Avatar Rose: Dawn

Chapter 43: Rose

I don't know how long I've been out, but it seems like a while. When I wake up, the sky tells me it's late afternoon. I think it was sunset when Nathan and I arrived. The doctor is the only one in the room.

"Where's Nathan? Did you separate us to execute an ambush?! Is that why you made me feel weird?!" I try to sound menacing, but even I can see that I sound like a girl with way too many drugs in her system.

"He's sleeping in another room. Why on earth would I want to ambush you?" The doctor replies.

I don't answer. I stare at the plain ceiling dully. I probably would've gotten out of bed, but it's so soft and warm. My hands only give off an aching throb, and the pain in my chest has been numbed considerably. But of course, the doctor sends me into dreamland with my IV after my sudden outburst. I'd be furious if I could move. I hate when people try to control me.

My mom flutters into my dreams. No, memories. I remember her just as fresh as the days when she was happy and with me. Her long golden hair falls down her back, passing her shoulders. She was radiant, beautiful, and I used to swell with pride when people said I looked just like her. The only thing different about our features is I have my father's amber eyes, while she had a stunning blue. That's what makes me so unique.

But one day, she became sad. Dark, looming shadows crept under her eyes, and her soft pink lips had fallen into a frown. I didn't understand why, until I found out I was the avatar. My mother left. Disappeared. And my father trained me so hard that I could barely walk on my two feet at the end of the day. He beat me mercilessly when I couldn't figure out how to bend water.

I wake up, gasping. I haven't dreamed about my parents in years. I've made myself forget my mother, just in case she ever shows up one day and tries to regain our relationship.

I hate her. She left me to suffer. She's just as bad as my... No, the Firelord. He isn't my dad.

Nathan opens the door just as I wake up. He's smiling at first, but it fades when he sees my expression, my forehead drenched with sweat.

"What's wrong? Are you hurting?" He asks.

"No, sorry. Just a dream," I murmur.

"You think it meant anything?"

"Why on earth would it? Dreams are dreams. I don't believe in all that 'prophecy' stuff."

Nathan shrugs. "Your are the--" he shuts up, glancing at the doctor. I want to slap him so badly. Idiot.

"The... Most erm... Unique person I've ever met?" He finishes awkwardly. I smile a little.

"Thanks, I think."

The only thing that they let me eat is pudding. I sit up, my back support by pillows. My eyebrows are creased with concentration as I try to hold a spoon. I keep wincing and dropping the spoon.

"I'll do it. You'll rip your stitches," offers Nathan.

They put stitches into me?!

Nathan picks up the spoon and scoops up some pudding. He holds it in front of my mouth, and my face turns red. This is embarrassing. But honestly, I'm starving. My ego just went out the door for the moment.