Page 77 of Just Desserts

She was kicking and scratching and I was doing everything I could not to hurt her. Her hands and arms were slippery, covered in blood as we both grappled for the knife. I managed to pin her down and was about to get a solid grasp on her wrists when a sharp sensation in my lower abdomen caught me off guard. I looked down in shock to see the knife handle sticking out of my body. Blood circled around it quickly and I rolled onto my back, my hands still gripping Alyssa's wrist.

"No, no! This wasn't meant to happen. It wasn't supposed to be you." The lights and sounds around me were starting to dim, I was vaguely aware of the door slamming open and the house filling quickly with people. Black was filling my vision and I could barely make out my sister getting cuffed and the medical personnel surrounding Grams.

Fading in and out, I was faintly cognizant of my parents hovering nearby and the additional medics now hunched overme. At one point I saw Myles stalk in before he swept Isla up into his arms, my gaze clear for a moment. Seeing them together, I knew Myles would protect Isla.

As for Alyssa, It was clear to me she was safer with the cops than on her own. Those thoughts gave me peace and I decided I had done enough for the night. My sisters were safe, so I finally gave in to the darkness gnawing at my consciousness.

Chapter 55

Myles

The trip to the hospital was a blur and I was relieved once we finally got there. That relief was short lived as both the doctors and cops bombarded us. They wanted to get Isla's statement immediately, and Isla wanted to get an update on Grams and Wes immediately. None of this was making for a good patient.

"Stop!" I ordered when I saw Isla gearing up to argue with the cop.

"Can we please stop with the questions, let the doctor look her over and once she's a bit more settled you can ask. Just please let them look you over Isla." I begged her. The doctor gave me an approving look before stepping forward to properly examine Isla.

She needed stitches in four different locations. While the doctor was treating her, Isla's mom came bustling in tears streaming down her face. She gasped when she saw the state Isla was in but refrained from grabbing or hugging her while she was getting treated. Instead she gave me a hug and I kept an arm wrapped around her. She let us know that Gram's was getting x-rays done to see if her hip was broken and Wes was in surgery, we wouldn't know anymore until those results came in. Stitched up, Isla was finally ready to give her statement. Sully stopped me before I could follow Isla and the officer into the room.

"Don't worry won't keep you long. Just wanted to let you knowI'm going back to the hotel to check on the ex. Gonna take Sarah with me so she can grab some stuff for the girls. Do you need anything while we're back there?" Sully asked.

"Make them pay." I put a hand on his shoulder. "Thank you Sully, for everything."

He gave me a nod before walking off. Isla called my name and I followed her and the officer into the empty room they found for us to use. It was filled with plastic furniture and fabric covered in dizzy geometric patterns. I sat down in a squeaky chair next to Isla, taking a moment to wrap my jacket around her shoulders.

Chills ran down my spineas she recounted everything that happened with Alyssa. It took all my strength to harness my anger. I knew Alyssa was here at the hospital somewhere. She needed medical treatment before any further measures could be taken. I desperately wanted to get an update from the cops, I had to make sure she couldn't anywhere near Isla again. I didn't want to bring that up in front of Isla though.

I could tell from the tone of her voice that she was already detached from the situation, she was almost robotic and far too matter of fact as she walked through the events of the night. I was relieved when after over an hour, the officer finally said we were finished. Slipping his card into my pants pocket, I made sure to wrap my jacket tighter around Isla's shivering form as I escorted her into the waiting room.

Charlie had his arm around his wife, her bandaged hand resting in his lap. Laurel had her head on her sister's shoulder. They all stood up when we came into view and I let Isla go so she could greet her family. It took some time for the hugging and crying to pass. When I got Isla settled into a seat the mood became somber. Charlie was the first to speak.

"Your Grams is awake and doing fine. They did an x-ray and she didn't break her hip thankfully, just badly bruised the bone. They're going to keep her here overnight for observation." A wave of relief ran through me knowing Grams was doing okay, if anyone could recover from a night like this I knew it would be her.

"Wes? What about Wes?" Isla asked in a frantic tone. Susie let out a pained gasp at the sound of his name and I feared for the worse. Charlie cleared his throat and took Isla's hand.

"He's in surgery, they haven't told us more than that. They've assured us that someone will come out and update us as soon as they can." Charlie was clearly dissatisfied with that statement but was trying to stay calm for the family members.

We settled in for a long night, waiting for news. After about half an hour, I could hear Isla's stomach grumble. Seeing her surrounded by her family, I figured it would be a good time to try and get her to eat. With Isla safely tucked into her mothers side, I stood up to head down to the cafeteria to get tea and coffee for the group. I was surprised but grateful when Charlie joined me. As if we had an unspoken agreement we sat down at a table before going up to get the drinks we were sent here for. With the girls out of the way I took the opportunity to ask the questions I was dying to know.

"What's happening with Alyssa?" I asked.

Looking at Charlie, I saw the weariness in his eyes. "It's not safe for Isla if she's around, I have to ask I'm sorry."

"I understand. She's not at this hospital anymore. The officers took her statement while the doctors patched her up. Then they brought a psychologist in for an evaluation who had her transferred to the local psych facility where she's being held for the next 72 hours. We don't know the final list of chargesat the moment." He said, exhaustion lacing his voice, before he continued.

"We are going to help her with a lawyer. She needs to pay for what she's done, and she shouldn't go anywhere near Isla but she needs help. She's mentally ill. Do whatever you feel you need to do, take a restraining order out, we obviously understand your concerns, but she needs to go to a hospital, not a prison."

Before I could say anything else, I got a text that Sarah was on her way back. Knowing Alyssa was no longer in the same location as Isla was enough for right now. As for the rest, we could work that out together when the time comes.

"Okay, thank you for letting me know. Please keep me posted. I won't do anything rash but I need to protect Isla, and to do that I need to know what we're facing." Charlie nodded in understanding.

Too tired for any additional conversation we left the table and made our way through the cafeteria. We grabbed some snacks and drinks and headed back upstairs. Isla looked relieved to see me, and I was happy to see her dig into the muffin I had brought up for her.

Shortly after we had finished our snacks a nurse came over to let us know Gram's was getting set up in her room and could have visitors shortly. Isla perked up, then smiled even more when Sarah walked back in, having changed out of her dress and carrying two large bags with her. She caught sight of us and walked over, dropping the bags in a chair with a grunt.

"Here, I went back to the hotel while you were giving your statement. I have Gram's bag and I also grabbed some clothes for you. Can I help you get changed in the bathroom?" Isla nodded mutely and let Sarah gently lead her down the hall.

Sarah and Isla returned and I was grateful to see her in an oversized fleece and some leggings. She looked pale and her eyes were huge in her face. I stood up and went to her side. She looked exhausted but I knew there was no way she would leave the hospital anytime soon. Seeing that Grams was going to be OK was the next best option.

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