Smiles - Hell Rider's MC #3 -

Chapter 13

•SMILES•

I woke up in pain.

Obviously the pain medication had wore off, so every inch of my body felt like it was on fire, the pain was almost unbearable.

Groaning, I peeled open my eyes and blinked against the light coming in through my window. I went to lift my arm to rub some of the stiff feeling away from my eyes, but that proved to be a mistake when I couldn't fully lift my arm without being in pain. Wincing and letting out a pained groan, I decided to close my eyes and take deep breaths before trying again.

"Smiles? Are you in pain?" The sudden question threw me off, and my eyes flew open. Gently turning my head, I saw that Key was sitting in my desk chair, staring at me intensely.

"Everything hurts," I whispered, my throat was too dry to speak at a higher volume.

He was immediately out of the chair and kneeling by my side, concern evident in his expression. "Is there anything I can get you? Do you want some water? Do you want me to get the doctor or a nurse?"

"W-water," I rasped, interrupting him before he could start rambling.

In seconds he was in front of me holding a plastic water bottle. Setting it on the small table next to the bed, he helped me sit up. He made sure that I was comfortable before picking it back up and holding it in front of me.

"Do you need assistance?" He asked.

Honestly, I didn't think I could manage to hold the bottle without spilling any water or dropping it. So hesitantly, I nodded my head, embarrassed.

But he helped me. Without a snarky comment, a glare, a eye roll, or any judgment in his expression at all. Making sure to keep his movements as slow and gentle as possible he brought the bottle to my lips with one hand while the other gently held my head up and steady.

I could only manage small sips at a time, but he never lost his patience. Feeling the water go down my throat was like heaven, I hadn't realized how dry my throat had been. I think Key could tell how thirsty I was because he never tried to pull away before I was done. He sat with me and helped me drink sip after sip. Once the water bottle was empty, he pulled it away from me fully.

"Do you want more?" He asked, keeping his tone low and calm.

I shook my head. "Later." He nodded.

We sat in silence for a few minutes before we both jumped at the sound of the door opening.

Miranda flew through my door and was by my side in seconds. Gripping my hand in hers, she looked at me with tears shining in her eyes. I heard footsteps coming down the hall right before Spider appeared in the doorway. He took one look at Miranda and sighed.

"I've missed you so much," she whispered. Slowly, the tears started to fall before she was sobbing while covering her face with one hand.

"I told her it'd probably be best to wait to visit until you have more energy, but she wanted to see you herself," Spider explained.

I gripped her hand the best I could, although I was still pretty weak. "Miranda," I muttered. "I've missed you so much," I told her and gave her the best grin I could manage.

She sniffed and let out a watery laugh, wiping her eyes before Spider walked over and wiped her face gently with the wrist of his cut.

"How have things been? What's happened since I've been gone?" I asked, my voice still slightly weak and quiet. They all paused and looked at me, and then at each other, unsure of what to say.

"No smiles cause our Smile was gone," Miranda laughed weakly. I could see her eyes glossing over again.

I sighed. "I'm so-"