Thank you, Kelley

Chapter 52

Meghan's POV:

I awake the next morning to the sun pouring in through the window. I can see Kelly still asleep in the reclining chair next to my bed. I try to move slightly and find that while my arm is less sore than it was yesterday it still hurts like hell. And now my shoulders and neck are incredibly stiff. Great.

My mind then wanders to the events of yesterday. It was all going perfectly well at practice. I was even playing really well. We had been doing some scrimmages and I had scored on Alyssa twice. I felt so happy when all the other girls congratulated me. And then we had taken a water break and that's when it all turned to shit. As soon as I saw Paige on the far side of the field I should have known this was coming.

I really thought that I would be the one in the hospital. Well technically I am but I thought I would be the one in Emily's position or worse. But now it's her here as well. Fighting for her life. I can't lose her. I can't do it.

Images of her lying in the grass, bleeding out flash across my mind. Someone is screaming. She told me that she loved me before she passed out. That can't be the last thing she ever says to me. I didn't get to say it back.

I can feel myself losing control. Moose jumps up onto the hospital bed to lay across my lap and help me but it's not working. I can't breathe.

Kelley's POV:

I am pulled awake by a fast-paced beeping. I peel my eyes open to see what could possibly be making that sound only to find myself in a chair in a hospital room. The previous day's events finally pass through my brain.

I look up and realize that it's Meghan's heart rate monitor. I start to panic thinking something is wrong before realizing she is having a panic attack.

"Hey. It's ok. You're ok." I tell her and move my way to her side.

"Hey... Shhh. You're ok. You're safe." But it's not working.

I crawl into the small bed with her and pull her into my chest.

"Shhhh... Meghan. Slow your breathing down. You're ok." I just keep whispering to her. At some point, a nurse comes running in to check on her but once I explain that she's having a panic attack she leaves us alone.

I knew this would come at some point. This girl just can't catch a break.

Eventually, she calms down slightly.

"Are you alright?" She nods slowly in response.

"Shhh... Why don't you go back to sleep? Huh? It's still early. We can go check on Emily after. Ok?" I have a feeling she's not going to like this plan but I'm hoping she will agree and get some more sleep. She sighs but snuggles further into my chest. I wish I could take this pain all away from her. She doesn't deserve it.

Soon enough I can hear her breathing even out and I know she has fallen asleep.

---

Meghan's POV:

I slowly wake up to find myself in Kelley's arms. That's odd. I'm pretty sure I wasn't like this earlier. I squirm slightly.

"Hey, you're awake. How are you doing?"

I move so I can see her face. "I'm ok I guess."

"You've been through a lot."

"Ya... What's new" I giggle out at her.

We sit in silence for a few minutes before I ask her if there's any update on Emily. She explains that there isn't really any news. Which is kind of a good thing. She made it through the night and is making a little bit of progress. They are hoping to take her to sedation in the next few hours. And eventually, she agrees to let me go see her. I have to wait about an hour though because a doctor is coming to discharge me. And thankfully some of the girls stopped by at that time and brought me some of my clothes. She also tells me that Paige has been arrested. Which is a big relief.