A Game Of Cat and Mouse

chapter Thirty three

Erin observed as Ashley approached her after shouting at Bunny and rudely bumping into her. 'Sorry about that, Ash,' Erin apologized once Ashley had reached her. She couldn't comprehend why her mother had to act so hostile when things didn't go her way, but Erin didn't let it bother her.

'Oh, it's alright,' the older woman replied with a smile, placing two bags on a nearby table. She then took out two boxes of food, some chocolate, and a bottle of dark-colored drinks, handing one to Erin. 'Here, eat. You must be hungry after everything you've been through,' the dark brunette said as she sat down and opened her own box of food.

Erin gratefully accepted the box and drink, placing them on the table next to her. However, she didn't feel hungry at the moment, not until she knew if Soifon would be fine. 'Thank you for the food, Ash, but I'm not hungry at the moment,' the pale brunette whispered softly.

"Erin, it is imperative that you consume some nourishment." Ashley whispered softly, observing as Erin took a seat beside her, covering her face with her hands. "Ash, I do not have the appetite at the moment. My primary concern is Soifon's well-being," Erin responded firmly, her voice strained from fatigue and anxiety.

Erin was about to rise and resume pacing, but Ashley firmly pushed her back down, accompanied by a piercing gaze. "You will consume this meal and obtain some rest," the older brunette commanded, her brown eyes challenging.

The younger brunette glared at Ashley, her mouth agape as if to object to her lack of hunger. "By exhausting yourself and depriving your body of sustenance, you are not aiding Soifon. She requires your strength," Ashley replied.

Erin listened intently to Ashley's words, her brow furrowed in deep concentration. As she pondered Ashley's insight, she came to the realization that Ashley was indeed correct. Erin acknowledged her own inability to be of assistance to anyone, especially Soifon, in her current state of distress. Biting her lip, Erin lifted her gaze to meet Ashley's unwavering stare.

In a soft whisper, she confessed, "You are right, Ash. However, it is exceedingly difficult for me to even contemplate eating or sleeping, as my thoughts are consumed by worry for Soifon." Erin glanced downward, her hands delicately resting on her lap.

"This is an understandable response, but if you neglect sustenance and rest, you will quickly become weakened and unable to fulfill any role, including being present when Soifon regains consciousness. I have no doubt that you are the person she will long to see first once she awakens," Ashley calmly remarked, her dark brown eyes fixed on Erin's, as she placed her own hands gently atop Erin's.

Erin nodded, allowing Ashley's words to permeate her mind. With a grateful nod, she committed to making an effort to consume at least a small amount of food and then prioritize rest. Yet, a new worry crept into Erin's thoughts. "But what if the doctor arrives during my slumber?" she fretted, fearing she might miss hearing the news upon awakening.

Ashley kindly reassured Erin, "If the doctor emerges, I will wake you as promised. Now, please try to get some rest. You don't look well with dark circles under your eyes." Her teasing tone in the second part caused Erin to become slightly annoyed and sullen. "That's quite humorous, but if you were confined in a hideout for two days, you would appear the same way with your arms restrained above your head," Erin objected.

Ashley couldn't help but smile at the younger brunette's words. "I have," she admitted, taking a sip of her drink. "There have been countless instances where my arms were bound above my head for extended periods." A frown appeared on her face as she recollected her troubled past. Erin stared at Ashley with wide, curious eyes, prompting her to question, "What do you mean?"

The dark-haired woman shook her head and responded, "Just focus on eating and resting. I will inform you when the doctor emerges, although it might take a few more hours." She whispered, leaving no room for further inquiries.

Erin glanced at Ashley before delicately picking up her food, savoring each bite as she ate slowly and eventually placing her plate down when satisfied. Just as she was about to lean back in her seat, Will Jay's older brother approached her, causing both brunettes to rise and eagerly await his news.

Erin had intended to inquire about Soifon's well-being when Voight entered the emergency room with Antonio and Jay trailing behind. They all gathered around Will, hoping to hear the latest update.

Will surveyed Erin and the others before inquiring if Soifon had any family members he could discuss matters with. Erin replied firmly, 'No, I am the only person close to Soifon,' giving Will a stern glare to dissuade him from sharing any information about her beloved.

'Understood,' Will acknowledged, taking a deep breath before beginning. 'To start, the surgery was successful,' he announced. Erin nodded with a flood of relief. 'And will she be alright?' she asked anxiously, locking eyes with Jay's older brother.

"Ms. Gray has suffered significant blood loss, but her resilience as a young woman gives hope that she will recover from this ordeal. It is estimated that she will regain consciousness within a few days," Will stated. Erin attentively listened to the elder Halstead, her eyes shining with hope. A comforting touch on her shoulder brought her attention to Voight, who reassured her silently.

Voight, addressing Will directly, asked, "May Soifon receive visitors?" Will, with his curly hair, nodded in affirmation. "Certainly, but I suggest limiting visitation to one individual tonight. Tomorrow, she can have as many visitors as she desires." As he prepared to depart, he turned his gaze to Erin and added, "Erin, when you find yourself available, I would like to have a conversation with you."

Erin couldn't help but feel a sense of relief that she would be able to visit Soifon. However, she looked at Will with an expression of confusion in her green eyes before tentatively nodding in response to his request for a conversation. She dismissed any lingering uncertainties and focused on the task at hand.

Erin was enveloped in a hug, noticing that Jay was the one embracing her. He reassured her, saying that everything would be fine and suggested she go and sit with Soifon. He encouraged her to call if there were any changes. Appreciating his comforting gesture, Erin instinctively wrapped her arms around her best friend. Uttering a quiet "Thank you, Jay," she felt him give her a reassuring pat on the back.

Jay advised her not to worry and reminded her to take care of herself while she was there. He planted a gentle kiss on top of her head before leaving, accompanied by Voight and Antonio, each giving her a hug before departing.

Erin observed as the others left the hospital, Ashley offering her a small smile before following her boyfriend and the two other gentlemen. Once Erin learned Soifon's room number, she made her way down the hallway, suppressing the lump in her throat as her thoughts wandered.

Erin arrived at her lover's hospital room and cautiously turned the doorknob, feeling apprehensive about facing Soifon and seeing her condition. She took a deep breath before entering the room, closing the door behind her. Walking over to Soifon's bedside, she pulled up a chair and sat beside her lover.

Erin glanced at Soifon's serene face, despite the bruises it retained its beauty. She noticed the oxygen tube in Soifon's nose to aid her breathing, as well as the IVs and blood bags she was connected to.

Unable to see the bandages that likely covered Soifon's body, Erin gently held her lover's hand in her own. She brushed a stray strand of hair behind Soifon's ear and leaned down to plant a soft kiss on her forehead.

"Wake up soon, little one," she whispered, resting her forehead against Soifon's. "I need you more than ever, my love, so please wake up." Erin fought back tears and settled into her seat.

Erin reclined her head onto the bedside and gradually shut her eyes, allowing her thoughts to wander towards Will's impending revelation and her yearning to witness Soifon's awakening, in the assurance that all would be well.