Chapter Five

"How is she doing Doc?" I asked, worry still noticeable in my voice.

"She's going to be fine," He smiled at me as he put a fresh wash cloth onto Wanda's forehead.

Ian was sitting on the floor next to Wanda's bed, his hand in hers.

"She just fainted, nothing to worry about," Doc said compassionately. "She could come around in a minute or so."

Right as he said this Wanda's eyes opened. She sat up quickly, looking confused.

"What happened?" Wanda asked, looking around at each of us.

It was Doc who spoke first, "It's okay Wanda, everything is fine. You just fainted, but luckily your loved ones were here to take care of you." He smiled. He then continued to ask her a few questions to make sure that nothing more serious was wrong.

I, however, was not smiling. I looked sternly at Ian who had let go of Wanda's hand. I understand that he is angry at her. But she fainted. I looked back at Wanda, who still had a confused look on her face. She looked as though she had woken from some scary dream. Unfortunately for her it wasn't a dream. It was all real. And reality is way more painful than any dream could possibly be.

I closed my eyes for a moment to take in everything that had happened, taking a few deep breaths. When I opened them I saw Ian walking out of the room. I don't think so buddy. I walked out after him, grabbing his arm just outside the door.

"Let go Mel," Ian said, clearly irritated. "I'm not in the mood."

"Oh and you think I am? I just got engaged a couple of hours ago, and now I am taking care of my best friend who fainted," I knew I shouldn't take it so hard, but I was mad now.

"Then do us both a favor and go spend some time with your new fiancé," He spat the last word out, as if this whole thing was my fault.

"You do not just get to walk away from this. It's your fault she fainted, and you're just going to leave her alone in there? Do you have any idea what that will do to her?" I was whispering, but that did not hide the fury in my words.

"My fault? How is this my fault? She cheated on me!"

"That doesn't mean you have the right to act like a little kid. Instead of working it out you're running away. Grow up Ian," I said, shaking. I leaned against the wall behind me, afraid I was going to fall to my knees if I didn't.

"Why are you taking this so personal Mel? It has nothing to do with you. So just leave me alone. I have the right to do what I want," He started to walk away, his face hot with anger.

I didn't want to let him get away that easy, but I didn't feel like I had the energy to go after him. Why was I taking this so personal? After all, it really isn't my problem. I wasn't the one who kissed another guy, and I sure didn't break up with anyone. Nor did I cause anyone to faint.

"Mel? Is that you?" Jared called from down the hall. "I have been looking everywhere for you!"

He came and kissed me on the lips. I couldn't kiss him back.

"Is everything alright sweetie?" He asked me, leaning down to look into my eyes. When I didn't answer he put his arms on my waist and pulled me into a hug.

"Everything is not fine. I feel like it's all falling apart," I started to cry into his shoulders.

"What do you mean? Everything was great earlier! What happened?" Jared asked as he brushed my hair out of my eyes.

"Wanda and Ian broke up."

"..What does that have to do with you?"

"Sunny and Kyle broke up."

"I...I still don't see the connection."

"Jared if they can't last together why should we?" I cried harder now.

Just as Jared was about to respond as Doc walked out of the room, "Sorry to interrupt, but Wanda is going to but just fine, she's sleeping again. It seems as though she suffered from severe shock. It would be best if she was away from any drama right now. She needs rest."

"Thank you Doc," I managed to say.

Before he walked away he added, "I think the same applies to you my dear."

Yeah, right. How was I supposed to get away from drama when it was surrounding me, pulling me in? I did need some rest though. I felt my eyes drooping.

"Sever shock?" Jared asked, his eyebrows raised.

"She fainted when Ian broke up with her," I said as if it happened every day.

"Mel, I think we should get you to bed. It seems as though it has been a long day for you..."

"You can say that again."

"And you need to get your rest. Besides someone misses you very much, and I'm not talking about me," He winked at me and kissed my cheek. "Would my soon to be wife like to be carried to bed and see her puppy?"

"She would love that."

Jared scooped me into his arms and started to walk us back to our room...


I heard Wanda from inside her bedroom.

"Hello?" She sounded weak and scared.

"I should go check on her," I kissed him, on his lips this time and added, "I'm sorry."

"Hello?" Wanda asked again, a little louder this time.

"Coming Wanda," I called, just loud enough for her to hear me. "Wait for me?" I asked as he set me back on my feet.

"Of course, take as long as you need. But not too long, I'm getting tired myself."

I walked back into the room and saw Wanda laying on her bed.

"How are you feeling darling?" I asked her.

"Who are you?" She asked, her eyes opening wide. She pulled her knees up to her chest and scooted back against the wall. She looked terrified.

"Wanda, it's just me, Melanie," I smiled at her.

Her eyes filled with fear.

"Melanie. Your best friend?" I said, getting a little freaked out myself. How could she not remember me?

"Who?.." Wanda asked in a small voice.

"You really don't remember me?" I took a few steps closer. Maybe she just couldn't see my face in the darkness?

"No...where am I? What happened?" She looked around the room, trying to find something familiar.

"You fainted, but Doc said you would be alright. Maybe I should go get him. Something isn't right." I sounded worried. Why was this happening?

I turned to walk out of the room...

"You finished Melanie? We're gonna be late!"

"Late? We still have twenty minutes before it starts!" I said excitedly. I could not believe today was the day!

"Hurry up sweetie. I want to have plenty of time to take pictures afterward, and you need daylight for that!" He said, tying his shoes.

"Just a few more minutes. I'm just putting on the final touches. I'm so excited though! Today is the day I get to become Mrs. O'Shea!" I ran over to him, kissing him on the cheek.

"Mr and Mrs. Kyle O'Shea. That does have a nice ring to it doesn't it?" He asked, giggling. He was excited too, I could tell.

"Oh, I forgot my shoes!" I screamed over my shoulder, running back to grab them.

As I ran back I tripped over a box on the floor, landing on the bed....