Chapter 9: Gladness

Ben's POV

When I opened my eyes it took a minute before I registered that I was lying on the hospital bed. I felt some pain on my left abdomen and all that has happened came back to me. Our group had been attacked when we went scouting and I got hit. As I turned my head I saw dad asleep while in a sitting position next to my bed. Hal and Maggie were on the far end of the room, asleep too. Matt was sprawled on the couch, definitely asleep. My eyes searched the room and I suddenly felt disappointed. I am not sure why. Could it be because I didn't see Kym? I was hoping she would be the one whom I'll see when I opened my eyes. Anyway, I reached over to place my arm on dad's shoulder. He jolted awake. The moment he saw me, he gave me a smile of relief.

'Ben, how are you feeling?' he asked, sounding gorgy. He must have spent the entire night or more in that position.

'I feel ok. Some discomfort on my wound,' I said as I tried to sit up. Dad got up to help me. Just then Matt woke up and rushed towards me shouting which woke both Hal and Maggie.

'BEN!,' he threw himself on me and gave me the tightest hug ever. I winced in pain and dad has to pull him away from me. I ruffled his head and a sense of gladness came over me. Glad that I am alive.

'Hey bro,' Hal said as we gave each other a fist bump.

'How are the rest? How long have I been knocked-out?' I asked immediately.

'The rest of us are ok. Anthony got a few minor scratches and you have been out for a day,' he explained.

Just then there was a knock on the door. As the door creaked open I saw Kym peering into the room. Immediately I felt different. It must have been happiness. I was waiting to see her. Dad gestured for her to come in.

'Am I disturbing?' she asked innocently. I have never realized how beautiful she looks till that moment. Well, I know Kym is a beautiful girl but I have never really taken notice of it. I felt my heart race at the thought of her.

'No. Come on in,' Hal said. Kym stepped into the room and walked slowly towards my bed.

'I'll go get Anne,' dad said and Matt followed him out exclaiming he wanted to grab a bite in the cafeteria.

'We'll leave you two to talk. Maggie and I have a meeting to attend with Anthony and the rest,' Hal said and led Maggie out of the room. Now it was just Kym and I. I suddenly felt nervous. She came over and took the seat where dad had sat.

'Hey Ben! I am so glad you are ok now,' she voice sounded relief and she gave me a huge grin.

'I'm sorry if I scared you,' I looked at her. She just nods her head.

'I was so afraid of losing you. I was so scared,' Her voice choked a little. I saw her eyes started to water. I quickly reached out to her and held her hands.

'I am ok now. Don't cry buddy,' I assured her.

'Why do you keep calling me buddy?' she asked and a small smile appeared. Well, at least she is not mad at me for calling her that.

'Because you are my buddy although you are a girl,' I said and her smile got wider. I enjoyed this quiet moment that we are having right now. It feels good to see her and know that she is near.

'When I get better, I will teach you how to fight. I have not forgotten yet,'

'Ok. But keep in mind that I am a terrible fighter,' I said and he laughed.

When Anne entered the room to check on me, Kym left as she has resumed her duty in the cafeteria.

Kym's POV

I was just so relieved that Ben is fine. I had been worried sick. I didn't sleep a wink the entire night. I was outside of the room for the whole night. When I heard some voices from the room, I knew Ben has woken up. I waited a while before I go in to give the Masons' family some time. They were worried for Ben too.

When I stepped into the room, I felt like bursting into tears. To see Ben alive and smiling, there is nothing I would have ever asked for.

'Hey Kym, are you ok?' Julie asked as I stepped into the cafeteria. She was carrying some food in the tray.

'Yeah!' I looked at her and smile.

'I heard Ben woke up.'

'Yes, he did.'

'It's ok now so don't worry,' she said and we walked to the kitchen together. She is right. It's ok now but for how long? How long can we be protected? Will we ever be safe? When will be the next attack? Are we going to lose more people? I can't help but to ask those questions in my head. I am scare. I am fearful. I am worried.