope,I called off of work for the whole week. It's just me and you.” she answered making Mapi shift moving so they were face eachother.
“ We need to talk,” Mapi said, worrying about Ingrid, who sat up.
“ We do,” she nodded. “ I told my friends about us, and I'm sorry for hiding you. I was just scared they would steal you from me. I'm sorry.”
“ First of all, I like you, no one else,” Mapi replied, tucking a piece of hair behind Ingrid's face. “ and I should apology to I shouldn’t of acted that way I just though you were embarrassed of me and I was hurt.”
“ I think we both messed up; we should have just been truthful,” Ingrid said, getting a nod back. She laid her head on Mapi's chest, cuddling into her side again, not knowing what was going to happen.
They shared a moment of silence, the weight of their feelings hanging in the air. Mapi took a deep breath, her heart racing.“Can we start over? Will you be my girlfriend?”
Ingrid froze. Did she just say, “ What ?”
“Will you be my girlfriend ?”She asked again making Ingrid move up to her face pulling her in for a kiss. “ Is that a yes” she asked smiling knowing the answer.
“ Yes.” Ingrid nodded, pulling her in again. They spent the whole day kissing and talking. They talked about their insecurities and fears, learning to communicate better. Mapi opened up about her jealousy, while Ingrid shared her struggles with feeling inadequate in comparison to Mapi’s tough exterior. They learned a lot about each other, wanting to start fresh.