Here's another chapter for you! WARNING! ANGST AHEAD!!!

Riley sat in the plastic chair, the ticking of the clock the only sound in the room, except for Ben's breathing as he slept. Riley gazed at the clock, knowing he hadn't slept. How long had it been since it had happened? Hours, days? He wasn't even sure anymore. Why was it taking so long?

He was pacing again, his mind moving a million miles a minute. What had Ian done? What had been Ian's motive behind taking Lyssie instead of the one of the others? What would they do next if Lyssie survived? What if she didn't?

He shook the thoughts from his head as a door opened. The doctor walked into the room, blood covering his scrubs. Riley's heart sunk. The doctor cleared his throat.

"I assume you're Mr. Poole?"

Riley nodded, trying to blink back tears. He wouldn't cry. Crying wouldn't help anything. Crying made him feel weak.

"How is she?"

"Everything was a success. We did lose her for a moment once we began, but she made it. Miss Matthews survived, but we aren't sure how long her systems will be able to hold up, if they do at all. There's a fair chance she may not make it through the night."

Riley nodded slowly.

"Can…Can I see her?"

"I don't see why not. She's down the hall, the third door on the right." The doctor pointed down the hall, walking away. Riley stood from his chair, making his way down the hall. He opened the door, shocked by the sight that greeted him.

She lay motionless on the crisp white hospital sheets. She was hooked up to many different machines and IVs. A machine even had to breathe for her.

Riley's heart ached as he moved closer to her. Her face was pale, a severe contrast to her black hair. He moved close to her kneeling besides her bed, and holding her hand in his own. He'd never notice how small her hands were before.

"Hey. I know you can't hear me, but I just need to talk to you. I missed you while you were gone. I couldn't stop thinking about you." Riley paused. "I just really wanted you back. And then Ian had to do this to you. Lys, you're everything to me. I don't want to lose you. I don't…I don't know if it's your time to go or not. But if it is, I just want you to know that I'll always love you. And…I'll miss you. I'll always be yours. Forever. I promise."

Riley leaned forward, gently kissing her forehead. As much as he hated to leave her, he couldn't stand to see her like this anymore. He stood and moved towards the door, looking back one last time as a single tear trailed down his cheek.

And behind his broken heart burned a deep hatred. Riley knew that if Ian killed her by doing this, there'd be hell to pay.

DARN YOU ANGST!!!!! The bunny made me do it! –points to plot bunny-

Review please?