Forever and always

Chapter twenty-four

Max's pov:
August 2021

I stepped out of the room—it was too much. I'd only been here for an hour, but I was already at my breaking point. I found a chair in the hallway and sat down, head in my hands, my chest tight with guilt and fear. I was crying again. And again.

My phone buzzed in my pocket. I wiped my face and answered it, voice cracking. "Hi"

"Hey babe. How is she?" Kelly asked gently.

"She's out of surgery, but... the doctors still don't know when she'll wake up"

"Oh God... but at least surgery is over. That's something, right?" She said, trying to stay positive.

"Yeah... that's right" I paused. "I can't lose her, Kelly. I really can't..." my voice broke again, and all worst-case scenarios played on repeat in my head.

"Max, listen to me. You're not going to lose her. Okay?" She said firmly.

"I hope not..."

"She's strong. Everything's going to be fine. I just wanted to check in. I love you. Call me if anything changes?"

"Thanks for checking. I love you, Kelly. Say hi to Penelope for me"

We said our goodbyes, and I was left alone again. Doctors passed by, focused and rushing, while my world sat in slow motion. I learned forward, elbows on knees, gripping my hair, and let the guilt flood over me again.

If I had just kept my stupid mouth shut... if we hadn't fought... that might be the last conversation I ever had with her, and it was a goddamn argument. We hadn't spoken in weeks. I missed her voice. Her laugh. Her stupid jokes that weren't even funny, which somehow made them hilarious.

I promised myself back in school that I would protect her no matter what. That was my job. And I failed—badly. I was a terrible brother. She didn't deserve this. She deserves to be happy, and all I did was ruin that. Everything was my fault. I hated myself for it. What a fucking idiot I was.

I went back into the room. Daniel was there now too. He told, Mom, Dad and Victoria had stopped by briefly to see her before heading home to wait for updates.

Charles was still sitting by her side, holding her hand, resting his head against the edge of her bed. He looked awful—bruised, bloodied—he refused any medical treatment. He wouldn't leave her.

And as much as it surprised me... seeing him like that changed something. I could see how much he genuinely cared for her. He didn't give a damn about his own condition. He only cared about her. I wasn't his biggest fan—not by a long shot—but for the first time, I felt a flicker of peace about their relationship. I didn't say anything, though. Not yet. That conversation would come... eventually.

Charles pov:

The hours passed slowly. Olivia was still unconscious. Doctors came in and out, checking vitals, assuring me she was stable. They were happy with her progress. No complications. Now it was just a matter of time.

I'd been sitting beside her for nearly six hours straight. I hadn't eaten, barely drank, barely breathed. - I kissed her forehead, whispered I'd be right back, and finally got up. I needed air. My whole body ached, and the sterile hospital smell made me nauseous—it reminded me of too many bad memories.