HAUNTINGLY | 18+

33 | Rag Doll

Slowly, I opened my eyes, taking in the sterile expanse of the white room. Panic was on the edge of my consciousness until I shifted my gaze to the right, finding Xavier asleep in an uncomfortably small chair.

Memories of the previous night surged back, the crash, the screams. The last thing I recall was Hunter's voice, desperately calling my name before everything faded.

Pain radiated through every inch of my body. I glanced down at my stomach, a vivid reminder of the bleeding. Raising the hospital gown, I found my stomach wrapped in a white bandage.

I let out breathe.

My throat was parched, aching for relief. I turned to my left, spotting a cup of water. It was just beyond my reach, an agonizing distance away. My attempt to call Xavier's name was stifled by a raspy whisper.

Clearing my throat, I try again. "Xavier," I rasp, my voice was still weak. I sigh, annoyed at my own frailty.

I glance around the bed, half-tempted to find something to toss at him, but there's nothing within my reach. He stirs, tipping his head up, and his hand goes to his neck. Our eyes lock for a moment, and I catch a wave of relief washing over him.

He gets up in a hurry, coming closer. His fingers gently hold my face, and he plants a soft kiss on my forehead. It's like a reassuring touch, a way of saying he's here. He exhales, like he's been holding his breath forever. "I've been so worried about you," he says softly.

I gesture weakly toward the cup of water, and his gaze follows my finger's lead. He walks around the bed, retrieves the cup, and returns to my side. With his help, I sit up, and he raises the cup to my lips. The cool water trickles down my throat, soothing the parched feeling.

He takes the cup from me when I'm finished. "Are you feeling alright? Any pain anywhere? Should I get the nurse?" he fires off questions, his voice heavy with concern.

I let out a small laugh and reach for his hand, holding it in mine. "Xavier, I'm okay, really. No need to stress," I reassure him.

"How can I not stress? You're here in this fucking hospital bed because some idiot thought running a red light was a great idea," he says angrily, though not at me.

"I should've been there with you yesterday. Maybe I could've stopped this from happening," he mutters.

"Nobody could've predicted this," I reassure him. "Please don't blame yourself."

I carefully scoot over on the bed, making room for Xavier. I pat the empty space next to me. He eyes it hesitantly. "Xavier," I say, using his name to gently coax him.

"I don't want to hurt you," he says softly.

"You won't," I insist. "I just want you here with me."

A man in a white coat suddenly enters the room, holding a clipboard. He glances at Xavier and then quickly looks at me, an odd mix of surprise and unease on his face. Why does he seem so startled? Sure, Xavier looks quite scary, but once you get to know him, he's like a big teddy bear.

The doctor clears his throat. "Mrs. Rose, I'm Dr. Williams. It's good to see you awake this morning," he acknowledges. "First, I want to inform you that you did have a deep cut on your stomach due to the accident. However, the surgery went well."

I nod, absorbing his words. "How are you feeling today? Any discomfort?" he inquires.

"My head and body hurt," I tell him.

"That's to be expected. Your body has been through a lot in a short time. I'll ensure you get some medication," he assures.

"Thank you," I respond, offering a small smile.