Page 90 of It Never Was

He rushes to her side sweeping her hand into his overly sized one. He rubs his thumb on the top careful not to disturb the IV in her wrist, “Where is he?" He doesn't look at me, still scanning Ryen's wellbeing.

"You won't have to worry about him anymore…" I let the words come out confidently, but the question still lingers in the air. Paul looks at me, there is a need to know in them, "He is dead." I clear my throat and look at Ryen, bruises on her cheeks, lips are dry and with a busted split. The wires she's connected to, and the beating of the monitors reminds me she is okay. That she is still with me.

She is safe.

"Good." Is all that Paul musters out as he continues to watch Ryen breathe in her sleep.

She hasn't woken up once since she was in my arms at her house. I have been begging for her to open her eyes, to let me see her okay, but no wishes were answered. I see long hair toss next to the door. I peer over to see Willow, her back against the door frame, hair a mess. Both hands covering her mouth to mute her cries as she looks at her best friend in the hospital bed in front of her.

"Paul…" She inhales through her fingers, but the breath comes out broken, "Parker…" She looks between us, looking unsure of what to do. The tears don't stop as she cradles her head in her hand and shakes side to side.

"Come here." Paul reaches his open hand to her, and she rushes over to him burying her face in the crook between his shoulder and chest. She is quieter now, but the soft sobs shake her whole body as Paul holds her with his free arm, rubbing her back as he speaks, "It's okay, she is tough. She will be okay." He swallows hard, looking as if he had to push the words out with more effort than he is used to.

I give Paul a nod before excusing myself to the hallway to get a coffee. I know no amount of coffee can help me at this point, but it's more to let them have their time with her. Maybe their voice or presence will make her wake up.

Every step I take feels leaded, when I finally find a coffee machine, I pour it in the cup, not fussing with the sugars or creamer, I sip the hot liquid and it burns my throat. I welcome the pain today. I slumped into a chair in the hallway and the weight of my body lands harder than expected. I gulp the brown caffeine down even though it's boiling hot, and I let the empty cup rest in my hand. Laying my head back for just a second to try and go over reality as of now.

Ryen is safe.

That's all that matters. Regardless if she is awake or not right now she is safe.

I exhale fully.

I hear my name called down the hallway, seeing strawberry blonde hair hanging out of the doorway of Ryen's room, Willow waves me down with urgency and I practically toss the chair I am in out of the way to make it down the hall.

56

Ryen

Beep…beep…beep

I tried to open my eyes, but everything was too bright, so I shut them closed. The rough fingers on my hand caress against my skin, and it soothes my nerves.

Where am I?

Images flood back, my eyes still squeezed shut.

"Parker!" I hoarse out, shooting up only to be stopped with a hand on my shoulder, a deep voice hits me, "Shhh, shhh, Ryen. You'll rip the stitch, lay back down."

I blink to slowly adjust to the lighting, the beeping still fills the air, "Paul?" My throat feels dry, and I cough from the strain.

"It's me. You just rest." He pats my hand, my eyes fully adjusting now, and I take in my surroundings.

I'm in a hospital room, the fluorescent lights making the white walls reflect brighter than I care for. I look at Paul, his eyes are heavy. He looks like he has been worrying for a long time. Tears sting behind each blink I take. I reach for him, but something restrains my motion. I look to see an IV in my wrist.

"Don't, just rest Rye," the sweet voice blankets me and I turn towards it, hot tears flow out of the flood gates as Willow comes into view.

"I-I'm so sorry you guys," I cough again as my words rub up my throat like sandpaper.

Willow brings a cup of water to me, bending the straw so I don't try to get up again, "Why are you apologizing?" The water coats my throat, easing the burn. I wince trying to adjust, bringing back my panic.

"Where is he?" I blurt out, "Where is Parker?" I scan the room thinking I'll see him, my thoughts race thinking of all the possibilities, "where is —"

"He is getting a coffee Ryen." Paul booms out, hand on my shoulder now.

"He is okay. He is fine, I mean he has bruises, but he isn't in a hospital bed like you," Willow reassures me but I don't see him so my brain won't turn off the panic.

"Go get him." Paul tells Willow across the bed, and she springs out of her spot and out the door.

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