Love Next Door

Chapter 8

Beep beep

"Yeah they were found on the shores."

Beep beep

"She's taken some severe injuries. I think we're going to have to give her these antibiotics..."

Stephanie's eyes fluttered open slowly. Beep beep. Her eyes were blinded by light. She realized that she was in a hospital, and that she had several IV fluids attached to her, and her leg in a cast. There was an EKG, the wires connected to her, right next to the bed. Her heartbeat was weak. Stephanie sat up abruptly, and a fire of pain bursted in her side. She collapsed her hand on the spot, and a tiny spot of blood appeared on her palm. A nurse came rushing to Stephanie. "Miss, please rest now. Lay down and the pain will resist." She said with a smile. Stephanie obeyed but she could not relax. "Excuse me, where's Ben?!"

"Oh, you mean the nice young man who came with you? He's in the room next to you. I'm sorry I cannot tell you any details, but I can assure you that he is in good shape and just needs a little shut-eye."

"Can I see him? Please?"

"Miss, in your shape, I'm afraid it's not possible, especially with your broken leg. You'll have to stay here for a few more days, a week at the most. But I think the boy may be able to visit you tomorrow."

"Can he come today? Please, I need to know if he's okay!"

"I've already told you, he's fine, just needs some rest. You can wait for another half-day to see him. That's final." The nurse walked away, and out the door.

Ben woke up in a hospital bed, his heartbeat beating regularly, according to the EKG. How'd I get here... A doctor arrived at his side. "Hello, Ben. Nice to see you awake now. Seems like you drowned, eh? A lifeguard saved you and that girl."

"STEPHANIE? Is she alright?" Ben asked.

"Yes, she's been treated well. Though, she has a broken leg and some bad wounds, I'm afraid."

"Can I see her?"

"Tomorrow. Right now you need to rest and get some sleep. You know, it was mighty brave of you to try to save the girl from a shark, but please do not do that again. You could risk your own life."

"And I'd be risking someone else's life too. She's important to me, and I couldn't let her die."

The doctor smiled and as he left said, "Well, please unwind, and if you need anything, feel free to ask us."

It was 12:46 PM. The hospital was eerily quiet, besides the occasional patient checks. Ben couldn't stop thinking about Stephanie. He decided to sneak to Stephanie's room, which he was informed that it was right next to his. He quietly stood up, bringing his IV bag stand with him. Slowly, opening the door, he slipped out of the room, As he turned the doorknob, he peeked in. Ben saw Stephanie peacefully sleeping, and walked in. He looked at her- even with a scar on her face, she still looked beautiful.

"Ahem ahem." Someone said, breaking the silence. Bens heart skipped a beat as he turned round, to see a nurse staring at him. "You can't be here, young man. I'd like you to return to your room immediately and do not disturb the other patients." She said shortly. "Sorry. I just had to see..." Ben said apologetically. The nurse led him out and closed the door.