I woke up just a few hours later close to 7 am. The sun was just coming up as I sleepily sat up and pulled myself out of Leo's arms.
"Mornin', Sunshine," greeted an unknown voice.
I turned to see a friendly looking woman at the front desk.
"Hello," I yawned, walking over to her. Then my mind was hit with all the awful things from last night. They seemed so distant. "Um, do you know what room James Kelley is in?"
"Room 421," she said cheerfully. "Yaknow, normally I'd ask ya if you was family. We don't let anybody but family stay in the waitin' room overnight, usually. But, I heard 'bout all the comotion last night. Quite a story, dear. Especially because you're so young! But then again, you kids are gettin' in more and more trouble these days, aren't you? ...Who's that?"
It took my early-morning mind a moment to register everything she'd just rambled.
"That," I said, following her gaze to Leo, "is my boyfriend."
"Huh. And here I thought Officer Kelley was your man," she laughed, then raised an eyebrow. "You ain't datin' both, now are ya?"
"No, no," I shook my head with a smile. "Just the one."
"Good. Well, Officer Kelley should be asleep right now, but you can go in if ya like," she shrugged.
"Alright," I said. Then I thought about how awful I must look.
I looked around and located the bathroom. I glanced at Leo to make sure he was still sleeping before I went in. When I looked in the mirror, I sighed. Smeared makeup, messy hair, wrinkled clothes.
I wiped away the makeup under my eyes and tried to comb my hair with my fingers. I gave up and pulled in back into a messy ponytail.
When I came out, Leo was still asleep. I passed him as I walked out into the hallway and began searching for room 421.
411, 413, 415, I scanned the numbers, quickly walking by. Finally I reached 421. I halted outside and peered in. There he was, covered in bandages and all sorts of monitors surrounding him.
Beep...Beep...Beep, the tone haunted me.
It was...surreal, seeing him lying there. I edged closer, biting my lip. His right shoulder and a lot of his shoulder was bandaged tightly.
"James," I whispered. "Wake up."
I sighed.
"He won't wake up," said a voice behind me that made me jump. I spun around to see a doctor standing in the doorway.
"Don't look so frightened," he said ,walking in.
"I'm not frightened by you. I'm frightened by...did you say he won't wake up? Is James going to be okay?"
"Have you ever noticed that people ask if things are going to be okay? It's acknowledging that there will be a future, that there is hope," he spoke softly.
"You didn't answer me..." I trailed off, reaching to touch James' hand. I didn't look at the doctor.
"His wounds are deep," he sighed.
"Meaning?" I asked as my eyes began filling with tears. I stared at James' blank expression.
"Meaning it's a tricky situation...but there is hope," he said.
I nodded.
"Thank you, doctor," I whispered as I brushed past him and left the room.
I returned to the waiting room and saw that Leo was awake.
"Did you see him?" he asked.
I walked over to him.
"Yeah," I whispered through the tears I was fighting back, "I did."
I sat on his lap and wrapped my arms around his neck. His head rested on my chest.
"Don't give up," I whispered softly in his ear. "There is hope."
I stood up and kissed his cheek.
"We should probably go home to shower and change clothes," I said, looking at his blood-stained shirt.
"I'm not leaving," he spoke in a low tone, not looking at me.
"How about I at least bring you a change of clothes?"
He looked up at me.
"Uh, no," he said. "Can you just stay here?"
"I'll be right back," I said grabbing my purse.
"Piper, please. Just stay here," he said firmly, but I could hear deperation in his voice. I sat my purse down and looked at him.
"Yeah...okay. I'll stay," I said, sitting down beside him.
"Thank you," he whispered, holding my hand.
I didn't know why, but he needed me here, now, with him. Maybe to keep me safe, maybe just to be here for him. Whatever the reason, the fear in his eyes and desperation in his voice was enough for me.