Chapter Three: Hospitalized

I managed to hit a branch on the way down, which broke my fall. Unfortunately, when I hit the ground, I heard a sickening crack. "Ow!" I cried, tearing up. I pulled up my jeans and saw my leg twisted in an awkward position. I groaned, feeling the blood drain out of my face. I'd never seriously injured myself before, and it didn't seem like there was anyone around to help. Oracle was locked up in her house and it was already the middle of the night. The best I could hope for was someone passing by in early morning. I breathed heavily, trying to control my anxiety, but it was too much. I blacked out.

When I awoke, I found myself in a white room. "Huh? Where am I...?" I rasped. My mouth felt dry, like cardboard.

"My clinic." A beautiful woman with a beauty mark smiled warmly at me. Ayame, the doctor, was clad in a white coat. Her assistant, Hiro, stood beside her.

"Lillian, do you need anything?" Hiro asked in an educated, refined voice. I asked him for water. He left and returned back to my side a few seconds later with a cup filled with cool water in his hands.

"Thank you." I accepted the cup and took several long draughts of water. "What happened...?"

"You fell off of a cliff," Ayame said while sifting through a pile of papers. "Thankfully, Ash and Cam happened to be passing by at the moment. When they saw you, Ash ran all the way here to Konohana. He barged into the clinic, yelling and screaming for help. He was scared. It was so cute!" I could almost see the hearts in Ayame's eyes. "Anyways, you-"

"Lillian!" Ash and Dirk came rushing into the room. "Are you okay?" they asked simultaneously. I giggled.

"Don't worry. I'm fine," I reassured them. I didn't know that they cared about me so much. Cam and Mikhail filed in behind them.

"Lillian...?" Mikhail asked, coming directly to my side. He walked with such elegance and certainty, knelt down on one knee, and held my hand with an intent expression. My heart skipped a beat. Mikhail had always unnerved me. He was just...so...

"I-I'm fine," I repeated for the umpteenth time, although I wasn't so sure. With Mikhail so close to me, I couldn't help but feel a little self-conscious. I took my hand away from him and glanced at Cam standing behind the crowd, looking a little lost.

"Cam?" He pulled down his cap, and I could see pink dusting his cheeks.

"Uh, here. I'm not very good with these kinds of things, but I hope it makes you feel better." He shoved a bouquet forcefully into my arms. I was startled by the gesture. "Sorry. I, uh... Get well soon, okay?" Cam swiveled around and strode quickly out of the building. After Mikhail and Dirk were certain that I was fine, they left as well. The only ones who were left were me, Dr. Ayame, Hiro, and Ash. Only the ticking of a clock and the scribbling of a pen filled the silence. Ash glanced at Ayame and Hiro.

"Would you two mind if Lillian and I talked for a minute?" Ash asked. Ayame and Hiro looked at each other.

"Of course," Hiro replied, ignoring Ayame's protests. Hiro dragged Ayame out of the room, leaving Ash and I alone.

"Lillian, what happened last night?"

"I was visiting a friend."

"Are you talking about Oracle? That girl who lives in the mountains?"

"Yeah." Ash sighed.

"What happened?"

"I was angry at her, so I didn't see where I was going." Ash sighed again.

"Lillian. Please," he pleaded. "Don't worry me again." By this time, he was holding my hands in his. Unlike with Mikhail, I didn't seem to mind. It was kind of nice, actually...

"I'm sorry, Ash." Ash stood up and ruffled my hair.

"It's okay. I have to go now, but be good now, you hear?" he ordered as he left the room. I smiled back at him, matting my now messy hair down.

Ash's POV

I found Cam outside the clinic, leaning against the wall with folded arms. As I passed by him, he placed his hand on my shoulder, halting me. "I won't lose to you, Ash," he said, with a newfound intensity in his gaze.

To my readers: I'm sorry if this chapter was confusing. I wanted to introduce all of the bachelors, so you guys would know how I'm going to portray each of them, so it'd be easier for you guys to decide which one you like best. I had several problems with this chapter, so have patience with me.

In case you guys noticed, Cam was a lot like Gray in this chapter. I thought that it fit him, but please tell me if that bothers you so I can change it. I also had trouble with Ash's character too. I tried to make him like a big brother type. Mikhail was supposed to be suave, mature, romantic, etc. since he's the oldest bachelor (or at least, he looks like it). For the Dirk and Hiro fans, I'm sorry that they kind of disappeared in this chapter. They're not my favorite characters. And finally, Kana. Some of you may be wondering why he didn't come visit Lillian, but you'll see why later.

Again, thanks everyone for the reviews! I'm glad you guys like this story! I'd appreciate any suggestions you have for me, especially concerning this chapter. Remember! Review and tell me what bachelor you want Lillian to end up with! I'm keeping a tally for all the bachelors!