Chapter Two

The next morning, Belle went to the hospital as soon as she had time to tell her parents what was going on. She walked into the hospital and found it strangely quiet. It was still early. Jason and Belle had talked for about an hour last night. He had filled her in on everything he knew about the accident. Belle felt anger flow through her as she thought about it, but took a deep breath to control it.

Belle opened to the door to Ruth's room and slipped inside. She was surprised to find someone there already. She hardened when she saw it was Shane Grey. He was sitting next to the bed, holding Ruth's hand and talking to her quietly. He was the reason Ruth was here. Belle closed the door behind her with a bit more force than necessary. Shane looked up from the bed.

"Good morning." He whispered. Belle glared at him. She placed her purse and Ruth's favorite book, Pride and Prejudice which had brought to read to her, on the table and turned to Shane.

"You did this to her." Belle said, simply. A deep, wounded look came into Shane's eyes.

"Yes." He said, quietly, looking deeply ashamed. Belle said nothing more and didn't look at Shane. She went over to the bed.

"Hey, Ruth. It's me, Belle. I brought your favorite book." Belle said. "I'll even do voices if you want me to." Belle reached out and touched Ruth's hand. She tried to ignore Shane to keep her anger in check. She hoped that he would go away.

"Mom and Dad send their love." Belle said. "They will probably come to see you later." Shane continued to just sit there and stroke Ruth's hand. Belle glared at him again as she picked up the book. Shane sighed.

"Would you like me to leave?' He asked, knowing the answer.

"Yes." Belle snapped. He stood and frowned.

"Listen, Belle, it was an accident." Shane said. "I didn't mean for this to happen."

"You should have been more careful." Belle said, barely holding her anger in check.

"I was, Belle. I didn't know she was going to step out in front of the car." Shane said, defensively.

"Well, you are still the one who hit her!" Belle exclaimed. "You are still the reason she is in the hospital!"

"It was an accident!" Shane yelled back. "I'm sorry!"

"Apologizing isn't going to bring her back!" Belle said. Shane went around the bed to face her.

"What do you want me to do?" Shane said. The door opened and both of them turned to look. It was a nurse and she did not look happy.

"I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to leave." She said. "The rules are to be quiet so… You can come back at a different time."

Belle glared at Shane and followed him out. It was no use arguing with the nurse. They knew the rules and she was just doing her job. Belle got on the elevator and rode down to the lobby. She didn't say anything to Shane. As far as she was concerned he could just go drop off the face of the earth. She was surprised when he stopped her right outside of the hospital.

"Wait, Belle." He said. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell. Listen, it was all just an accident and I feel really badly about it. Please, just forgive me."

"I won't!" Belle spat at him. "You ruined her life! I-" Belle stopped for a minute and tried to calm down. She looked at him. "I can't, at least… not yet."

She turned around and walked away. She had really blown it. She had let him know how she really felt and she had meant to hide that from him and everyone. She glanced back. Shane was still stand where she had left him, his head in his hands. She looked forward again and pushed away the guilt she was feeling. Shane deserved any guilt he was feeling.

Belle returned to the hospital that evening. Ruth's mother was there. Belle smiled and closed the door behind her. Mrs. Cover was falling asleep. Belle put her hand on Ruth's mother's shoulder. She looked up.

"Why don't you go rest?" Belle asked. "I'll stay with her until you get back."

Mrs. Cover stood and smiled, weakly. "Thank you, Belle." She put on her coat and walked towards the door.

"Take as long as you want." Belle called. "I don't mind staying here all night."

Belle sat next to the bed and took Ruth's hand. She sent up a prayer for strength.

"Hey, Ruth." Belle said, cheerfully. "I missed you today. I had to go Christmas shopping without you. Christmas is only a month away. Oh, I saw the boots your Dad gave you. I am so going to borrow them." Belle paused. Why hadn't Mr. Cover come to see his only daughter in the hospital? Ruth's parents were divorced, but her dad still spoiled Ruth endlessly. Belle wondered if Mrs. Cover had even told Ruth's father. Belle wondered if she should get involved.

"Anyway, I said some mean things to Shane today." Belle confessed. "I wasn't going to, but you know me. When I get mad, it just spills out. I should apologize, but…"

Belle stopped as a knock sounded at the door. It opened and Nate stuck his head in. Belle attempted a smile.

"Hey," He said. He came in followed by Shane and Jason. "We brought a present."

He placed a vase full of roses on the windowsill. Belle smiled. Ruth loved flowers.

"Thank you, Nate." Belle said. "Ruth loves flowers."

"Actually, I'm Jason." He replied. Belle laughed.

"Sorry." She said. Jason shrugged.

"Hey, it got you to laugh." He said. Shane sat down on the other side of Ruth's bed.

"Hello, beautiful." He said, as he picked up her hand. Nate and Jason exchanged looks, but Belle missed reading their expressions. Nate put his hands in his pockets and looked at Belle.

"So… I guess you aren't a fan of Connect Three?" Nate asked. Belle looked puzzled.

"What are you talking about?" She asked.

"Us. We are a band and we are called Connect Three." Jason said. That was when Belle noticed the guitar case on Jason's back.

"Cool." Belle said. "Will you play something?"

"Sure." Jason said. He got out his guitar and Nate started singing a song. It was good and Belle liked it. She clapped.

"Does Shane sing to?" She asked, looking at Shane. He didn't look up. He seemed oblivious to what was going on. Nate glanced at Shane before answering.

"Yeah." Nate said. "Shane, sing something."

"No thanks." Shane said. When Jason and Nate exchanged looks this time, Belle read them. They were worried.

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Crazybluegirl