Page 15 of Fighting for the Forbidden
Chapter Five
Ben
Whispered voices fill my mind,but I can’t make out who they belong to or even what they’re saying.
I fight to open my eyes, to find out where I am, but it’s like I’m in a dream and everything’s just out of reach. Like I’m running towards a never-ending goal.
Just when the voices start to sound familiar somehow, everything goes black again.
The next time I hear something, it’s just one soft and familiar voice…but although it’s soft, there’s unmistakable anger within it.
What’s going on? Where am I?
I fight to focus, to hear just a couple of the words that are being said, but everything’s a haze. Before long, everything’s gone again.
“You should go home and get some rest. It’s been almost twenty-four hours.” It’s the first time I’ve heard a voice I haven’t recognised. Panic starts to build, not knowing where I am or what’s going on, but no matter how hard I try, I can’t open my damn eyes.
“No, I want to be here just in case.” My heart jumps. That’s Lauren. Wherever I am, she’s here.
“He’s going to be fine. The MRI showed very little swelling. It’s just a case of waiting for him to wake up.”
I want to tell them that I’m here, that I’m awake, but I can’t force my throat to work, and I can’t feel my limbs move.
“Once he’s awake, I’ll leave.”
No, I try to scream but nothing happens. I don’t want her to leave. She’s exactly where she should be. I just need to tell her.
Then, everything’s gone once again.
“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” That’s Mum’s voice. I’d know it anywhere.
“Yes. I just need a break, Jenny. This week has been…” Lauren trails off.This week has been what? What am I missing?
“I know, sweetheart, but he’s going to need you when he wakes up.”
“He’ll be fine. The doctors have said so.”
“Lauren, don’t be like that.”
“Like what? He made it very clear that he doesn’t need me. He’s coped for the last six years, so I’m sure he’ll be fine after this.”
Mum sighs but she doesn’t say any more, and everything falls silent.
* * *
“Have you booked it?Awesome. What time’s the flight? Heathrow? Can you forward me the details?” It takes a while, but I figure Lauren must be on the phone. “Yeah, they’re going to wake him up if he hasn’t already. Yeah, it’ll be fine. Yes, I’m sure.” Frustration starts to fill her voice at whatever the person she’s talking to is saying. “Yeah. Okay. Yeah. See you soon, bye.”
Lauren groans before the side of the bed dips. “Why is this so hard?” she complains. I’m desperate to do something to make it better for her.
Then, the most incredible thing happens. Tingles run up my arm as she slips her hand into mine. If I were able to, I might cry with delight, but it seems my body is still utterly useless.
I put everything I have into it, and eventually I swear my fingers move.
“Ben? Ben, can you hear me?” I’m so desperate to reply, but nothing happens. “Squeeze my hand if you can hear me.” The effort it takes just to move my fingers is exhausting, but I manage it. “Oh my god, you can.” She’s silent for a few seconds before she speaks again, and as glad as I am to hear her voice, the words aren’t what I’d like.
“This is fucking karma for all the bullshit you’ve caused. You know that, right? Do you have any idea what you’ve put us through? Maybe you should have left the other day. You might have made it easier on all of us.”
I’ve no clue what she’s talking about, and I rack my brain for memories, but there’s nothing there. No reason why I might be lying here like a fucking vegetable with her shouting at me.
