Forever Tempted (Rewriting)

Chapter 23

Maxine

I grabbed onto the couch in pain as the woman who came with the doctor renewed my stitches. “I don't need you to. I've stitched myself many times before.”

“I understand Mrs.Night but it's an order from the boss.” She pulled the final stitch. I rolled my eyes in irritation and stared up at the ceiling as I waited for her to finish disinfecting the wound.

“All done. Try not to move too much. The stitches are still very new. Also please take in mind If it goes loose again the chance of getting an infection will be even higher and may cause damage." She stood up from the chair and picked up her bag.

I pulled my dress down and she gave me a nod then disappeared back up the stairs. I closed my eyes and covered my face with my palms. Today's meet up didn't change anything. Maddison barely told me about my mother and only said she was getting punished. What am I going to do? If something horrible happens to her I'd never be able to forgive myself.

A slight knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. Hanna walked in and I quickly stood up, clutching my side from the sharp pain. “Be careful.” she rushed towards me.

“I'm glad to see you're okay after last night's shooting.” I said, giving her a smile of relief.

“I just wanted to come check on you before I go to the hospital.” she said. My eyes widened and my eyes scanned her. “The hospital?” I asked, feeling a bit worried. Was she injured or maybe sick?

She looked down to the floor but when she met my gaze again she looked like she was holding back tears. “My mother is awake.”

“Oh my god. Then what are you still doing here? Go!” I insisted and stood up gently pushing her towards the door.

“Wait before I go.” she turned around. “I'm not sure if you know but we got a good home for Silver. One of the workers here really loves animals so Adrain gave it to her.”

My eyes softened. “That's good. I'm happy she got a home. This place wasn't really fit for a kitten.” I looked around and Hanna nodded agreeing with me. I stood at the door and watched Hanna walk out of the entrance gate. My heart ached a little. I'm going to miss silver.

I turned around and heard footsteps coming down the stairs. The woman who did my stitches and Adrian's doctor came down. Are they done? Should I ask him how Adrian is doing? No. I don't care, he's an asshole.

As if reading my thoughts the doctor approached me. “I've given him some painkillers and something to let him sleep. The bullet didn't hit any major organs but he still lost a bit of blood. Which means he'll be weak for a couple of hours. Please keep an eye out for his breathing. He refuses to go to the hospital but he'll eventually have to. I've done all that I can.”

***

Later that evening I found myself standing outside of Adrian's bedroom door. I didn't know what drew me here. Maybe because I was worried and wanted to check up on him. He was shot because of me and unlike him I had a bit of human decency. Besides, the doctor did tell me to keep an eye on him. That's a excuse I can use.

I opened the door and my eyes slowly adjusted to the darkly lit room. The room wasn't pitch black and there was still light coming in from outside.

Adrian was laying on his back, his chest bare with a bandage covering his wound. With a gulp I moved towards him, now that I was closer I could see the small droplets of sweat forming on his forehead. His mouth was slightly open. I could tell he had pain even while sleeping.

A small source of light next to me caught my attention. I glanced towards the phone who I'm assuming belongs to Adrian. I picked it up after seeing a notification.

I wanted to read the message but the phone was locked. My breath caught in my throat as I see the message came from my father.

I started typing in random passwords. None of them worked and this reminded me how little I knew about Adrian. I didn't even know when he celebrates his birthday, his favourite colour or favourite food.

I don't even know his mother's name…

With a gentle touch I lifted his finger and pressed it to the back of the phone. Unlocking the phone, I swiped down and taped onto the message app.

If you want to know the truth about what happened to your mother. Meet me at Central warehouse at 9. You're framing the wrong person Adrian. All I asked in return is for you to give me Maxine.

Quickly deleting the message so that Adrian doesn't read it, I put the phone back on the table. I can't let Adrian go, not with his injury. He needs time to heal and my father was trying to manipulate him by sending that message. Telling him that it wasn't he who killed her. Did he really think that tactic would work?

I'm going. It's time to face my father. I've been avoiding him for too long. I know there's a chance that I might not make it out alive. That's why I will make sure he doesn't either.

“What are you doing in here?” I heard Adrian asked, his voice coming out slow and raspy. I jumped, startled by him.

“Uhm nothing. I got what I came for.” I replied calmly, turning around to leave but felt him tugging me back.

“Wait. Don't leave.”