Little Red Robin Hood

XX - Hospital

My eyes were sticky with sleep. My lips were dry and stuck together. My mouth tasted odd. My body felt heavy. I opened my mouth and sucked in a deep breath. I shifted under the blankets.

The door cracked open, "Raine?"

"Mm, yeah?" I mumbled, blinking.

"I'm sorry for getting angry at you," it was Cedar.

"No, no, don't apologize," I sighed. "I get it."

"N-no, I-I really should apologize," Cedar hesitantly stepped into the room, leaving the door open a crack. "I was emotional, in pain. Th-the doctor called. Amber's awake. W-we can go see him... if you want."

"...I don't know if he'll want to see me," I breathed.

"Well, Amelia and I are gonna leave soon," he took a step forward. "Wanna come with us? Y-you can just... wait outside the room and we can ask him if he wants to see you. I know he won't blame you, he's not like that."

"You blamed me," I mumbled.

"And I was wrong," Cedar replied. "Do you wanna come?"

I thought for a moment, shifting under the blankets, "Okay."

I slowly sat up on the bed, realizing I was still in my clothes from yesterday. I pushed the blankets away, stretching. I heard a few joints pop.

"A-again, I'm really sorry for blaming you," Cedar said, shifting his weight.

"Again, it's okay," I stood up, grabbing the phone off the nightstand.

He tilted his head, "Where'd you get a phone?"

"Oh, uh...," I hesitated. "The, uh, the God of Ivory Tower gave it to me."

His eyes widened.

I didn't know what to say, so I just lowered my head and motioned to the door. He slowly nodded, opening the door. I grabbed my jacket and boots, following him down the stairs. Amelia was waiting by the door. I quickly put on my boots and then my jacket, zipping it up to my chin.

"The God gave him a phone," Cedar breathed, still in disbelief.

"Yeah, he was here for a bit last night, too," I rubbed my still-tired eyes. "I, uh, gave him the names."

"Yes, I'm aware," Amelia said, acknowledging both me and Cedar. She looked at me with concern, "You sure you want to go?"

I only nodded, rubbing my eyes. She slowly nodded in response, then led us out of the house. There was a car waiting. Cedar and I sat in the back while Amelia sat in the front. I immediately leaned my head on the window and closed my eyes.

"Cedar, did you wake up Raine?" Amelia asked.

"No, no, I was already a little awake," I mumbled. "I'm just tired."

The ride to the hospital was silent. I could practically feel Cedar's fear radiating off him. He was bouncing his leg and messing with his sleeves. His brown hair was unbrushed and stuck out from under his hat.

When we finally pulled up to the hospital, Cedar and Amelia were quick to get out of the SUV. I followed a few paces behind, head lowered, not exactly overwhelmingly excited to see Amber.

"Dr. Crane!"

"Alpha Rose," the doctor said. "Amber is doing surprisingly well, considering his medical history. We're keeping him on some light morphine for the time being, just until he gets a bit stronger. His fever's gone down, but he hasn't eaten yet." I could feel Dr. Crane's eyes on me, "That's him? The one chosen by The God?"