Chapter two:
I groaned, sitting up but hands restricted me and pushed me back down. Get off! I moaned and took in a deep breath of fresh air, opening my eyes slowly and blinking. Where am I? I squinted and rubbed my eyes, which hurt. Ow, my hand. I opened my eyes widely and coughed, cleared my throat and blinked a few times. Drowsy, I feel very drowsy.
"Hi Ariel, how are you feeling?" asked Saul's voice, it seemed rather familiar to me now. Strange, only Cassidy's voice ever felt this familiar and that's because she never shuts up.
"I um" I croaked, my voice quiet, "don't know."
"Are you in pain?" he asked, he came into view; he was checking the monitors next to me. I'm in a hospital? Of course I am.
"No. Just tired" I sighed; I closed my eyes again and listened to the sounds I could manage to hear. "Is everyone all right?" I asked, I heard him give a slightly chuckle.
"You're the only one needed to be worried about, everyone else is fine. Crystal was a bit shaken but they carried on with the reception. Xav and Uriel came here with me" he explained, I frowned.
"He didn't stay long did he?" I asked,
"Who? Xav?"
"I didn't mean to ruin his wedding" I said, feeling rather miserable about it. Tears welling in my eyes, everything I try to do just blows up on me. I tried to save someone and ending up killing someone else. I tried to save the day and just ended up ruining it.
"You didn't ruin anything Ariel; you can't imagine how thankful we are that you did that for Crystal. I honestly mean it, all of us are so grateful." I'm sure Cassidy isn't that grateful, she hates it when I come out on top. She's probably telling people all these bad stories about me or about how I killed someone; she'll never let that go.
"How long have I been out?" I asked, trying to sit up a bit. Saul moved quickly to rearrange the bed so I could sit up a little bit more. I saw that I had quite a lot of flowers around the room, and a few cards. People bought these for me?
"About 2 days" he told me, I frowned. So he stayed her with me, instead of being at his son's wedding? That just makes me feel worse.
"I'm sorry for being such a pain" I scoffed, not jokingly though. I hated being a burden on anyone, dad used to say I was idiotic when it came to illness. I'd never tell him if I was feeling ill or sick or even had a headache, when I was diagnosed with epilepsy after a few months of suffering he put his foot down and told me it was the most irresponsible thing I'd ever done and if I lied to him about this again then he'd never forgive me. And I didn't lie to him again; I told him whenever I felt drained etc. It's just a shame I don't trust anyone else quite as much,
"You've been far from a pain Ariel" he assured me, I still didn't quite believe him. I looked around the room once more and frowned, maybe the drained feeling is to do with my epilepsy. I should probably ask to call Cassidy, get her to bring my medication in. It can't help, I looked at Saul. He smiled ever so slightly at me, his tired eyes told me he'd not been sleeping well. It can't be because of me, I wonder if they've been having a hard time trying to figure out who tried to take a shot at Crystal. I've been so selfish taking up their time; they shouldn't be focussed on me. I'll wait till Saul's gone to get my medication; I shouldn't worry him in the slightest.
"I'm feeling a lot better though, when can I go home?" I asked, he paused a little unsure.
"I'll go and ask" he smiled getting up, he disappeared out the room and I reached across, ignoring the darting pains in my chest. I grabbed my small black bag off the bed side table and clutched me stomach; ow. I took my phone out and sighed, damn; no battery. I sighed and looked at the machines; I need to find a phone. I have money; I turned the machine off my power and unwired myself. I know this is stupid but this is a matter of pride, I nearly threw up taking the needle out my hand; I'm not good with needles. I got out of bed, edgily and held the side tightly. I moved my feet a little at a time; this is never going to work. I can't believe I even tried, I could see the room spinning. I heard Saul come back into the room, followed by a doctor. They were very blurry, "What are you doing up?" Saul asked panicked, he came over to me; helping me lie back down. The doctor too,
"I need" I breathed, my eyes rolling. "I need" I said again, "my." My breathing was becoming difficult and I felt my stomach twist. I felt myself fall into blackness again and if it wasn't the medication that would given my weakness away; I knew for sure my body had just gone into a fit.
When I came back around it was exactly like before but I felt a lot better, I wasn't as tired and my head didn't hurt; neither did my chest. I smiled and shuffled a little, "Oh, you're awake" said a masculine voice. I didn't know this voice and they seemed to be surprised I'd wake up while they were here which made me uneasy.
"What do you want?" I asked guarded, forcing myself to sit up rather quickly which hurt. When I caught the sight of his eyes I knew he was a Benedict. "Oh, um...hello" I muttered, feeling foolish. He smiled ever so slightly and sat back in the chair Saul had been sitting in earlier.
"My dad's just gone home to get you some clothes, you're being discharged. Dad said we'd look after you for a little while though, just until you're fully healed; Xav can help with that too" he explained, even though I hadn't asked it was nice to have a little bit of an explanation.
"I don't want to be a"
"You're not" he butted in, "Dad feels we're responsible, I mean. We all feel responsible for what happened, and we're grateful for what you did; it's the least we could do" he smiled warmly. I hadn't seen him before but he was different from the rest of his brothers, he was beautiful. And if I do say so myself, his eyes are outstanding; there was something different about him. I mentally slapped myself; he's only here because his dad feels sorry for you.
"I'd rather not though, if my dignity has been robbed of me I'd rather keep my independency" I muttered staring at the bed sheets, I hated that so many people had obviously been here to see me. I felt embarrassed, helpless and stupid.
"Well you'll have to argue that out with my father but do you really want to shame a good man for trying to help you?" he asked, I gave him a cold glance for trying to make me feel bad.
"He's done enough" I stated, he had. He's done a lot more for me than anyone else has, except my dad.
"He doesn't agree; he wants to help."
"Why?" I asked angrily, "You don't even know me" I added, not just directed at him; all of his family. None of them knew me. He just stared at me for a few minutes before sitting up in his chair and taking a deep breath.
"You're from South Africa right?" he asked, I frowned. What's it to him? I decided to just keep things short and to the point from now on, when Saul gets here I'll thank him for all he's done and return back home to Cassidy. I wonder if she's waited for me or already gone home, I wouldn't put it passed her to leave me here with these people I barely knew. I suppose they have been good to me, I can trust them. And after all I did nearly willing die for one of their family members.
"Yes."
He smiled to himself and tapped his foot against the side of the bed; I narrowed my eyes in on him. Surely he has to realise how irritating that is? He stopped when he caught my eye contact; he cleared his throat and looked away. Did he just go a little bit red? Maybe I'm not the most embarrassed person in the room, or maybe he just wasn't planning on me waking up in Saul's absence.
"Is it nice there?" he asked, I looked back at my hands.
"It was" I muttered without thinking, I felt the sadness sweep back over me. It seems I can't go anywhere with anyone around without being reminded of my dad's death.
"It's not any more?" he asked; I figured Saul might have told him but then again; why would he? It's not something you just bring up although surely Saul had to tell the doctors that I was parent-less when he brought me in? I shrugged; I couldn't keep things short if I brought dad up. He wasn't anything to do with this boy so it's none of his business.
"I take it you're one of the eldest" I commented, moving away from the reasons behind moving away from South Africa. It was hard, dad had touched so many lives there, and there were so many memories. He smirked, a private joke I assume.
"Yes, third eldest. Trace is the oldest, then Victor and then me" he told me, I noted. Not that I particularly cared but I was right about him being one the eldest. I understand there are 7 of them, Zed's the youngest; Saul had told Cass and me. So I wonder who the others are, I suppose I'll find out eventually. If Saul pulls the same heart strings as him then I'll feel so bad, I'll have to accept.
"Who are you?" I asked; his eyes widened a little.
"Oh, sorry; where are my manners? I'm Uriel" he told me, he waved ever so slightly. Is he mocking me or just being friendly?
"Ariel" I told him, he smirked; he obviously knew. Our names are sort of similar, that's cool.
"Were you named after the little mermaid?" he asked, I'd heard all the teasing jokes. I rolled my eyes,
"Not really, they call her Ariel in that. I'm Ariel as in A-riel" I muttered to myself, tired of repeating myself. Dad could have at least named me something better so I wouldn't have to live up to the expectation of a good singing voice and natural red hair.
"A-riel is a prettier name" he chimed in, I wasn't sure I agreed. I hated the name but I was grateful for the compliant after all this mess and the proper pronunciation of my name.
"Uriel is...unusual, do you like it?" I asked him, it was weird having a conversation about something so boring but I couldn't help be nosey. There was something intriguing about this beautiful man, or boy. I'm not really sure how old he is.
"I guess so, having an unusual name isn't that unusual in my family. I guess I like being the one with a U at the beginning of my name, nobody can ever think of names beginning with U so hats off to my mother." I suppose that sort of answers the question, if it was me; I'd of just have said yes or no.
"Unusual Uriel" I commented, I wasn't sure how he'd take it. I hope he wasn't offended.
"And what do they call you?" he asked, I smirked.
"Arrogant Ariel, annoying Ariel, ass-ish Ariel...the list goes on" I replied, he gave me a funny look; tilting his head on the side like a confused puppy.
"What about amazing Ariel, awesome Ariel, adroit Ariel, altruistic Ariel, amicable Ariel?" he asked, I smirked. He clearly thinks highly of me but no, none of those things.
"I'll let you know when someone says those things about me" I muttered,
"I just did." I looked at him with a serious and rather confused expression, he held the same face. Saul walked in and stopped, glancing at Uriel and then at me.
"What's going on?" he asked, I looked at him and smiled slightly. He smiled back obviously remembering why he was here. He came over to the bedside and handed me a small orange bottle; my medication obviously. I felt slightly more stupid and tried to remind myself he was only trying to help. I took them and held them in my hands; I'm probably the first ever pathetic savant to be burdened with an illness like this. "I trust Uriel has filled you in" he continued to smile; I didn't know whether to smile or cry.
"Unfortunately dad, Ariel wants to steal back her dignity and keep her independency" Uriel said, he said it almost like how I felt was a joke. I scowled at him,
"Are you still here?" I asked harshly, Saul frowned at the pair of us.
"Uriel, a word" Saul said, turning slightly.
"Don't worry dad, we can talk in front of her. Crystal thinks you're my soulfinder" he told me, how would she know? Oh. I get it, the only reason they've been helping me out is because they think I might be a new member of their family. And I thought my personality had struck out for once, Cassidy is right; I'm useless. I pushed the red button on the side of my monitor and a nurse came in, she looked at us.
"I'm not feeling up to visitors" I told her, obviously lying but it was the quickest way to get them out of here.
"Oh, OK. Can you gentleman please leave now, she may be feeling better tomorrow" she nurse smiled, she ushered them out the room and as soon as the door shut I fell onto my back. I can't believe how stupid I am! I pressed the button again and the same nurse came back, she smiled gently at me.
"Mr Benedict said I was being discharged, can I go?" I asked, she thought for a second and checked my chart.
"It says here you're ready, I'll just double check with the doctor and we'll get your sorted" she smiled; she left swiftly and came back a few minutes later. She took the needle out my hand and turned the machines off, she indicated towards the clothes on the chair. She left me alone to change; I didn't really want to put them on. But I knew I didn't have a choice, I slipped into them and put my shoes on which were next to the bed. I put my dead phone back into the bag and opened the door, the nurse continued to smile at me. She was just being polite, I'd left the hospital clothes thing on the bed; not really sure what to call it because it wasn't really a form of clothing. "Would you like me to walk you out?" she asked, I frowned.
"No thank you, I'm good" I reassured her, I dipped back into the room; remembering my medication. I put it into my bag and then headed for the lift, I'd of taken the stairs but I'd been told to rest. I got in and it took me down, I could feel energy all around. I felt familiar energy waiting at the bottom of the elevator. Oh great, the doors opened and Uriel stood there waiting for me. I stepped out and the doors closed behind me, I walked around him and he followed after me.
"Look I'm sorry I blurted it out like that but you have to understand, I didn't know how else to tell you" he moaned, tell me what? He said she thought that we were, not that we actually were. It didn't matter; I had to find my way home. "Ariel stop" he demanded, grabbing my hand. Sparks shot up my arm; I tried to ignore the amazing tingly feeling that came with it. I shrugged my arm free, "You don't know where you are, how to get home, and you don't have a phone working or enough money. I know you want to go home, just let me help you!" He was making a rather unbeatable argument. Fine,
"This means nothing" I muttered, waiting patiently for him to lead me away.
Doesn't it?
I was shocked he was in my head; of course he knew he was my soulfinder. I was stupid to assume he was guessing; nobody goes through this much trouble for something they just think is. I needed to keep my head in place though; did I really want to be the weak girl in need of her soulfinder to cure her? I wasn't what he needed, I'm ill. I've got issues, I'm grieving. He's expecting to find someone like Cassidy, strong minded, happy, and not scared of anything. I wasn't worthy of anyone let alone someone so beautiful, I needed to be distant. There has to be some sort of mistake.
No.