~ In Love With The Competition ~ A George Shelley Love Story ~

Chapter 32

*Half a month later*

Lacey's POV

I could sense people around me, moving and making noises. There were other noises too, and one particularly annoying beeping sound. It was muffled, but still annoying. After a while, everything became gradually clearer and I could make out words from things people were saying. "She's coming around! Mickey, go get the doctor! Lacey! Can you hear me?" The voice seemed familiar, and I wanted to reply, but nothing was moving. I felt something warm caress my hand, and felt a sudden urge to leap up. 

I tried with all my might to move and eventually, my pinky finger twitched. I heard the door open and close, more noises following it. "Lacey? Can you hear me?" My mouth felt like it was glued shut so I moved my finger again. "Good, good." The voice said, "Now, could you try open your eyes?" How could they be so calm? I felt like my body was on fire! But I stil tried.

Soon, my eyes were twitching and even opening a bit. "That's good. Just a little more." With one final push, my eyes were open, but took time to adjust to the light. Man! This room is white! "Lacey! Oh my!" A woman hugged me tight, almost choking me. Another woman in a uniform gave a soft chuckle, before gicing me a check up. "Now, do you remember the night of the accident?" She asked, while taking my temperature. I thought for a moment, "I-I" I coughed, as my throat felt extremely dry, and motioned for a cup of water. I began again, "I remember...A car..and a scream? Then lights, and a pain here." I motioned to my ribs, looking down and seeing them bandaged up. 

"Oh my." I whispered, inspecting more of myself. "How bad?" I asked, not explaining myself properly but the nurse understood. "You've a broken leg, arm and a few ribs. Your head was hit pretty hard but we've given you stitches." She gave a sad smile, before leaving the room. I looked to the woman, and instantly recognized her as my mother. "Mum!" I squealed, surprised. I looked around a bit more and spotted my dad, "Daddy!" I gave another squeak as he came over and gave me a small hug and a peck on the forehead. 

"How long have I been out?" I asked, dreading the answer. They both glanced at each other nervously, then my dad cleared his throat. "Ahem, er....three and a half months...sweetheart." 

If I had water I would've done a spit-take. My jaw must've reached the ground and my eyebrows would be touching the ceiling. "Three.....three whole months? And a half?" I asked, rhetorically. I gave a long sigh. "There's something here for you," My mum said, handing me what looked like a tape recorder, a letter, and two photographs. "We'll leave you alone for a minute."

I opened the letter first, and began reading:

Lacey,

           I'm hoping you will wake up soon, to find this. Not knowing when, and if, you'll wake up has been killing me. I hope you can forgive me when I say, well, write this but I've had to leave you. You've been gone a long time and I can't risk the boys' careers for this. It's not fair. Listen to the recording, please. Don't ever forget me. I love you.

Georgie x

 I done as the letter said, and listened to the recording. His beautiful singing voice at the end made it unbearable, and I burst into tears. I noticed a guitar at my bedside, with a note stuck on it:

Have it.

Georgie<3xxxx 

 The guitar was beautiful. It had a hint of red in the wood, my favourite colour. Lastly, I looked at the pictures. The first was one of me, with a group of people on a massive stage, confetti and balloons everywhere. The X Factor Final. A tear fell on the photo as I recognized Josh, Jaymi and JJ, who were standing to my right, massive smiles on their faces. On the back of the photo read, X Factor Final, Lacey Smith - Winner. I smiled, remembering I had won.

I looked to the second photograph. This time, it was just me, and one other person. He was beautiful.  His cheeckbones rising promenantly as he smiled. His gorgeous brown eyes, and full, pink, plump lips. I felt and ache in my heart, reading the back of it, George and Lacey, after their first date. Then underneath it was smugded writing in a different pen, I love you. 

My parents came back in the room, smiling at me, tears in their eyes. "The doctors said you can leave in a couple of weeks!" My mother exclaimed, clapping her hands like a little child. "Of course, you'll be in your own house but we'll stay with you for a bit." I giggled at her childishness and wiped my tears out of my eyes. "Just one question." I said, wanting to ask about something that had been bugging me. They nodded, signalling me to go on.

"Who's George?" 

Zoe x