Left Behind (Completed) *editing*

Chapter Eight

"He was in an accident with his family. The hospital called because he's hurt and asking for you," Colin elaborated. My heart skipped a beat and I begun to cry. Colin pulled me into a hug.

"Come on, lets go." Colin grabbed my hand. I felt weak but trudged along. This went from being the best day ever to the worst in a matter of hours. The one thing that gave me hope, made me feel lucky was Colin. I was lucky to have such a wonderful best friend. Colin was my rock and today just reminded me of that. I felt foolish in a way. Why couldn't I have opened up to him about Liam? Hell, I still haven't talked about it. I felt relief knowing that Colin was here and proving that he cared. I made a note that no matter what happens in life, Liam or Riley or any other guy that could hurt me, Colin was evidence that not all men are the same.

The ten minute walk to the hospital was more like an hour and we were only half way through. Questions rushed through my head. What happened? Where did it happen? How hurt was Riley? Would he survive? His family, would they? Colin sensed my worries and squeezed my hand reassuringly. He said something and I nodded, not hearing him. His eyes wide with concern and I wondered if it was for me or Riley. I closed my eyes, breathing heavily while Colin led the way protectively. I truly apprehended now exactly how much I love Riley. I pined to be at his side, to kiss his perfect lips again. Nothing that occurred earlier today was relevant except what I felt at this moment.

The automatic doors slid open at the threshold of the hospital and we scurried to the front desk in the emergency room. "Hi," Colin spoke to the older woman at the desk. "We're here to see a friend, Riley Colby. He's asked for us, we understand there was some kind of accident."

The woman nodded, looking at us with a gentle gaze. "Your name?" She asked.

"Valerie Drake and Colin Evans," he stated.

"Okay, dear. Have a seat and we'll call you back in a few minutes," she said.

Colin put his hands gently on my shoulders, guiding me to a chair. He sat next to me and I rested my head against his shoulder. I heard a very audible sigh from Colin. "Worst day ever," he muttered.

"Agreed," I responded softly.

"Oh, you can still talk?" He teased.

"Sorry, I'm just..." I begun and he shushed me.

"I know, Val," he assured me. I am so grateful for him, I mused. Our names were called and I jumped up, hurrying in as we were beeped. I started to wander when Colin caught up and seized my wrist. I winced, still sore from Liam's attack.

"I am so sorry," he said sincerely and adding, "You're going the wrong way. They said third door to the left. I don't think you heard her." I followed a couple steps behind Colin. He stopped and knocked on a door before peeking in. He motioned me in. I inhaled deeply as I stepped into the room. Riley laid there, bruises and cuts adorning his beautiful face. One large purple mark in particular caught my attention towards his hairline. His left arm was in a cast and he was otherwise covered by blankets and wearing a hospital gown. The machine monitoring his breath and heartbeats beeped continuously. His eyes were closed. I watched the rise and fall of his chest. Colin nudged me slightly, pointing towards the chair next to his bed. I slowly crept over to it and sat down. I hesitated, looking at his other arm and hand. He had a few scratches along his arm, I noticed a larger cut with several stitches. I frowned, decided to take his hand into mine. I tenderly moved his hand to my lips and kissed it. A tear rolled off my face onto Riley's hand and his eyes fluttered open.

Riley grunted, turning towards me. "Hey beautiful," he said. His voice even portrayed the drowsiness his face displayed. His lips twitched then curled into a grin. "You're here, finally. I've been asking for hours," he said quietly and slowly. He tried to sit up and winced. His hands brushed gently over the injuries on his face and he moaned. "I don't know what happened," he said, looking lost and bewildered.