Chapter 1
He stood over her, watching, hoping, praying. This was his fault. He put her here. And he would never ever be able to forgive himself.
It had been 3 months since Verdant and the foundry were destroyed. It had been 3 months since he carried her lifeless body out of the remains. It had been 3 months since she had opened her beautiful blue eyes. He could not forget the fear that ran throughout him as he carried her into the emergency room begging for anyone, someone, to help her. Shards of glass protruded from her legs, her arms, one from her stomach. But he knew what the worst thing was. She had been staring straight into the screen when the computer exploded. Her screams still echoed in his mind. "My eyes. Oliver, my eyes. Please help me." He ran for her. He was nearly there when the entire building blew around them. It was too late. No matter how many times he had promised her he would protect her, he failed her. Like he always did.
As per his usual routine, he sat down on the edge of her bed, kissed her forhead lightly, then took her hand. He began to tell her about his day. He recounted every moment. It was his new afternoon regmine. Her not being there to talk to was becoming harder and harder on him. He had become accustom to her being a central figure in his life. After the accident, he had to share time with her. Sara, Diggle, and even Roy and Thea, stopped by quite ofter. As time passed however, they began to filter away. Each of them had other things going on as well as lives to live. But for him, things changed the night he allowed her to be hurt. Things changed the night his light was taken away from him.
He stood back out of the way as the nurses came in checking her. Of course she was receiving the best care money could buy. He was Oliver Queen after all. Eventhough Isabelle had stolen the company away, he still had his trust funds and other forms of money coming in. He was thankful his mother had stepped in to deal with the issues at the company. He could care less at the moment. He wanted Isabelle dead. He would see to that in time but for now, his focus was Felicity. His mother saw that and did not hesitate to come to his aide.
"Is there any change," he asked Dr. Sylvia Cisneros as she entered the room.
"No Mr. Queen. As has been the case for awhile now her vitals are good. We still see no sign of brain damage. Her mind is just not ready to wake up."
He nodded as he looked over at her. "You have removed her bandages. What of her eyes?"
"Unfortunately, there is no change on the front either Mr. Queen. Miss Smoak is still blind in both eyes. The question of her regaining her vision is something I cannot answer. This is something that could heal over time. Then again it may not. It is all a waiting game."
"Thank you Dr. I do appreciate all you have done for her." Oliver said as he made his way back to the bed.
"It has been my pleasure. I did not know her but from the way your mother speaks of her she was a very loyal friend to you." Dr. Cisneros smiled. "Those are rare."
"Yes they are. My mother is lucky to have the same in you." Oliver smiled without looking up at the woman.
"Moira and I have had our differences over the years but when the chips were down we were always there for one another. We always will be," the Dr. added as she turned and made for the door. "Oliver, if you need anything, call me at anytime." She added as she vanished from the room.
"Thank you," he said mainly to himself as he lightly brushed Felicity's hair back. "You heard her. There is nothing keeping you from waking up. There is nothing keeping you from me. You just have to fight Felicity." He told her as he leaned down and kissed the top of her head again. "I know I let you down but please please, come back to me," he whispered against her skin. He closed his eyes letting the feel of her soft skin against his lips wash over him. Slowly he pulled away, whispering his goodbyes to her as he got to his feet and slowly left her room.
As he walked slowly down the almost abandoned hallways he let his thoughts take over which was something he rarely done anymore. Over the past few months he had become overly aware of Felicity's presence in his life. Sara had as well. There relationship, or lack of one over the past few months, had taken everyone by surprise. Laurel, Thea, even his mother, had expected him to turn to Sara. They thought he would bury himself in her and let her convince him everything would be alright. That's what they expected of the Oliver they knew. Sara and his friend John Diggle both knew better. He pulled away. He emersed himself in watching over Felicity. The Arrow had not made an appearance since that night and to be honest, he wondered if he ever would.
Making it to his car he noticed his mother's limo pull up. He stopped watching her as she climbed out. She did not notice him. He debated on leaving without a word but changed his mind. He walked toward her. "Hello mother."
"Oliver," she said turning and flashing her best smile. "Were you here checking on Miss Smoak? Is there any change?"
"Yes, I was," he said kissing her cheek. "And unfortunately no there is none. What brings you down here?"
"I was coming to see Sylvia. She and I are having dinner together. I was hoping to convince her to support my campaign publically."
"Ah, her support would be well received. The people of Starling love her." Oliver answered nonchalantly.
Moira smiled at him. "Go home. Get some rest. Thea and Roy are there."
"I noticed he didn't leave again after the explosion. I'm glad. You can see Thea is happier," he said remembering that he was the one who basically engineered her heartbreak in the first place.
"Yes, he says he will not leave again. They are working through things slowly. Which is good."
"Yes, it is," he said glancing around. He could not help himself. He still kept an eye out for Slade or any other kind of trouble when his family was around. "I will see you at home later." He finished as he squeezed her hand then made his way to his car and drove away.
