Ethan hadn't left the hospital in days except to shower and for a light sleep. He had hoped to hear word on Kristina but Alexis was like a bulldog and wouldn't even talk to Ethan, let alone let him see Kristina. Johnny's surgery had been a success and Ethan had stayed in his friends room while he lay in unconsciousness. He was an absolute wreck. Luke was gone for god knows how long and his brother and sister were dealing with things in their own lives. Their own little dramas. If he was honest the people that meant most to him, that understood him the most, were both lying in the hospital in a state of unconsciousness. His two best friends in the world.
Looking back on the events he wasn't surprised to find himself here. He knew it was a strong possibility that Kristina and Johnny's budding friendship could lead to this. No he wasn't surprised at all. He strongly suspected that Sonny was behind it too. He strangely enough hadn't seen the man. Michael, was devastated and barely left the hospital. Ethan wondered if Sonny was to blame, how he was feeling about himself now.
Ethan was sitting by Johnny's hospital bed pondering the events over the last couple of days when he heard the door click open and saw Molly sneak into the room. "Molly? What are you doing here? " Molly came over and stood at the foot of Johnny's hospital bed staring at Johnny sadly. "It's so sad Ethan that Johnny and Kristina ended up here together. I don't know if it was because of Johnny's enemies or because of Kristina that they are here and I don't want to know. I hate this. I miss my sister." Molly cried, a tear slipping down her cheek.
Ethan felt bad for the girl. He knew how close Molly and Kristina are to each other. "It will be alright Molly you'll see. Why are you here anyways? If Alexis sees you in here she will have a fit." He warned the young girl. Molly shrugged. "At this point I am beyond caring. I am here because I love my sister Ethan. I know she would love it if she could see you. Well hear you anyways. She hasn't woke up yet. I know you tried to see her but mom wouldn't allow it. She left to go home and get some rest. Sam is having something to eat in the cafeteria. Now is your chance."
Ethan couldn't believe it. Molly was risking getting into major trouble just to help him. Help Kristina. "Molly you shouldn't-. I mean I don't want you getting into trouble because of me." Molly shrugged in defiance. "I don't care Ethan. I know Kristina will here you and I know it will mean a lot to her if you visit. I know it would mean a lot to you." She said looking meaningfully at him. Ethan nodded in agreement. "Thank you Molly. It means a lot to me. I don't know what to say." He told her honestly. "Just say you will go see Kristina. Before Sam gets back. You don't have much time, so hurry." Molly headed to the door and slipped out as quietly as she came in.
Ethan slipped out of Johnny's room and headed over to Kristina's. He slowly opened the door to the darkened room and it was indeed empty with visitors. There lay Kristina's sleeping form a little battered and bruised as Johnny's had been. At least Kristina hadn't required surgery like Johnny had. Ethan sat down by her bed and stared at her bruised face. She looked so young and fragile lying there.
A lump formed in his throat. How close had she- both his friends come to death? Ethan couldn't bare to lose anyone else he cared about in this life. He looked at Kristina's hand and picked it up holding it in his. It felt so cool and lifeless. It scared him. He looked into her face and swallowed before beginning. "Krissy? Hey luv, it's me Ethan. I want you to know how much I miss you. I miss you coming around and pestering me about anything and everthing. You are trouble with a capital T but I miss that voice of yours. That smile. Baby you have to wake up. You have to get better. Please."
Ethan then felt the shock of his life when the cool hand in his own came to life. Kristina squeezed his hand. It was admittedly not much but it was there. She had heard him. "Kristina. Luv please wake up for me. I miss you so much. I have been staying with Johnny a lot. His dad has been in a couple of times and of course I avoid him like the plague. He is crazy as a shit house rat that one. Krissy your family and everyone miss you so much and want you to get better. Your sister Molly came and got me. You really have a good sister. She is always in your corner. You have to get better for Molly luv, she misses you. I miss you." Ethan felt his eyes well with tears and he quickly wiped them away as if someone was watching. She squeezed his hand again. Firmer this time. Ethan's heart swelled in response. Suddenly the door swung open and Michael stepped in.
"Ethan." Michael said curtly. Ethan was sure he was being kicked out of Kristina's room for sure. However Michael surprised him and instead sat down on the other side of her bed. "How is she?" he asked somberly. "She squeezed my hand twice. That has to be good right." Ethan told him. Michael smiled slightly at this. "Well Ethan if anyone could get Kristina to come around its you. I am surprised she isn't up talking up a storm already." He joked.
Ethan laughed good naturedly. "Yeah it would be nice to hear right about now." They both looked to Kristina willing her to wake up without luck. "Thanks for coming to see her. I know Alexis said no but its good you came. Whatever helps Kristina is good in my books." Michael told him honestly. Ethan smiled slightly at this. "Well Molly came and got me. She did warn me to make the visit brief." He admitted.
"Alexis is just upset. She will get over it. The car bomb had nothing to do with you. " Michael said a dark edge clouding his voice. Ethan frowned at this. "Michael was it-" Suddenly the beeping on Kristina's monitor got louder. "I guess she is listening huh?" Ethan said with a roll of the eyes. Michael laughed. "Maybe. Look Ethan can we talk outside, I don't want- you know." He said gesturing to Kristina. Ethan nodded in agreement. He leaned down and kissed Kristina's cheek , bidding her to get well before leaving, though he could swear the heart monitor started beeping erratically when he did.
"So Michael was it-" Michael held up his hand, looking around for listening ears before continuing. "Yes it was. I know you work for Johnny and I am sure he will suspect anyways but for Kristina's sake keep it in your pocket until the police work it out. I- this is hard for me to deal with too. I love my father but I don't agree with everything he does. I warned Kristina that this friendship with Johnny was a mistake but you know how bullheaded she is. I love my sister though and would do anything for her. I don't want her to hate our dad. They just started building a relationship again. He is sorry. Believe me. Just –please Ethan." Michael pleaded.
Ethan was not sure what to say. He didn't want to lie to Kristina but he didn't want her hurt any more than she already was either. "Alright I won't say anything for now. Please keep me updated on your sister. I doubt I will get the chance to get in and see her again anytime soon." Michael agreed and left. Ethan went back to Johnny's room with a lot to think about.