Peyton's last thought was of Lucas as she drifted off to sleep. She was promptly awoken by her phone ringing. She allowed it to ggo to the answering machine. She was shocked to hear Haley frantic on the other line.
"Peyton, if you're there pick up, it's Lucas: He has been in an accident"
Peyton ran to the phone
"Haley?" she answered praying what she had heard wasn't true.
"Peyton you gotta come down here. He's in surgery. They don't know if he is going to come through"
"I'm on my way."
Peyton ran towards her car with tears streaming down her cheeks. She couldn't lose another person she loved. She just couldn't.
When Peyton arrived at the hospital she was greeted by the tear stained faces of Karen and Haley. Nathan was sitting down with his head in his hands.
"How is he?" Peyton asked
"We don't know yet, the doctors said the would come get us as soon as he is out of surgery" Karen responded, her voice empty of any emotion unable to believe this was actually happening...again.
About two hours later, a man in blue scrubs appeared. Karen lept from her seat as did Haley. Nathan remained seated unable to look at the doctor for fear of bad news.
"Ms Roe?" the doctor asked
"Yes, I'm her" Karen replied
"I'm Dr. McEwan. I treated Lucas. Your son has been lucky considering the circumstances. There is still a long road ahead though."
"So are you saying he is going to be alright?" Peyton butted in
"I'm saying he was badly injured and that he is doing a lot better than when the paramedics brought him it but tonight is crucial. He needs to keep fighting through the night"
"What are the extent of his injuries, Dr McEwan?" Karen asked, snapping back to reality
"His lung collapsed, due to a ruptured diaphram, one of his broken ribs pierced his liver. We were able to repair all of that. He also dislocated his shoulder again. I have to warn you though he did receive a blow to the head. We will not know the affect of this until he wakes up" Dr McEwan informed them.
"Can we see him?" Peyton pleaded
"Family only"
"Please, I'm his girlfriend"
"And I'm his best friend" Haley butted in
"Well...two at a time. I would also like to warn you. He is in pretty bad shape. Don't be alarmed when you see him. We had to put a tube down his throat to help him breathe. He is also hooked up to monitors and IVs"
"Thank you, Dr McEwan" Karen said as he led them towards Lucas' room.
The doctor, no matter how he tried, could not have prepared them for what they were about to experience when they entered Lucas' room. Peyton broke down within seconds. Karen found it extreamly difficult to hold it together, but managed it all the same. Peyton was shocked by the Lucas she saw lying on the hospital bed. His face was black and blue, he had stitches in several places. He had a tube down his throat helping him to breathe just like her mom had. Peyton and Karen sat down on either side of Lucas' bed. Peyton held his hand tightly. The only things reassuring her that Lucas was still alive was the rise and fall of his chest and the incesent beeping of the countless machines.
Peyton could not believe this was happening. For the first time ever she felt loved by someone she loved back. She felt as if it was slipping away from her. As she began thinking about losing him tears started rolling down her face. She looked at Lucas through the blur of her tears. He looked so fragile, so delicate. He had been so vibrant and full of life that afternoon when they were talking and stuff at the Rivercourt. Peyton lay her head beside Lucas' hand. She felt reassured feeling the rise and fall of his chest. The continous motion made her fall asleep. She woke later to find Karen asleep on Lucas' other side. Haley had sneaked in, she had also fallen asleep in Nathan's arms. She looked at Lucas' and was instantly wide awake. She had hoped this had been a terrible nightmare...but no.