This one's for wicked-nachoes-09, whom I promised this to in return for a new chapter of The High Life. Well, it's been three months and I churned this out this morning! Yay for procrastination! Many thanks for letting me use your THL universe dude.
The blood registers before the pain.
It's thick and dark red, slowly oozing out. You're thankful that it's not rushing to leave your body, but you know you're still in danger. Stab wounds are not to be taken lightly.
You're aware of Josh screaming, the solid thwack of metal hitting flesh, and a body crumpling to the ground. You realise Josh has pistol-whipped your assailant and you smile to yourself. Then he's kneeling beside you, putting pressure on the hole in your stomach.
It begins to dawn on you that it's started raining. The drops are cold against your skin and you feel refreshed, almost revitalized. But your arms still refuse to move and your mouth isn't cooperating either, so you just lie on your back and look up into the darkened sky.
You can almost hear your grandmother calling out your name. You could swear she's standing over you, tutting and shaking her head, muttering curses in Portuguese. Then she holds out her hand, and you instinctively reach for it.
Before you can make contact, your head explodes with memories. You and Shannon. Your first kiss at the mini-golf course. Eating chips and holding one another at the St Kilda pier. Making love in the shower. Sneaking kisses in the locker room.
Your name is Stella Dagostino, and you're not ready to die.
You minutely shake your head, and your grandmother rolls her eyes and walks away. Then, with each ragged breath an intense effort, you slowly drag your hand on top of Josh's, holding back the blood by sheer willpower.
Your hearing begins to clear. Sirens blaring and orders being called out reach your ears, but Shannon yelling at Dom to let her go, then her footsteps pounding on the tarred street towards you, is the sweetest night music.
As she takes your hand and you feel the familiar spark pass between you, it all seems so clear. Your place is by her side, and come hell or high water, there's no way you're giving that up.