A Spy's Home---Book 2: Wounds, Both Old and New

Chapter 3

I tried sleeping, but there were just too many thoughts racing in my mind for me to get some good sleep. I didn't sob, but I did let the tears make streaks down my face. Someone knocked on the door, and I turned my head; the nurse that had come in earlier was standing in the doorway.

"Mrs. Woods has finished the paper work, and has your medications. You're free to go, Zylina." she said. I swung my legs over the bed, and stared at the floor for a few moments just listening to my own breath. The nurse came over to me and tried reassuring me, "Your brother is going to be alright. We'll call when he wakes up." Without saying anything, I got to my feet, and followed the nurse out.

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The car drive to the hotel was filled with a tense silence; I just watched the passing buildings move across my window, and kept my chin perched on top of my palm. I felt tears build up, but I didn't let them out; I didn't want to break down in front of Rory's Mom, not again.

We got to the hotel and once we were told which room we were booked for we headed up. All day I did nothing except lazily lying in bed, and anxiously waiting for the call of Rory's condition.

I finally gave in, however, after a few hours and went to the bathroom. I brushed my brown hair, and put it in a ponytail. After that I took some toilet paper from the roll, and wiped blood off of a scratch that I had rubbed and started bleeding again on my head. I sighed as I threw the toilet paper away in the trash can, and I went out to the small living section of the hotel room.

"Sarah? Benjamin?" I called, before spotting a note on the counter. Picking it up I read.

"Zylina,

Benjamin and I went to go pick up some food, and then stop at the hospital to check on Rory. We'll be back in about two hours."

--- Sarah

I threw the note back onto the counter and went out onto the balcony, to get some fresh air. There was a small, round, metal table and a metal chair on it, so I slumped down in the chair. Warm, summer air hit my face and for the first time since the shoot-out I felt relaxed and safe.

The room we were staying in was on the second floor, so I watched as people passed by down at the parking lot. I started to twirl several pieces of hair that escaped my ponytail around my fingers. "Zylina, get to the door, I'll be right behind you!" Rory's words from the shoot-out echoed throughout my brain. Out of instinct, I flinched, and I felt my breathing grow quick.

"Come on Zylina, get a hold of yourself. None of it was your fault." I whispered to myself. "Yes it was." My mind said. I squeezed my eyes shut, and mumbled, "No." My mind kept telling me that it was my fault that Rory was hurt, and I felt sweat drip down my head.

"Zylina....Zylina!" someone shouted. I jerked out of thought, and I turned around quickly in the chair. Sarah was looking down at me in concern, and I wondered how long she was standing there. "Are you alright?" she asked.

"Yeah, yeah, I just, um, came out here to get some fresh air." I stuttered, getting to my feet. Rory's mom placed the back of her hand on my forehead and exclaimed, "Honey, you're sweating, and burning up. Are you feeling alright?" I tensed at her calling me "Honey" and I wiped sweat off my head. "I'm alright, it's the summer wind." I answered.

We went inside, but I knew Sarah was still giving me a concerned look. "How's Rory?" I asked, sitting at the kitchen counter. Sarah started unpacking the bags of groceries, and explained, "Well, the doctor told us that he won't wake up for a few days. He had a blood transfusion during the surgery, and it really took its toll on him."

I nodded, and responded with, "He'll live though, right?" Sarah nodded, and said, "His shoulder will have to be in a sling for maybe a week or two, but he'll live." "Good." I answered.

My gaze moved down to the counter top, and I felt Sarah put her hand on my arm and heard her say, "Zylina, none of this is your fault." "I know." I mumbled, keeping my eyes down; I was lying, it was my fault. 

TBC....