The Possessive Bully

Part 34

The place that once felt like a majestic painting under the moonlight also turned out to be the scariest.

Nothing has changed. The way to the lake was still full of trees. But unlike before, they don't look like they're dancing with the wind. They seemed to be laughing at us.

We rushed Tyler to the nearest hospital.

He was covered in blood and was barely breathing. I couldn't look at him.

Is this guilt?

It feels like I'm the one to blame.

Am I at fault?

All I wanted was to be free. Free from all these bullshts.

I didn't ask for this. This is not what I wanted.

Seeing Tyler's pale body shocked the shit out of me.

I was restless. I can't stop thinking about him. What if he couldn't make it? What if he gets worse? No-no-no.

I shouldn't think that way.

Peter and I were both pacing back and forth in front of the operating room. Mum went out to get us something to eat. It's been hours and Tyler's still inside.

Peter has been giving me the look since we got here. I don't know what's running inside his head right now but that's the least of my concern.

I thought he was going to stay that way but then he broke the silence.

"I'm still curious why he called you. What did you guys talk about? Did he say why he got drunk?"

I looked at him, thinking about what to say next. Well, I can't tell him that his son drunkenly confessed his love to me.

No.

"Well, He was talking nonsense.. laughing and yelling. I didn't even get a thing of what he said. He was talking gibberish. I just know he's drunk. That's all.", I lied.

Did I sound too defensive?

A part of what I said was true. I can't tell him the whole detail of course. He'll go nuts if he knew the truth.

He looked unconvinced but chose to remain silent. He must have thought that I wouldn't talk.

At least he knows when to stop.

I informed Tiff that we already found Tyler and we were already in the hospital. I know she's also worried. She likes him after all. I also promised her that I'll update her so it's the right thing to do.

Though a part of me doesn't want to tell her. He likes me, loves me. Not her. But she needs him. Is this the right thing to do? I couldn't even find the right answer.

Tiff arrived after an hour. She was with Van. I nodded as an acknowledgment of their presence but didn't say a thing. Tiff went to Peter's side and comforted him.

Yeah, that's what the future daughter-in-law should do. I thought bitterly.

Van, on the other hand, went to talk to me.

"You okay?", he asked.

I looked at him. I was not able to talk with Van after what happened. It just feels, weird.

"Yeah.", I nodded in response.

"Are you sure? I'm sure you're just as worried as Tiffany.", he asked while looking at Tiff and Peter who were talking across the room.

I remained silent. I don't even know what to feel right now.

Of course, I'm worried.

A person's life is in danger. Tyler is in danger. Isn't it a humane thing to feel?

Or should I also stop myself from feeling this way? Tell me, is it wrong to worry for someone's life?

"Of course, I'm worried. It's Tyler we're talking about. You know what we once had.", I said. He looked pained on my last words. "But that doesn't matter now. I already made a choice.", I said, wanting to believe my own words.

Yeah. I should stand my ground. Tyler's confession should not affect my decision.

I should not waver. 

Come on, Krysh. You already promised yourself to stop this right? Then why are you having second thoughts?

Am I reconsidering things between me and Tyler? Fuck. What the fuck is wrong with me?

"And what choice is that?", Van asked, pulling me out of my thoughts.

I looked at him. "It's... none of your business."

Yeah. It's none of his business. Why would I tell him my choices in life? He's not even my friend. Well, he once was.

But that was before he betrayed me.

"I.. understand.", Van murmured. He leaned back and closed his eyes.

I guess that's the end of our conversation.

At least, he knows I'm still not okay talking with him.

Mum arrived with a bag of food. She gave Peter and Tiffany some pieces of bread and drinks. She also offered me some but I declined.

I'm not in the mood to eat right now.

I watched my mother talk with Peter. Something's off between them. I just can't put my finger on it.

Or...Maybe I'm just imagining things.

Well, whatever.

A few hours passed by and we still haven't received any news from the doctor inside the ER.

I almost fell asleep on my seat when the door finally opened and a woman in a white gown went out.

My heart started to hammer against my chest. Please, let it be good news. I don't know what I would do if Tyler died.

Please...

"How's my son, Doc?", Peter asked.

She smiled at us.

"He's out of danger."

Oh my G! Thank G!

We all heaved a sigh of relief. We're all thankful he's now out of danger.

"But he's still unconscious. And..", the doctor left her sentence hanging.

My brows furrowed as we wait for her to continue what she was saying.

"And what, doc?", Peter prompted.

"We're afraid his lower body would be paralyzed for months... or even a year."

What? What is she saying? Is she saying Tyler cannot walk?

"W-what?", Peter uttered in shock.

"Don't worry. It would only be temporary. He will still be able to walk. But it would take time to recover. What we suggest is for him to have therapy's for a faster recovery."

So, I was right.

Tyler can't walk.

"But... is there a possibility that... he would remain paralyzed forever?"

The doctor looked at Peter and said, "unfortunately, Yes. If he would lose the will to walk, then yes. There's a possibility he would remain in the wheelchair forever."