Kindness

The Clearing

So this is technically the last chapter before the Epilogue! I know I'm sad too. Anyways please enjoy and Vote! Thanks!

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“Gabriella!” I heard a voice calling somewhere far away in the darkness. “Gabriella!”

Then it was suddenly gone. It was just the darkness and me. It was warm and inviting. The darkness kept the pain out. I felt safe in this darkness.

I woke up in the hospital extremely sore. The pain was building rapidly. I felt a burning all around my chest and my head. I started to scream and cry. The nurses rushed in and loaded me with more medicine.

“Ms. Berkingston can you hear me?” A nurse said opening my eyes one at a time and flashing a light in them. “You were in a slight coma for two weeks now.”

I squirmed under the lights, but regretted it when a pain shot through my chest and up to my head.

“What happened to me?” I moaned.

“You were the victim of a car wreck and a shooting.” Another nurse began almost surprised I was still alive. “You were shot in the chest, but the bullet missed any of your vital arteries and went straight through.”

            “My head…” I started.

            “Your skull was fractured in the wreck, but it’s a small fracture.” The first nurse reassured me

.

            “W-what happened to the driver?” I asked still scared.

            The second nurse jumped in. “He died on the way to the hospital. It was all over the news; the crash, the phone call from your house, and the other guy pulling you from the wreck.”

            The first nurse shushed the second one. She approached my bedside and touched my arm.

            “We’re all glad you made it through.” She smiled from what I could see through my eyes. “Your family is waiting outside to talk with you. Especially that guy who rescued you.”

            “Should we send them in?” The other nurse questioned.

            “One at a time please.” I managed to say. “I can’t handle all of them at once.”

            “Will do!” They both smiled and headed from the room.

An hour later I sat up in the hospital bed weak and in pain. I could barely open my eyes. I could only hear the television show, trying to watch it was too much for my eyes. I heard the door to my room open and soft footsteps approach my bed. My hands started to shake in fear.

“It’s me.” A familiar voice called and reached for my hand. “It’s Ruth.”

I pulled away from her the best I could. I could hear her gasp and then her sigh. She sat down beside me with her hands in her lap.

“Gabriella.” She began. “I’m sorry. I know you won’t believe me now, but I am. I’m truly sorry.”

“Please just go away.” I cried. “Please just leave me alone.”

“I didn’t know what I was doing. I just wanted happiness and I hated the fact that you had that.” She continued trying to plead with me. “I only did what I did to stop feeling guilty.”

“I don’t care Jocelyn!” I cried again. “I’m tired of being hurt because it’s just that easy to you.”

“I’m sorry.” She began to cry. “I know you hate me, but please let me explain. I only dated Drake to see if he would love me the way he loved you. We never did anything. He only ever kissed me. If anything he treated me like a friend rather than a girlfriend.”