~Esmond~
Three weeks have passed in a blur.
Everything burst into chaos when it was revealed that Sloane was alive. Yet, she might as well be dead. I stare at Sloane’s heart monitor, a steady beat yet her eyes do not open.
They said she was in a coma, had severe blood loss, dehydration, and was malnourished. Her body is a mess, a mass of new bandaged scars adorn her body and faded bruises cover almost every inch.
“She looks like she’s sleeping, that she’ll wake up anytime now.” A voice says and I whip around, wincing at my still healing arm. A sickly girl leans against the door frame, her green eyes narrowed at me.
“Who are you?” I ask my voice raspy, she just slowly makes her way over to us, as if every step hurts her, and slouches in a chair.
“Hazel.” I blink at her, still needing more details, the girl rolls her eyes looking down at Sloane.
“I’m her sister.” oh. My eyes widen and I stare at her, this is the girl Sloane was hell-bent on making it out for? Hazel barely looks like she’s able to walk to the cafeteria and back, yet, she made it to Sloanes room.
“You can stop staring at my bald head now.” She snaps and I cringe, averting my eyes. She seems to be the opposite of Sloane.
“Sorry,” I mumble but Hazel just shrugs me off, carefully taking her sister’s hand.
“Everybody was prepared for me to die first, they all knew it would happen soon.” I blink, trying to understand why she was telling me this. Hazel doesn’t even look at me as she continues.
“No one was prepared for when we thought Sloane died. Then she shows up with you already half dead.” Guilt pierces my chest but it doesn’t sound like she’s blaming me. A flicker of sadness so deep and painful flickers across her face it makes my stomach clench.
“It was always supposed to be me, never her.” Hazel croaks out and swiftly brushes a hand beneath her eyes. What am I supposed to say to that? That I’m sorry?
“It’s life, messy, ugly, and crazy. Things happen that we don’t understand.” Hazel nods slightly but sends a glare my way.
“What are you doing here anyway? You don’t even know her well.” I scowl at her, I don’t need to know her for years to become friends.
“She’s my friend,” I state, and Hazel scoffs getting up, wincing in pain.
“No, she’s not.” I’m about to argue, hell, we spent hours in the train station together trying to survive. Hazel makes it to the door before she speaks again.
“Friends don’t look at each other like that. They don’t look at their friend with the kind of love and longing that you look at her with.” I can only stare as she makes her way out the door. My eyes are wide as I stare at the door. Is she right? Maybe I do like her, a lot. I stare down at Sloane’s motionless form, conflicting feelings at war in my heart.
“I wish you’d wake up,” I whisper and let my head fall into my hands. This is going to be a long night. 163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtwvanUPuX
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“I’m sorry Mr. Maddox, but you need to go home.” A nurse says trying to get me to leave. A sigh leaves my mouth as I tug my jacket on.
“Can I have just five more minutes?” I ask and the nurse relents, giving me a firm glare. I smile slightly and go up to Sloane's still “sleeping” form.
“Please wake up, we still have your classical music competition to go to right?” Her heart monitor spikes and hope flares in my heart. Maybe she’ll wake up.
“C’mon Sloane, you took down four grown men, you can get through this,” I say, gripping onto her hand.
I wait minutes, nothing happens.
“It’s time to go.” the nurse says and I reluctantly let her hand go and walk to the door. It’s 9 pm, I’ve already stayed too long here. Her sister came by again today, to read to Sloane. I stepped out for most of it to give them some privacy.
“Thanks for letting me stay,” I say not being able to cover all of my disappointment. The nurse looks at me and lays a reassuring hand on my shoulder.
“She’ll be up.” I nod and go to the door.
“Esmond.” I glance at the nurse but she shakes her head. Slowly, I turn around, to see a pair of weary green eyes, and tears of joy spring in my eyes.
“Sloane.” I croak out and race to her side, tripping over my feet slightly.
“Oh my god, oh my god, you’re awake!” joy wells up inside me as she smiles slightly, blinking a few times. The nurse rushes to get doctors and I grasp her cold hand.
“You’re still here.” She murmurs and I nod, grinning at her. Everything is alright now, she’s here, alive.
“Of course I am,” I say and her eyes water with tears, as she stares at me.
“I heard everything you said.” She murmurs, and my face flushes with embarrassment, but why should I be embarrassed? Everything I said is true.
“And?” I ask, Sloane, glancing up at the ceiling, flexing her free hand.
“You have to bring me to my competition in the future.” A startled laugh leaves my lips and I get the immense urge to lean down and press my lips to hers.
“I will, I promise.” Sloane smiles up at me and a tear slips down her cheek. She’s beautiful.
“I missed you.” She whispers and my heart swells with every happy feeling known to humankind.
“I missed you too,” I say softly and press my lips to hers.
She doesn’t push me away.
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUzIP4jiTo
