Author's note: This flashback is a continuation of the scene in chapter 5 (Anyone But Me), when Will found Alicia in the parking garage.
Summary: force ma·jeure noun \ˌfȯrs-mä-ˈzhər, -mə-\ 1: superior or irresistible force. 2: an event or effect that cannot be reasonably anticipated or controlled. Alicia & Will, seven months after she left L/G: "I need to lay down," she grunts. "Too dizzy." Eyes still closed. I gently hold her shoulders. "I know, you'll get to lay down in a second. I don't want to move you right now."
Thanks: I'm still so very glad to see there are still so many of you interested in this story, happy to hear you enjoyed the last chapter.

Force Majeure

Chapter 18 – Ambulance
(Flashback to 23 days ago)

"They say it's matter of time, a thousand days and the sun won't shine, before I come back to you."
- Tom Walker (Go Solo)

Thursday, 6:03 PM

"Come on, stay with me," I repeat as her eyes close.

"I'm sorry, I can't," she moans as she slips further towards the ground. Should I help her lay down? Would that be dangerous? Should I wait for the paramedics? I don't know what to do.

"Ok, then keep squeezing my hand," I improvise. "Like this." I take her hand in mine and squeeze her ha a couple times.

She squeezes back.

"Good," I encourage her. "I need you to stay awake. Are you holding on?"

"Mm," is all I get.

I glance at my watch. It feels like an eternity since that woman called the ambulance. I didn't check the time when she did. Should I call again? Do they even know we're in a parking garage?

I squeeze her hand. She squeezes mine. I squeeze back. "You're doing good," I tell her.

I hear sirens. But they fade as quickly as they started. Not for us.

"I need to lay down," she grunts. "Too dizzy." Eyes still closed.

I gently hold her shoulders. "I know, you'll get to lay down in a second. I don't want to move you right now."

She just moans in response and lets her head hang down. I'm getting more concerned by the second. What is she becomes unconscious? What do I do? I've attended countless mandatory first aid courses over the years, CPR training on plastic dolls, recovery position… Recovery position. That's it. But should I do that now? I'm not sure. I'm beating myself up for always scrolling through e-mails on my phone and not paying attention during those classes.

She squeezes, weaker this time. I squeeze back.

"Do you still remember what happened?" I ask, in an attempt to keep her with me.

She nods.

"What day is it?"

"Thursday," she mutters.

"Good. My name?"

A faint smile. Good enough.

Again, sirens. Closer this time. And closer. Closer. Thank God. I hear them driving down the parking garage.

"They're here," I say relieved.

Thursday, 6:18 PM

I briefly talked to one of the paramedics, and now I'm not of much use. I just stand there, observing the scene as they slowly lower Alicia down to the ground and onto the gurney. I can't believe this is really happening. What a day. And seeing Alicia like this… A rush of emotions washes over me as I see them strap her in. Memories of years ago flash through my mind. Of holding her, touching her, laughing with her… Not once it crossed my mind that I'd ever see her like this. I swallow hard and blink away the feeling of hot tears stinging behind my eyes. God, I'm a mess.

"Is this yours?" One of the paramedics walks over to me with my jacket.

"Yeah, yes… thank you," I stutter.

"You're OK sir?" I nod. "Do you need to sit down for a second?"

"No…no. I'm fine, really."

"You're her friend? Colleague?"

"Yes, yes we know each other," I decide to respond.

"Well, you did good. She's in good hands now. We'll get her in the ambulance in a sec."

"She going to be OK?" I ask as I closely watch the other paramedic talking to her.

"She's responsive, but she took a big hit. They'll be able to tell you more in the hospital..."

"Ok…"

"…We're heading to County General," he continues. "The police might ask you for a statement."

"All right, yeah…" I'm still staring at the gurney.

"Sir," he places his hand on my shoulder and manages to make eye contact with me. I realize I haven't even looked in the eyes of this guy trying to talk to me. "It's a lot to see someone like this. Take a minute before you get behind the wheel. You did everything you could, she's in good hands now. But promise me, calm down before you start driving."

"I will," I answer.

"Ok, good. I'm gonna join my colleague and we'll see you at the hospital."

I just nod.

I watch how they gently push her towards the ambulance. They pass by me, and I briefly make eye contact with Alicia. Her head is fixated in the neck brace, but she briefly turns her eyes towards me before she closes them again. Empty, tired and defeated eyes that stare straight through me. It gives me goosebumps.

They push her in and close the doors behind her. I just stand there, nailed to the ground. Within no time, the sirens are turned back on and I watch them drive out of the parking garage.

It's only then that I realize how out of breath I am. My heart is beating against my chest, sweat is dripping down my forehead and I feel my hands are trembling.

This scared the hell out of me.

Thank you for reading! Please leave a review and let me know if you're still following along

(Preview for next chapter: Alicia's trial has started and after much thought, Will has decided to attend and show her some support)