Page 87 of Always Been You
"Hospital” is all I manage before turning toward my car.
Thankfully, I came with Josh today. I don’t think I could drive like this.
I slide into the backseat with her, cradling her against me, while Josh jumps into the driver’s seat. He doesn’t ask questions. He just drives and I am grateful for that. Her family piles into the van, following us.
I tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear, my hands shaking. “Baby, please don’t do this to me,” I whisper. “I’m so sorry. I’ll do anything… just wake up.”
She doesn’t move.
My throat tightens, and I press my forehead to hers.
“I love you, damn it,” I murmur. “I was a fool not to see how wrong I was. Please. Please.”
I stroke her cheek, my thumb tracing the curve of her face as she rests in my lap. I wish that hazel eyes would flit open even if it were to just hurl insults at me or anything. I will take that any day to her lying down like this.
I keep talking to her, keep begging, and keep whispering my love until we reach the hospital.
We arrive at the hospital, and the doctors move quickly.
IV drips. Oxygen checks. Injections. Machines beeping. The sterile scent of antiseptic fills the air.
Her dad texted me earlier, telling me to take her to the family hospital. He had already spoken to the staff, making sure they were on standby. The moment we arrived, they were waiting. No delays. No questions. They lifted her from my arms, placed her on a stretcher, and disappeared into a room.
Now, we wait.
Her family arrives soon after, and suddenly, the waiting room feels smaller. Too many people. Too much silence.
I keep pacing. Walking back and forth, my hands clenched into fists. My body is tense, but my mind is worse. My thoughts spiral. What if she doesn’t wake up? What if—no. I can’t think like that.
When she wasn’t mine, at least I knew she was somewhere, alive. Breathing. But to live in a world where she doesn’t exist?
I can’t even picture it.
“It will be fine, son.”
Her father’s voice pulls me from my thoughts. I nod, but my throat is too tight to speak.
A single tear slips down my face before I can stop it.
Ines steps forward and wraps her arms around me. “She’s strong. Nothing will happen to her.”
I let her hold me. I need the grounding she gives me. Even Aria steps beside me, placing a hand on my arm. Silent comfort.
I should be the one comforting them, but I can’t bring myself to be the all-bossy, ruthless Eddie they know. Not right now.
Right now, I feel like a child again.
Helpless.
A doctor finally steps out.
We all move toward her at once.
“How is she?” I ask, my voice hoarse.
She looks at the crowd of anxious faces around her, then a small smile breaks across her face.
Relief crashes over me. My knees give out, and I sink down, trying to catch my breath. A weight lifts from my chest, but I still can’t calm myself.
