Fighting For Us

18. Like A Rock

When I wake up, I can tell the suns out. When she feels me move, she nuzzles closer and her arm across my torso tightens.

"You're not going anywhere."

It comes out as a purr and she kisses my neck. I remembered having dreams but no nightmares, which surprised me. I thought for sure I'd have something. I'm also surprised she didn't have any either.

"How'd you sleep, angel?"

"Like a rock. You?"

"Same. How are you feeling? Pain anywhere?"

"Still achy, but nothing some pain meds won't help."

I felt the relief hit. Hearing she wasn't in more pain than she could bare. I didn't know how she'd feel after the adrenaline wore off. I knew she wouldn't be completely back to normal yet either. I was hoping whatever pain she had would be manageable. She hit her head and back hard. Everyone there could hear the thunk as she went down. It happened way too fast. No one able to grab her in time. Officer Stanley tried. I tried. Theo tried. But none able to stop it. Thankfully the paramedic was already right there helping Theo. She went straight into action. Holding Everly's head and neck in place. Barking out orders to her partner and to Stanley. Had us move the lounger quickly but carefully. Needing to get her flat as soon as possible. I felt helpless. Hannah assured me she was still breathing when I asked. I had hoped she would come to, begged her to come back to me. But her eyes remained shut. They carefully got her on the board and on the stretcher.

With Theo being injured enough to need further treatment, they had him ride along with them so they wouldn't have to wait for another ambulance. I was gutted when she apologized for not being able to let me ride with them. Sammie passed me all of our things and I was off behind them. The drive felt like it took forever, even though it was probably faster than it would have taken me on my own, since I was right on the ambulances ass.

When Theo's name popped up on my phone, I panicked. Afraid the news would break me further. Then I heard her voice. It was pained and I could tell she was crying, but it was hers and it was music to my ears. I had to fight to see and talk through my own tears. Knowing she needed me and I needed her.

I was glad she was awake. That meant there was a chance she was going to be okay. My heart broke when she pleaded my name. I felt like I was going to crawl out of my skin just to get to her. I needed to see her. I saw the panic on Theo's face when they opened the ambulance doors. Saw her hands clawing. Knew she was panicking. I flew from the truck and once she was on the ground, I had my hands on her, letting her know I was there. It felt good to feel her warmth again. I'd kissed her over and over, willing her lungs to remember how to breathe. I'd needed her to do the same for me too, as I felt I couldn't take a proper breath the entire way there.

I felt empty as they wheeled her away, and then I was forced to wait. Time dragged on and I wasn't sure if they were actually going to bring me back to see her. Thoughts of something serious happening flooded my mind, but I tried hard to push them aside. Our friends texting kept me distracted. I'd called her parents and then mine. Needing to talk to people. I checked Facebook and saw all the support we were getting, and hoped this wouldn't be the end of things with her.

When a nurse finally came to get me, I couldn't get to her fast enough. The door opened and there she was. Eyes closed hard and the doctor taking the head brace off of her finally. I knew by the look on her face that she was over it being on her. She needed to move. Needed to have that power after living through what happened with Theo and feeling utterly powerless. I'd held myself back from running and holding her in my arms. The doctor needed to do his job and I needed to hear what he had to say. Needed to know she was going to be okay.