Tom didn't care that Nicki couldn't hear him. Holding her hand in his, he whispered softly in her ear, 'don't worry, I'm here. I won't leave you until you're better.'

Why was he feeling so guilty? If he's offered Nicki a ride home in the first place, would it have ever ended up like this?

'Everyone is really worried,' continued Tom, squeezing Nicki's limp hand slightly, 'not as worried as me though. You gave me such a scare. Don't worry though you will get through this. And I will be with you all the way, you stubborn old cow.'

'Stubborn old cow?' Muttered Nicki, raising her eyebrows slowly. Tom gaped at her.

'You're awake?!' He breathed, a smile stretching across his face. Still with her eyes closed, Nicki inhaled deeply before trying to sit up straighter.

'Ah,' grunted Nicki in pain as some of her bones cracked, 'my legs. My arms. Ow.'

'Look at you,' sighed Tom, stroking Nicki's cheeks softly, 'never seen you like this before. Well they'll be able to operate on you though, You can get out of here soon.'

Nicki tried to grin but it made her mouth ache.

After a while the blonde nurse returned, 'ooh miss Boston you're awake! Good. Now Assuming that we have your permission to operate, can you sign this please?'

'A bit soon isn't it?' Sighed Nicki as she was handed the form and signed it, 'I've only just woken up.'

'And in a second you'll be asleep again.' Replied the nurse, not even looking at Nicki.

Nicki flopped back onto her pillow, groaning in agony, 'well. better get it done sooner than later then.'

Tom watched as the nurses prepared Nicki for surgery. This was so weird.

In no time at all, Nicki was being given an anesthetic which would send her to sleep. Her eyes began to flutter. But at that moment, a man entered the ward and stepped in front of Nicki.
He had an unmistakable look of green on his old face that Tom didn't much like the look of.

'Get out,' Nicki choked, half asleep.

'Hello again,' he sneered.

Puzzled, Tom stood up and approached the man, 'who are you exactly?'

'I'm Nicki's dad.' He replied.

'Well ain't that lovely?' The blonde nurse chimed in happily, 'she's got her best friend and her dad here now. Think she's asleep. Okay be back soon. Surgery shouldn't take too long. You can stay here or go into the waiting room. Depends on how quiet you are.'

She sounded like an over enthusiastic mother tempting her children with sweets.

Tom was becoming increasingly annoyed at her nevertheless he was too focused on Nicki's father. A horrible impenetrable loathing crept up Tom's spine as the man before him smiled evilly.