Ruby had been pacing the long deserted hallway for what felt like hours with no word on how Peyton was doing. She had called Emma to let her know about what was going on, not that Ruby knew exactly what was happening. A few minutes later, Dr. Whale emerged from the back and he did not seem happy. "Is she okay?" Ruby asked, trying to hold back the panic in her voice.

"We've managed to stabilize her for now. However, we need to perform surgery soon."

"Then why haven't you started? What else is going on?" Ruby asked growing anxious.

"Your friend has been resisting too much, we can't even give her a sedative to get her into the operating room. She won't listen to anyone or let them touch her and has broken several restraints. If we don't operate soon to stop the bleeding she may not make it much longer."

"Can I try talking to her? She might listen to me."

"It's worth a shot." Dr. Whale motioned for a nurse to lead Ruby to Peyton's room.

Slowly opening the door, Ruby looked inside to see Peyton strapped to the bed. She didn't even look up as Ruby cautiously approached the bed. Not sure where to begin, she decided with a simple, "Hey." No response. This wasn't going to be easy. Ruby wasn't used to people not wanting to talk. Everyone who came into the diner always seemed to want to share their life story, even if she had heard it a thousand times. Still, she always gave them her, almost, undivided attention. This was different, but she was determined to get through to this girl somehow. There was no way Ruby could sit back and let her refuse surgery. "So...why aren't you letting Dr. Whale help you? Peyton, you really need to let them help you."

"I don't need help." Her tone was cold and detached.

"Really? You don't need help? So if I poked you in the side, again, it wouldn't hurt?" Ruby reached forward not actually wanting to touch her, just trying to make a point. Peyton finally looked at her clearly not amused.

"I think you need to try a new method." She stated.

"I don't know. I seem to recall saving your life with my 'methods'." Ruby responded.

"My life didn't need saving."

"Then why did I have to half drag, half carry you in here?" Ruby was finally getting something from her. Apparently a slightly more aggressive approach was necessary. However, before Peyton could answer, she began coughing violently. Ruby ran to door and called for help as two nurses rushed in. Turning around as she heard Peyton gasping for air as she coughed up blood, a lot of blood. Before Ruby could go to her Dr. Whale came in and a nurse pulled Ruby from the room. Right after, the group rushed Peyton out of the room and down the hall.

"Hey! Ruby!" a voice trailed down the hallway. Spinning around, Ruby saw Emma running towards her. "What's going on here? Is everything alright?"

"No. It's not." Emma lead her to the lobby as Ruby explained everything that had happened since Peyton came into Granny's the night before.

"Do you have any proof that he hurt her?" Emma asked, though she already had a feeling what the answer was.

"No. Emma...it's obvious he did it."

"I know Ruby, I believe you. But...unfortunately I can't do anything unless there's proof or Peyton says something. Trust me I've been in her shoes and I don't think she'll say anything."

Ruby knew Emma was right. She hated it, but Emma was right. Now all she could do was wait. Emma left a few minutes later after she got a call so Ruby was left alone to worry.

Ruby tried so hard to wait patiently in the lobby are but patience was not one of Ruby's strong suits. After getting up and pacing the hall several times, she slumped back into the chair right as the door at the end of the hall opened. Ruby was to Dr. Whale before the door even closed. "How is she? Is she going to be OK?"

"Calm down Ruby. She's going to be fine. She's resting right now but you can go see her. She's been out of surgery for about an hour and seems to be responding well to the treatment."

Nothing could have prepared Ruby for what she saw when she walked into Peyton's room.