Page 10 of Until Tomorrow Comes
As I’m left alone with the rhythmic beat of the heart monitor, my only thought is that I don’t remember who I am outside of Zack.
4
Kat
By the third and final day at the hospital, I am more than ready to get out.
Alan begrudgingly let our parents in to see me. However, I’d reached my limit after just an hour with them.
It wasn’t as if I was expecting either of them to gush over me. But the longer they stood in my room, talking downatme, I couldn’t help but wonder if they have always been this selfish.
It felt as if the rose-colored glasses I was wearing had shattered three nights ago. And I was quickly realizing I was wearing them for more than just my husband.
Yes, they have always been this selfish, I was just blind to it all along.
But then my mother said something that shocked me to my very core.
“I’m sure that Zack didn’tmeanto do this,” she says, trying her best to sound sympathetic. “This has to be a misunderstanding. I’ll reach out to his parents to make sure everything is okay.”
I barely have time to register what she said before Alan shoots from his seat, making me jump and demanding they leave.
Mom attempted to backtrack, claiming her words had just come out wrong, but I know what she really meant.
My parents love the notoriety and prestige life that my relationship with Zack has given them. Now, it’s clear that they are only focused on preserving it.
Their only worry is what this means forthem.
I can’t look at either of them as Alan forces them out of the room and threatens to call security if they come back.
“I just want to do what’s best for her!” I hear my father say.
“You want to do what’s best for her?” Alan asks with a low, dark chuckle before pointing at me. “Then lookatyour daughter. She is in a hospital bed because you, as herfather, didn’t do your job to keep her safe. You’re only here because you want to smooth things over and make sure that you keep your fucking status. You both have been turning a blind eye to what’s been happening to Kat out of fucking fear for what that damn group of rich assholes might think or say.” He sucks in a deep breath, closing his eyes as he pinches the brim of his nose. Then he turns his glare to Mom as she cowers behind Dad.
“Youhaven’t even asked about the worst of her injuries. Or any of the other damage that asshole did. You ignored what was right in front of you and lethimshove her into the shadows.” He grips the door hard enough that his knuckles turn white. “I’m here, and unlike the two of you, Iwillmake sure she is safe and healthy. Leave. Now.”
Just before he shuts the door, he pauses. Opening it back up, he calls after my parents.
“And if you know where the fucker is, you better tell the police. Because if you don’t, I’ll make sure they charge you both as accomplices!”
Alan slams the door shut, cloaking us in silence.
My mind replays everything he just said to them. He was wrong. Or at least not fully right. Our parents weren’t responsible for what happened between Zack and I. It was all on me. After a drawn out minute of silence, I finally speak up.
“Alan…” I trail off, unsure of what I want to say. There are so many different thoughts running amuck in my mind, each one only taking root for a moment, before another interrupts and takes the reins.
He lets out an audible sigh before finally turning to face me. Slowly, he makes his way to the chair next to my bed and plops down with a thud.
Since I can’t think of anything to say, I keep my mouth shut, letting him decide when he’s ready to break the silence. He takes a deep breath, running his hand along his jaw.
Sighing, he finally faces me.
“I’m sorry,” he says, his voice barely above a whisper. If it wasn’t for the fact that I’m right next to him, I probably would have missed it.
My brows furrow as I gently shake my head. “Why are you apologizing?”
Alan leans forward, resting his elbows on my bed.
“I should have been there for you.” His gaze drops to his fingers, staring intently at them. I shake my head, about to protest and tell him how wrong he is, but he cuts me off. “No, I should’ve been. I knew from the start that something wasn’t right withhim. And instead of sticking by you, I let my frustration with our parents and him push me away.”
