A/N - Thanks fro the review :) You'll just have to wait and see if he survives ;P
this a short chapter sorry
Chapter 3
Flashback –
***
Aden stumbled across the beach as the rain started to pound more relentlessly, he was already soaked through and shaking from the cold. He needed to get to Belle's but all his mind could think of was how cold and wet he was. The constant crashing of the waves almost next to him did nothing to help, he staggered forward as his body slowly shut down, he needed to get to Belle's, he needed to get to…, he needed to… he… he…
He collapsed on the sand bashing his head off a rock as he did so; he didn't even try to resist, he didn't have the energy, he just let the shadows overcome him and gave in exhaustedly to the blackness…
The waves crept higher and higher off the beach, throwing rocks and debris high upon the shore, sharp stones and broken shells cut into the silent figure, the rain pelting down upon him.
It seemed that, for Aden Jefferies, there was no hope…
***
Miles gently prised a sobbing Roman out of his arms and scrambled over to Aden. He gingerly reached for a pulse, dreading the worst. He held his fingers there for a second; worry spreading over his features until finally he felt a slow, weak beat, it was barely there. They didn't have much time; they needed to get him to a hospital soon if there was any chance of saving him.
Miles turned to see Roman still crying on the rocks,
"Roman" he called. When he got no response he tried again,
"Roman" he called, louder this time. Roman looked up at him, tear streaks visible on his unusually pale face.
"What?" He whispered so quietly Miles hardly heard him.
"He's alive" He got straight to the point; he didn't think Roman would want to be messed about.
Roman jolted up and ran over, all traces of grief gone instead replaced by worry, panic and hope.
"We need to get him to a hospital; Roman or he's not going to make it." Miles pressed.
Roman nodded before picking up Aden in his arms and starting back towards the surf club, Miles following quickly behind.
---
Roman stumbled off the beach and began up the road, struggling with the heavy weight in his arms. Miles followed, panting,
"Roman… wait…" he huffed, clearly out of breath.
"There's no time." His reply was short and curt; he couldn't deal with Miles right now, he needed to get Aden to hospital.
Roman reached the surf club and staggered inside, swiftly placing Aden down on one of the diner chairs. He then stood up, breathing heavily after carrying Aden from the beach, and turned to face everyone else.
---
They all stood there in shock, mouths hanging wide open as they looked at the frail form of Aden lying on the seat, chest scarcely moving.
Suddenly Miles burst through the door having only just reached the surf club and then turmoil broke out. Belle was the first too react, hastily moving to Aden's side and grabbing his hand before breaking down over his body. Heart-wrenching sobs emitting from her as the tears sped steadily down her cheeks. No, please, no, he can't be… please Aden hold on. For me…
Meanwhile Roman, having regained his breath, was getting radio contact to the emergency services since the phone lines were down. Irene approached Belle, tears trickling down her own face and gently rubbed her shoulders, offering her comfort as she wept. The rest of them, Geoff, Romeo, Tony and Hugo all stood on and watched silently, each one with reds eyes and stained cheeks as they saw the motionless body and the grieving family. Alf had gone to help Roman with the radio and they had managed to get a message through. Now all they had to do was wait…
They sat there in silence, no one finding the strength to say nothing as the faint noise of sirens sounded in the background…