Chapter 15

It had been a few days since Aaron's attack and the doctors were gobsmacked at Aaron's progress. During the early hours of the morning after, Aaron began to show signs of responding to the treatment. He was now breathing on his own again and doctors were confident that he would wake up soon.

Ed had barely moved from Aaron's bedside, constantly watching him while they were alone, and crying and willing Aaron to wake up whenever someone was around.

Adam was sat in the canteen with Chas

"I'm so confused Chas. I don't know what to believe anymore."

"Well you heard what the police said. It was just a random attack by a few kids. The young bartender said he'd seen someone leave the scene, but couldn't get a proper look because of the lack of lights in the alley. If Aaron can't remember who did this to him, Those lowlives are going to get away scot-free."

"Yeah I know. But something's not right. The first time he went out with Ed, he came home with a black eye. The second time he went out with Ed he came home and his neck was all red, like someone had tried to choke him. Now he's here? You can't tell me this is all just coincidental."

"What did you say about Aaron's neck?" Chas asked

"He came home from Ed's and his neck was all red. Aaron being Aaron brushed it off and told me he was allergic to the aftershave he bought."

"Well this is the first I've heard of it! I think it's about time me and Ed had words!"

Chas jumped out of her seat and marched to the ward Aaron was on, Adam was running behind her and stopped her "Just be careful Chas ok? IF he was responsible for Aaron's neck it's more than likely he's responsible for this. You have to be careful what you say. Don't go in there all guns blazing and start accusing him. Bring it up in the conversation, see how Ed reacts. We play it by ear and go on from there."

"You're a smart cookie at times, Adam. Alright. But if I do find out he did this, I'll kill him."

Chas opened the door to Aaron's room and faked a smile as she walked in. Ed was just waking up and looked at Chas.

"How's he doing?" She asked spliing into the seat on the other side of Aaron's bed.

"They said he's getting stronger. Only a matter of time til he wakes up they reckon."

"Thank god. I really thought we were going to lose him."

"I don't know what I'd do if I did. He's my world."

Chas sniffed and curled her nose up, a musky smell filled her nostrils causing her to sneeze. She looked at Ed and smiled "You put aftershave on him love?" She laughed

"No. I used some. I've barely moved from here since he was brought in and I'm starting to smell a bit. Aaron gave it to me. It was his but he had an allergy to it. Poor lad his neck went bright red."

Chas nodded her head. Bang goes that theory then she thought. She turned her attention back to Aaron. "Did you see that?" Chas asked, jumping from her chair. "His eyes flickered!"

"They did? Are you sure?"

"I know what I saw Ed! His eyes flickered. Look! It's happening again!"

Ed looked down at Aaron and found Chas was right. Aaron was moving. "Aaron? Aaron can you hear me? Open your eyes."

Aaron groaned as a sharp light invaded his eyes "Adam?"

Ed gritted his teeth and tightened his grip onto Aaron's hand "No babe it's Ed. Wake up for me. Your Mum's here too."

Aaron opened his eyes a little more and Chas came into focus

"Mum? Where...Where am I?"

"You're in hospital love, but you're going to be ok."

"Mum...Ed..."

"Ed's here love. He hasn't left your side. How you feeling?"

"Horrible...What...happened?"

"You were attacked love. Outside Bar West. You've been stabbed."

"It hurts.." Aaron groaned

"It will love. You'll be sore for a while. Ed, go and get a doctor, eh?"

Ed nodded and left the room, searching for his brother.

"Mum...Keep him...away from me.." Aaron gasped, before sleep took over his exsausted body.

Soon after Aaron fell asleep again, Ed arrived with the doctor. He ushered them both out of the room and ran some test on Aaron.

"You should go in and see him next, kid." Chas smiled at Adam "He said your name when he woke up."

Adam couldn't stop the smile that broke onto his face "Really?"

"Yeah. You've barely spent anytime with him since he was brought in. I think you should have your turn now."

"Do you think I should call Jackson and tell him Aaron's awake?"

"Why do you want to ring him for?" Ed asked "Him being here will only upset Aaron. I'm not having him here after what he did."

"Aaron said something strange when he came round. He said to me "Keep him away from me..." I wonder if he knows who did this? Like if he had a flashback or something. Can that happen?" Chas asked

Before anyone had the chance to respond, Dr. Robverts left the room and smiled "He's doing well. Despite the beating he took there's no signs of any brain damage, Amazingly, all four knife wounds had missed any vital organs and arteries. He's a very lucky man."

"Four?" Adam asked

"Sorry?"

"You said there were four stab wounds...Ed you told us there were five."

"I don't know Adam I got confused ok! My boyfriend was lying in here bleeding to death for god's sake I wasn't thinking straight!"

"Ah. You're Adam. Aaron woke up again during the testing. He's asking for you."

Adam smiled and made his way into Aaron's room. His friend was now sitting up in bed, still very weak and tired, but he was alive and that's all Adam cared about.

"Aaron, mate, You have no idea how glad I am that you're ok!"

"Adam..."

"Try not to talk to much, yeah?"

"So I have to...listen to you...ramble on again?" Aaron asked

"I see they didn't nick your sense of humour mate." Adam laughed

"Who..."

"Mate, You were mugged. Well, that's what the doctors think. You were found outside Bar West, badly beaten and you'd been stabbed."

"Why was I at Bar West?" Aaron asked

"I don't know mate. What's the last thing you can remember?"

"Going to Ed's...then he started shouting...Everything's blank after..."

"Mate..Are you saying..."

"I think he...I think he did this Adam..."

"Aaron are you sure? I'm not doubting you mate but you need to be sure."

All Aaron could do was nod slowly as tears began rushing down his face.

Adam looked behind him to see Ed staring through the window at them both. As much as Adam wanted to tear his head off, he kept cool. For Aaron's sake. But one thing was for sure. He was not leaving Aaron's side.

TBC