Forever.

Chapter 19: That's Not Him

Claire's P.O.V. (A few hours later)

Knowing that he's alive is killing me inside. I really need to see him. I know it's not likely, but he might wake up when I'm there. I want him awake, I want him talking, and I want him to be okay.

Is this what he felt like after the paparazzi thing? Not being able to get to me, but knowing I wasn't dead? The other piece of me is right down that hallway, and I'm not allowed to see him!

Now we've both had experiences where losing each other was a major option. I actually did lose him in my case, but now he's back. These experiences sucked, but they've make our relationship stronger. They've strengthened our respect for one another and made us realize how much we need each other.

I love him. He is the love of my life. I am going to spend the rest of my life with him. I never really realized how much he means to me, but now I do. I just wish that something good would have happened to make me realize that, instead of this.

"He's fine." I hear from behind me. I turn around and see Derrick standing there.

"What?"

"The doctors said he's stable and that they were able to stitch up his stomach, leg, and head, but he lost a lot of blood. They said he should wake up in the next couple hours, but that's very unlikely because of the stress he went through." He says in monotone.

"So he's okay?" I ask.

"Depends on your definition of okay."

"Just tell me, please." I plead.

"He's okay."

"Thank you so much." I say as I slightly bow my head.

"I'll let you know when he wakes up, he'll want to see you."

"Thank you." I say, and with that he goes back down the hall.

"What's the verdict?" Jake asks.

"He's gonna be okay." I say through a sigh of relief.

"That's awesome!"

"I'm so happy. I can actually think now." I say with a small smile.

"I'm so glad."

"I'm gonna go talk to Aaron, I'll be right-" I behind to say before he cuts me off.

"Wait. Aaron Murphy?" He asks.

"Yeah." I say as I nod.

"You know Aaron Murphy?" He asks.

"Yeah."

"Why do know all the cool people?" He asks.

"Stop fangirling, you can meet him if you want." I say.

"Oh my-really?" He asks.

"Dude, he's just another person. Calm down." I say.

"Okay, I'm sorry."

I roll my eyes and turn around to see Aaron sitting in a chair with his head hanging back. I sit down next to him and his eyes are closed.

"Aaron, wake up." I say as I gently shake his shoulder. He moans as he picks up his head and opens his eyes.

"What's going on?" He asks.

"Braden's alive."

"I knew he would make it. He's a strong guy." He says with a smirk.

"I just thought I'd let you know."

"Thank you." He says. I smile at him, and he smiles back. "This is kind of awkward." He says through a laugh.