Audrey sat beside the hospital bed, her eyes burning from all the crying she did. Her head was throbbing painfully and her whole body felt numb with exhaustion. almost a month ago, after calling the police, her and Brandon were rushed to the hospital. She had three broken ribs and a cracked sternum. She had originally told police that Brandon and Auntie were walking side by side when the ground underneath them gave out and they tumbled to the bottom of the washout, but she had to think of a new lie to cover for her own broken ribs. She decided to tell them that she also fell when trying to get to them, hitting some of the old roots on her way down in her panic. Luckily they seemed to believe the story and no further questions were asked. Now she was sitting beside Brandon’s hospital bed. He had two broken ribs, a shattered collarbone, and was currently in a coma. They had taken scans of him a few days ago and just got the results that he had pretty serious head trauma and that he will stay in the coma until his body believes he’s ready to wake up.
“He was very lucky not to have smashed his skull open. It’s a miracle he lived through it but it may be a long time before he wakes up. Brandon’s mother said that you are free to visit whenever.” Audrey choked back tears as she remembered Brandon falling from the tree root. She was so sure he was dead. Now she didn’t know what was worse; thinking he was dead or knowing he may never wake up. She had visited him everyday, telling him that she was right there and that she would be there when he woke up.
“Audrey?” A voice called to her softly from the doorway. She didn’t have to turn around to see who it was.
“They don’t know if he’ll ever wake up.” She sobbed. Guilt sliced through her like a razor sharp blade. If only she hadn’t run. If she had stayed out of the woods he’d be awake and holding her hand right now. The longing for him to open his eyes tore at Audrey until She felt raw and bare. A hand lay gently on her shoulder and James’ scent filled her senses.
“I’m sorry Audrey. I couldn’t save him, too.” She hadn’t seen James since the incident and she cringed at how much she had missed him. She stood up and hugged him tightly, despite the sharp pain in her chest. James made her feel safe, and that was the one thing she needed the most right now, a sense of security. Audrey held her breath when she heard the young man’s heart pounding madly in his chest.
Audrey closed her eyes and cried silently. Her heart was torn in two. She loved Brandon and she had loved him since they were young, but something called for her to be with James. She could feel it whenever he was close, her heart pulling her towards him. How could I possibly choose between the love of my life and James? Do I want to wait, wondering if I’ll ever get to marry Brandon and start a life with him? But do I really want to give up on him? Leave him while he’s not even conscious? That would be horrible. Audrey hugged James tighter as she continued to fight the war in her head and her heart.
“I understand that you love Brandon, and I know this is very hard for you But I want you to know that no matter what I’ll be here for you." He kissed her forehead softly and released her.
“And I’ll always be there for you. I’ll always protect you. Until the day you tell me to stop.” Audrey looked at Brandon, his beautiful face and tousled blonde hair. She could hear his gentle voice in her head and see his smile behind her eyes.
“ He would want me to be happy. But how can I be happy without the one I love?” The heartbroken girl stared longingly at her boyfriend, willing him to open his eyes. He would want me to be happy…
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