Electric Blue Rose - Book One. [COMPLETED] Undergoing Edits

Chapter Five - Three Days Later

Alex sat at her bedside, clutching a pillow to his stomach. The girl he loved lay in a deep sleep, unaware of the bruises around her eyes, busted lip, broken arm, and the scar where they burned her. He rubbed his face with his hands, wiping his eyes before the tears escaped.

Since they arrived, Amorio hadn't spoken a word, and Alex couldn't blame him. After leaving Jade alone with his broken promise, he had left her vulnerable to other Arcs waiting to "claim" what was already his. Craig listened to her heart, making notes before injecting her with the first dose of medication for the day. Alex laid his head on an empty section of the bed, placing his hand atop hers. His actions on Inanis haunted him. Her eyes lit up when she saw him and how they faded when he let her go. Could Alex have driven the girl he loved to want to end her own life? He closed his eyes, only opening them when he felt movement. Craig's eyes widened, noticing her twitching hand.

"Amorio! I think she's waking up!" Craig called out.

Alex stood up to make room for Amorio, who ran in and cradled Jade's hands in his. Jade woke and immediately pressed her hands to her throat. After sitting up, Alex handed Amorio a glass of water, which they helped her drink. They watched in silence as Jade processed her surroundings. The first thing she noticed was her cast. Her hands moved to her face before touching the burn on her stomach. She then looked at the three of them, her gaze lingering on Alex a moment longer. Her hand returned to her neck. Alex fumbled in his bag and handed a healing orb to Craig. Amorio opened his mouth to argue, but Craig pressed the orb against Jade's neck, disregarding him.

"How long?" Jade asked, sighing in relief as her throat healed.

"Three days," Craig replied.

Jade's head lowered. "Did all of it really happen? The ceremony? My ability?" They all nodded. Jade's eyes met Alex's. "You saved me?" Alex nodded again. "You said you moved on. Why did you even bother?"

"Because I was an idiot. I fell into my father's threats, but I love you, Jade."

Amorio scoffed, drawing Jade's attention. "You don't think he loves me, Dad?"

Amorio's eyes softened. "I'm sure he does, baby girl. It's just that he constantly hurts you."

Jade's eyes widened as she turned to Alex. "You did this to me?"

"No, no, Jade. That's not what I meant," Amorio retreated. "Don't you remember?"

Jade paused, letting the memories settle in. "Yes. I just got confused." She sighed. "Does it matter, though? Everyone hurts me. If I don't forgive Alex, then I have no one."

"You have us," Amorio said, gesturing to himself and Craig.

"You know what I mean, Dad." Jade focused on rubbing the material of the blanket. "Everyone wants me dead. They're going to kill me at Omega 5." Amorio disagreed but stopped when Jade looked at him. "Why does everyone hate me so much, Dad?" She pulled her knees to her face and lost control of her tears. Amorio and Craig wrapped their arms around her, desperate to ease her pain. Alex took a deep breath, glancing at his guitar. He crossed over, grabbed it, and played her song. Jade's eyes focused on him as he sang.

(Verse 1)

Nothing can replace the way your eyes look at mine,

Nothing can take away this feeling deep inside.

The beauty in the depths of your everlasting breath—

My, oh my.

(Chorus)

Jade, you are my confession,

My only obsession,

My beauty and my friend.