Page 36 of Laying it Bare Backstage

Ascher wrapped his arm around my shoulders, his other one around Ivy. “It’s going to be okay. She’s strong and a fighter. Let’s go find that waiting area he mentioned.”

Swiping my hand down my face, I was surprised to find it wet. I hadn’t even realized I was crying. But really it wasn’t all that startling at all. I loved her with every part of my being and my heart was being ripped to shreds with the terror that this time that bitch might end up being successful. I refused to focus on that right now. Instead, I followed Ascher and Ivy to the elevators. When – not if – Serenity woke up, she’d be able to identify her attacker and justice would be served and this entire nightmare would be over.

This waiting area was almost desolate, as it was evening and scheduled surgeries happened earlier in the day. Emergencies were the only – I couldn’t finish the thought. My throat clogged and a rush of tears poured down my cheeks again. I was too antsy to sit so I paced the small space like a caged tiger.

The receptionist called me over to her desk. She was an older woman with kind hazel eyes. “Serenity’s name will pop up on the board over there so you can get updates. And when she’s out of surgery, the surgeon will come out to talk to you. Here is a hospital gown you can put on until you can get another shirt.” She handed me one of those hideous wrap around gowns that your ass normally hung out of.

“Thank you.” Although I would have worn a garbage bag if necessary. I wasn’t leaving the hospital without Serenity. And I prayed those words didn’t come back to bite me in the ass. “Where is a restroom I can use?”

She gestured to her left. “Second door on the right is the Men’s Room.”

I walked in that direction and ducked into the room. At the sink, I twisted on the water and washed my hands; the sight of the blood rinsing down the drain had the tears rushing down my cheeks again. I had to grab the sides of the sink to steady myself as huge sobs shook my entire body. I couldn’t lose her. Not like this. My brain knew it wasn’t my fault but that didn’t absolve the guilt in my heart. And along those lines; Serenity was a part of my soul now. Losing her would kill me. I would be left a hollow man.

Once I managed to take a few minute breaths, I splashed water onto my face, used a little bit of soap, and then moved on to cleaning the blood smears from my chest. After I rinsed, I patted myself dry with some paper towels before tossing them into the trash. Then I slipped on the gown and tied the back. I had some blood on my dress pants as well and although a bit morbid, I wanted to keep that small part of her with me. Until I got to hold her again. I know; as I had admitted, I was well aware it was dark contemplation. But anguish would do that to a person.

Back out in the waiting area, I paced. However, when my reflections grew suffocating and I needed a bit of comfort, when the panic started to burst through my chest, making breathing almost impossible, I walked over to Ivy and pulled her into my arms.

The two of us sobbed into each other’s shoulders.

“She’s going to be okay. She has to be. I haven’t had enough time to love her yet.”

“I want to kill that bitch too, Teak. I want blood. We both get a piece of her. Not just you. You hear me.” Ivy’s voice was low in my ear, but her tone was hard venom.

Despite my grief, my lips pulled into a tiny smile. “We’ll take turns. I promise I’ll share that privilege with you.” Then I remembered Serenity’s phone in my pocket. “I should call her parents. They need to know what’s happened, even though I don’t have much information to give them right now. But it’s going to take them a while to get here.” When I released Ivy, she walked back over to Ascher’s waiting arms while I pulled out Serenity’s phone. “What would her parents’ number be listed under in her contacts?”

“Mom and Dad.” Ivy squeaked and Ascher hugged her closer.

I opened up her contacts and found the correct one, took a huge deep breath, and clicked on it.

Her mom answered on the third ring. “Hey, Sweetie. Wasn’t expecting to hear from you so soon.”

I swallowed my sob as it threatened to tear me apart.

“Are you there, Serenity? Are you okay?” Her mom’s voice grew panicked.

“I’m sorry.” I choked out, failing miserably at forcing down my torment. “This is Teak. I’m sure she’s mentioned me.” At least I hoped she did. “I wanted to let you know that Serenity was attacked earlier today and she is in surgery right now. I think you guys might want to make the trip up to see her, as soon as possible.”Way to sound just like the Grim Reaper.

Serenity’s mom gasped and then burst into sobs.

Fuck. I didn’t know how to do things like this. No one should have to do things like this.

A man’s voice came over the line. “This is Mr.Hayes. You said our daughter is in surgery?” Thank God he was able to remain calm. I was mere seconds from transforming into a sobbing hysterical mess and my failure to stay composed had upset his wife.

Closing my eyes, I clenched my hand into a tight fist, grasping for a way to gain some semblance of poise, at least while I spoke with her father. There’d be time to break down later. “Yes, Sir. This is Teak Pierce. I don’t have any other information on your daughter. But I’m here now and am not leaving so I can meet up with you guys when you get here.”

“We’re leaving shortly, Son. Thank you for calling us.” He ended the call.

And I dropped to the floor with my face in my hands, trembling with my sobs.

Ivy and Ascher rushed over and sat down beside me.

Maybe two hours had passed and Serenity was still in surgery. Or at least that was what the board indicated and no one had come out to give me an update. I had hoped the fiancé thing would get me special access. Time would tell. The elevator binging shifted my attention to a new arrival to the waiting room. An officer stepped out and his eyes settled on me, curled on the floor.

“Teak Pierce?” He walked over to where I sat with my knees bent and my arms wrapped around them as I’d been working to keep myself from falling completely apart.

At my shaky nod, he continued. “Are you able to answer a few questions?”

“I’ll give it my best shot.” I pulled myself to a standing position, my muscles shaking and protesting the movement.

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