Daytona Baby [N.H]

44

Olivia Campbell

It was thicker than I imagined it would be, that much blood. Not as thick as molasses, I thought. But nothing like the small bead on a surface scrape that I could wipe away with my thumb. It coated my hands, drying already in between my fingers, staining my skin. His blood glistened under the fluorescent lighting of the hallway. His skin paled.

He looked lifeless already. But the faint pulse in his neck told me otherwise. I was sure to check every few seconds.

I wanted to scream at him. Why did you have to get caught up in this shit? Why did it have to be you? How could you leave me here alone?

Nothing but gut-wrenching sobs left me. I've never cried so hard in my life. A torrential downpour of tears with no end in sight. I didn't get to tell him how much I need him here. Now I might never get to.

"Liv?"

Nova's voice woke me from my trance. I'd zoned out again, picturing it all over and over. My body crumpled on the ground beside him. Wishing I could take his place.

"Hmm?" I lolled my head to the side to face her, my eye contact lacking substance. My eyes could hardly focus on anything, my brain working overtime already trying to engage in something that wasn't replaying the events that'll haunt me for life.

"The nurse asked if you'd like a water when she comes back." It was only then I realized the nurse was even here.

"Um...I'm okay." I turned back to Liam. "Thanks," I added.

I heard the nurse whisper to Nova. "How about I bring a few anyway?"

"That would be great, thank you so much," Nova whispered back, and the nurse left.

There was a heavy silence in the room, one that doesn't typically occur when Nova and I are together. But nothing about this situation was typical. I welcomed the silence. It means I don't have to pretend for a little while.

Nova came into my peripheral vision, leaning down a little to get within my line of sight. I didn't even have the energy to flick my eyes in her direction right now.

"Liv, you haven't had anything to eat or drink in two days..." Nova said. Her voice was soft, apprehensive. I bet she wanted to tell me to stop being a fucking zombie and eat, but with my current fragile state I think she was worried I could snap any second. I'm waiting for it, too.

"I'm fine." It didn't come across harsh, but certain. "I'm not leaving."

Especially when everyone else has.

It's been two days and I haven't seen or heard from Niall or Louis. But I don't give a fuck about where they are or what they're doing. Or whatever trouble they've gotten themselves into this time.

Liam's been under heavy sedation in order to let his wound heal, and because he wasn't very co-operative with the nurses. It wasn't fatal, I was told, but only by a margin of half an inch.

I'm not fucking leaving him.

"The nurse said he might possibly still be out until tomorrow..." Nova spoke again, trying to gently persuade me. As much as I do appreciate her concern, it's not needed.

"I can go another day. People around the world do it all the time," I stated monotonously. "I'm. Fine."

This time my words did come out harsher than I intended and a flash of regret coursed through me. None of this is her fault.

Nova exhaled deeply through her nose. "Well, I'm gonna go grab something. If you change your mind, text me okay?" Her tone was still light with me even after my slight outburst.