The Day Earth Died

21. Uncommon Commoner

"You have a visitor, Mal. A very... emotional visitor, I might add," Neith announced.

After the match against Haile, I was rushed to the infirmary. I was off quite lucky, with only a concussion, some broken ribs, a dislocated nose and a slightly sprained ankle. My other bruises were superficial. My nose was replaced and my ankle bandaged. I was given strong painkillers for my ribs. Neith was the one to patch me up and stitch the bruises that were the deepest. He stayed with me until the effect of my concussion withdrew. After that, though I looked dreadful, visitors were permitted, if I allowed it.

"Let him in."

Neith pulled the door open and before he could say anything, Amell barged in and rushed up to me, face stained with tears. Neith left as Amell sat down because he trusted both of us, I guessed. I stared at Amell and he stared back, silent aside from small sniffles. I sighed. The sight of him hurt was hard to bear. I gingerly moved my hand up to his face, wiping his tears. He softly took it in his, like it would shatter if he held it too tight.

"I'm okay, Amell," I scarcely spoke.

"I thought he killed you. I-I thought you were gone. You weren't moving, Mal. You weren't." Tears welled up in his eyes. He let his gaze fall to the ground, in shame perhaps.

I gave him a genuine, tender smile. I was alive; I was alright. Yet he seemed so upset still. It broke me a bit inside. I intertwined my fingers with his and squeezed his hand with the little strength I had left. Amell rose his eyes up to his hand, tangled with mine, then up to my face, travelling from my bruised chin, to my busted lips, then my bandaged nose and finally my tired eyes. I wasn't a pretty sight, but he didn't appear to mind.

"Remember when you liked Haile," I said.

Amell's ears went red, along with his cheeks and the tip of his nose.

"That's— That time is revoked, okay? I'm never trusting anyone you don't trust ever again."

"Oh really? And if I don't trust you?" Amell gasped overly and pretended to be offended.

"That's low, even from you," he sneered.

I giggled but choked at the pain that throbbed in my ribs consequently. I took my hand back and held my sides, contorted by the ache.

"Ack, don't make me laugh, it hurts," I rasped out.

"That's what happens when you're a reckless jerk. Karma, Mal," he said, proud.

"You weren't saying that earlier. 'Stop hurting her!'" I mimicked him.

Again, blush crept up his face. His tears had fully dried up by then.

"Alright, whatever, whatever."

He paused, shifting on the seat.

"When are you going to be out—" he cut himself off as the door slammed open.

Haile invited himself in.

"There you are," he said and grabbed my arm. "You're coming with me."

Amell flung his hand off and intervened:

"You're not touching her ever again." He, without any hesitation, slapped Haile across the face.

Haile spat some bloodied saliva onto the waxed floor and licked his lips.

"Guess I deserved that one. Now come on," he tried taking my arm again but Amell shoved him away.

"Are you dating her?"

What even...?

"Well, no," Amell stammered.

"My point. Now piss off, I need her to come with me, now." Amell stood between Haile and me and clenched his jaw tight, persistent.