Kates POV
I grunted as I opened my eyes to see a dark hospital room. There was a dim lamp lit on the side of me. Looking over slowly I saw…
"Rick?" I whimpered, before grunting in pain again. My side is killing me. RIck didn't hear me. He was sleeping. Holding my hand? How long has he been here? I'm so thirsty. I tried to sit up but stopped immediately when I felt a sharp pain. I yelped before crashing back down on the bed. I held my side with my left hand, still unable to use my right. He has a strong grip for someone who's asleep. Slowly I lifted the blanket on my left side, and then proceeded to lift my hospital robe. I needed to see what was causing me so much pain. I lifted the robe to see light stitches across my side as well as bruises that ran up and down my body. I pulled the thin sheet back over me before resting my head back on the thin pillow. I sighed. I layed there breathing lightly. Everytime i did I felt a slight pain in my side. I think I remember bits and pieces of what happened. I think someone hit me with their car. I remember going in and out of consciousness. One moment I was walking, the next I was in Rick's arms. I think he was crying. Crying for me? I didn't know I meant that much to him. I remember I was in a lot of pain while I was driving here. Rick was driving and trying to keep me awake. Last thing I remember was a bunch of doctors around me. One put an oxygen mask on me before I passed out again. Now I'm… here. It's dark outside and it's pouring. What time is it? I'm so thirsty. How long has it been? I need to drink something. I don't see anyone in the hall. Not that I can really see it. There's a curtain blocking it, but it's dark out there. It must be late because they only do this after twelve oclock. If it really is past that time then how long has Rick been here? I'll ask him after I wake him up.
I gently pulled my hand, rocking Rick's head back and forth gently. Eventually he started to stir before sitting up and looking around the room. He then turned to me. He didn't say anything.
"Hey" I said weakly with a small smile.
"K-Kate," he stuttered before hugging me. I yelped out in pain before he let go quickly. "Shit, I'm sorry" he said quickly.
"No... its...fine" I breathed before exhaling.
"How are ya feelin?" he asked gently.
"Thirsty" I said in a low, raspy voice.
"I'll go get you something" he said, letting go of my hand, and rushing out the door.
Once he left I immediately felt alone. Sad even. I don't know why but waking up to him holding my hand was… was he holding it this whole time? He never left my side did he? I don't think I ever felt more cared for. More… safe. I don't know… maybe i can ignore this pain if he continues to comfort me like this. When he held my hand I just felt so...loved. Something I haven't felt in a long time. I know my parents love me but something is different about this. It felt… caring. I don't think I know anyone who would stay by someone's side like Rick did for me. Does He… have feelings for me? I just started talking to him. Why does he care so much? As I was lost in my thoughts I noticed a tear rolling down my left cheek. Oh. It's because my side is killing me. I didn't even notice. Just then I felt another wave of pain. I closed my eyes tight before grunting loudly. After it passed I whimpered. "Where is He?" I thought. I wiped the tear before slowly trying to reposition myself. How hard did that bitch hit me with Her fucking car? Looking down a bit I saw that My hair was a wreck. It wasn't sticking up or anything but it was messy. Great...another pain wave came, making me grunt again.
Finally Rick came back with a plastic cup filled with cold water and a straw. He sat down beside me again. It was so good to have him back.
"Sorry I took so long," he said. I meant to say "dont worry about it" but instead let out a weak hum. "Can you sit up?" he asked. I weakly shook my head no. "Okay" he whispered, before bringing the cup closer and putting the straw to my lips. I opened my mouth just wide enough to get the straw where it needed to be and sucked gently. Man water never tasted better. "There ya go" Rick said gently. Great hes practically spoon feeding me. Once I was satisfied I pushed the straw away carefully with my tongue to let Rick know I was finished. "Okay" he said softly, putting the cup on the stand next to the bed. Afterwards he took my hand in both of his again. I smiled weakly.
"What time is it?" I wheezed. Rick took his right hand off mine, keeping his left hand holding it. He took out his phone and took a quick glimpse before putting it back in his pocket and resting both hands on my hand again.
"Three," he said. I hummed again. "I know," he said. "Do you need anything?" he asked with concern in his eyes.
"No," I mouthed. He just gave me a small smile in response.
"I'm so glad you're okay," he said. I smiled weakly. I felt tired. Even though i've only been up for about ten minutes i felt tired somehow. My eyes started to slowly shut. "Tired?" Rick asked. I nodded weakly with my eyes closed. "Okay" he said before… kissing my hand? Is that what I just felt?
"Rick?" I asked not opening my eyes.
"Yeah?" he asked, concerned.
"When we were… in the car… Did you… call me Katey?" I asked weakly. He hesitated before letting out a very low chuckle.
"I think I did," he said softly. I let out a small, weak snicker, feeling both his hands still holding my right hand. It helped me fall right back asleep.
Ricks POV
I woke up slowly as the dim morning sun shined through the window. I looked back to see the early morning fog filling the outside. I turned around to see Kate still sleeping. My God she's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. I was still holding Her hand from last night. I didn't want to let go. She seemed so peaceful as she slept. I actually enjoyed taking care of her last night. I wish I could take care of her every day.
"I'm glad you're okay," I said quietly.
A nurse walked in through the curtain.
"Hey…" she said awkwardly, before taking a glance over at Kate. "has she woken up?" She asked me.
"Last night… she woke up for a couple of minutes," I answered. The nurse nodded before opening a binder and quickly reading through it.
"Okay so as for today she'll be on a liquid diet, how was she moving last night?" she questioned.
"She wasn't," I said.
"Okay so she might need someone to feed Her if you're okay with that." the nurse said. I nodded. "Alright she needs to eat something so let us know when she's up, and we'll bring something for her" she instructed.
"Okay … thanks." I said. The nurse nodded and left. It was just me and Kate again.
I held Kate's hand. I played around with Her fingers gently before kissing her hand.
"I can't thank god enough for your well being," I said. I held her hand to my forehead and shakely exhaled. I sat like that for some time before I heard Kate grunt lightly. I looked up to see Her getting her teeth before opening Her eyes. She exhaled before turning her attention to me. "Hey" she said weakly. "Hey" I said smiling. "How are you feeling?" I questioned.
"It hurts," she said weakly looking at the ceiling.
"I'll see if they have something for you okay?" I responded in the most comforting voice I could muster. I got up to go ask but Kate grabbed my arm weakly, getting my attention.
"Don't leave" she said sadly, giving me an upsetting look. I knelt down and caressed her hair.
"Kate, I have to go get someone, I'll be right back," I said softly before turning to leave. She grabbed my arm again and just hummed sadly. "Kate… ill be right back" i felt her grip loosen a bit before she whimpered. I have to be quick
I quickly walked over to the door and pulled back the curtain. I squinted as the bright hallway light shined in my eyes. I saw a nurse walking in my direction. Perfect. When she got close enough I stopped her.
"Hey, Kate just woke up, I was told to tell you" I said.
"Okay i'll let them know" she said before walking off.
"Could we get something for the pain?" I asked.
"Of course," she said, turning to me before continuing to walk. I turned back to see Kate breathing heavily through gritted teeth. Her eyes were closed. She must really be hurting.
I walked back over and sat down, grabbing Kate's hand again.
"See? I didn't even have to leave the room," I said. She turned to me before slowly opening her eyes again. She moaned before glancing over at the cup I got her last night. "Thirsty?" I asked. She nodded weakly before moaning weakly. I grabbed the cup and put the straw to her lips. She gently sucked on the straw for about eight seconds before emptying the cup. She let go of the straw and exhaled. I placed the empty cup back where it was and then turned back to Kate. "Someone's bringing something for the pain," I said. She only cracked a smile for a quick second. She just lay there breathing raspily. "I'm so sorry this happened to you" I said to her.
"It's not your fault," she replied weakly.
"It doesn't have to be," I said back.
"I kinda… have to use the bathroom" she told me.
"Okay, we'll tell the nurse when she gets here," I said.
"What time is it?" she asked, looking over at the window. I quickly check my phone.
"Seven," I said. She only moaned weakly. Poor thing.
Just then the nurse came in with a small lunch cart. There was a plastic bowl with a lid over it and two cups.
"Okay so i brought you some soup, apple juice, and a little something for the pain" she said.
"Okay thanks… um… she has to use the bathroom" i told her. The nurse pushed the cart to the bedside before standing next to the bed.
"Okay i'll take her," she said. I nodded as she went to help Kate sit up. When she did Kate screamed before crashing back down on the bed in tears. "Shit, i'm so so so sorry" the nurse said startled.
"It's fine, it's fine, just… we'll try again after she takes the meds" I told her as Kate cried loudly. the nurse nodded before leaving.
"Let me know if you need anything else, use the remote to call," she told me.
"Thanks" I said, taking Kate by the hand again. I brushed her hair as she cried. "Shhhhh" I cooed trying to calm her. Kate only kept crying as she squeezed my hand. I grabbed the cup and the pill on the cart before holding it in front of her. "Here, take this," I said. She opened her mouth. I placed the pill in her mouth and then put the straw to her lips. She sucked at the straw once before pushing it with her tongue. I put the cup to the side as Kate cried softly. I continued to stroke her hair. "Ssshhhh you're okay" I said softly. I hate seeing her like this.
I sat calming her for about ten minutes until her cries died down.
"That pill should be kicking in soon" I told her as I continued to hold her hand with my right and caress her hair with my left.
"I hope so," she said weakly. Kate then did something I didn't expect. She nuzzled against my hand.
"You'll get through this," I told her.
"We're both missing school," she said.
"Yea… we are" I told her, smiling. I had completely forgotten all about school. "I'm sure you'll be excused '' I assured her. She gave a small laugh before coughing lightly. "Want to try eating something?" I asked her. She nodded.
I stood up and wheeled the cart over to my side. I then grabbed the bowl and took the lid off. Steam came off of it as I did so. I stirred it a bit.
"Looks like chicken noodle," I said. I sat before taking a spoonful of soup. I put the spoon in her mouth before she closed it, and I lightly pulled it out. "Hot?" I asked.
"Perfect temperature" she told me. I nodded as I scooped up a bit more. "Let me know when you want a sip of juice," I said, putting the spoon back into her mouth. I continued to feed her as I spoke. "I'll message your mom after this… she'll want to see you" I told her. She swallowed her soup before speaking.
"Hopefully I can get to the bathroom," she said.
"Hopefully" I replied putting the spoon back in her mouth. "Is it good?" I asked.
"Mhm" she hummed. I laughed lightly getting another spoonful. "Have you eaten?" she asked me. I fed her again as I answered her question.
"Not since our little lunch together," I said. She smiled weakly.
"I really enjoyed that," she told me.
"Oh yea?" I asked giving her another mouth full. She swallowed.
"Yea" she answered. I scooped up some more soup.
"Well if you want… when we get back to school… we can do that everyday, my treat" i said feeding her again.
"Sounds lovely," she breathed. I smiled again before giving her another spoonful. She swallowed before speaking. "You need to eat something too," she said.
"I don't eat when I'm nervous… or scared" I told her, giving her another mouthful.
"You were scared?" she asked me.
"Terrified" I corrected.
"Well I'm here, you can eat," she said. I scooped up the last of the soup and fed her.
"Not until you're taken care of first" I said. I placed the empty bowl on the cart and grabbed the cup of juice. "Juice?" I asked.
"Sure," she giggled. I put the straw to her lips and waited for her to finish. When she let go of the straw I placed the cup on the cart. I then took the phone out of my pocket and went to Eves messages. "Kate just woke up. Wanted to tell you" I texted before sending it. I then noticed the time. It was now 8:30. It's been an hour? Wow Kate you make time fly.
"You text mom?" Kate asked me.
"Yeah" I said, putting the phone in my pocket and grabbing Kate's soft hand again.
"Thank you," Kate said to me.
"For what?" I asked.
"For getting me here… for taking care of me… for being you…" she said.
"Kate … i… i only did what anyone else would have' i told her. She shook her head.
"I don't think anyone else would have stayed with me all night," she said. I just looked down at her hand again.
"I care about you Kate" I said quietly before glancing back up at her. She smiled. My phone vibrated in my pocket. I took it out to see who sent me a message. To my surprise it wasn't Eve. It was Lilly. "It's your sister," I told Kate.
"What did she say?" Kate asked me.
"She wants to know how you are," I answered.
"Tell her I'm fine," Kate instructed. I nodded as I began texting.
L. hey. Just wanted to know how Kate was. I haven't been able to sleep,
R. she's up. She's gonna be fine, just in a lot of pain,
L. how long has she been up?
R. about an hour and a half. I texted your mom but she hasn't answered
L. shes sleeping i'll go get her up and we'll be over hopefully soon.
R. sounds good.
I glanced at the time again. 9:00 the time read. The sun was really starting to come out now with the clouds clearing up. All the morning fog was gone giving me and Kate a great view of the outside. I turned to Kate.
"They should be here soon," I told her.
"Okay" she whispered.
"Think you can go to the bathroom now?" I asked.
"Maybe" she answered.
"Try moving," I told her. Slowly she grabbed the bed sides and started to pull. She grunted as she lifted herself up. I put my hand behind her back as I assisted her. Once she was sat up I walked around the bed and put the small gate down. I then lifted the covers to help Kate get out of bed.
"Is that a cast?" Kate asked me.
"Yea. you're gonna need to wear it for the next couple of weeks. I told her, causing her to whimper. I pressed the call button on the remote before helping Kate scoot to the edge of the bed. "You're doing great" i she was sitting on the edge of the bed the nurse from earlier walked in.
"feeling better honey?" she asked Kate.
"yea. Sorry about earlier" Kate said.
"Oh don't apologize, I should have made sure you were okay before moving you" the nurse said. She then placed her hand on Kate's back getting ready to help her stand. Slowly she stood up shakily and while leaning on the doctor, limped to the bathroom. I opened the door for them and closed it once they were inside.
I took the opportunity to fluff Kate's pillow and get a drink. I got a plastic cup of water from the water cooler I found last night. When I got back Kate and the nurse were walking out of the bathroom. Me and the nurse help Kate lay back down.
"Let me know if you need anything else," the nurse said before leaving.
"Feel better?" I asked.
"By a mile" Kate answered. I held up the remote.
"Cartoons?" I asked. She gave me a laugh. An actual laugh. I'm glad she's feeling a bit better. At least enough to laugh. Probably just an energy spike but I'll take whatever I can get. Me and Kate watched spongebob. As we were watching Kate grabbed my hand and held it. I looked back at her and we nervously smiled at each other before turning back to the screen. She held my hand the whole time. Eventually Eve and Lilly walked in about two hours later.
"Kate" Eve cried, hugging her, making Kate grunt. "Oh I'm so sorry sweetie," she said, letting go of her.
"I'm fine," she told her.
"Hey sis" Lilly said, hugging Kate lightly so as not to hurt Her. "I'm so glad you're okay" LIlly said, letting go of her.
"How are you feeling? Are you hungry?" Eve quizzed.
"I'm still hurting a bit and i ate already" Kate said looking over at the empty bowl. That must have made Kate realize I still hadn't eaten. "Rick, you need to eat something," she said.
"I'm fine," I said.
"Rick…" Kate said, looking at me.
"Have you really not eaten?" Eve asked.
"Not since yesterday,'' I said.
"Go… i won't be alone" Kate said. I just stood looking at her. I really didn't want to leave Her.
"what if you need something?" I asked.
"We'll take care of it," Lilly assured me.
"Okay" I said softly before stepping out of the room. "I'll be back" I told them as I stepped out. I could hear them start to talk as I left.
"He really didn't want to leave did he?" Eve said.
"I really didn't want him to leave," Kate said. She sounded sad. It broke my heart.
When I returned to the lobby I could see the cafeteria they had. I was about to go to it but didn't. I couldn't stop thinking about Kate. I wasn't hungry but couldn't just go back. They'll know I was lying. It will matter because Kate didn't want me to leave but told me to eat something. She must be looking out for my well being. When she told me not to leave earlier it crushed me. I walked past the cafeteria and went outside where I scanned the parking lot looking for my truck. "Where did Humphrey park you?" I said out loud. I finally spotted it near the front. I walked over and unlocked it. Once I opened the passenger door I saw dried blood all over the seat and dashboard. The sight sent chills down my spine. "I could have lost you" I thought outloud, before reaching in the glove compartment and pulling out a pack of wipes. I then started to clean the dried stains.