Love Restrained | Yellowjackets

chapter thirty tree

XXXIII

"Here." Ben extended a knife to her "This is to help you."

"Thank you." She nodded in gratitude, taking it from his hands "Are you going to stay here?"

"I can't right now. But I will. I have a plan." He said, heading for the cave's exit.

"Um, before you go..." She stopped him, there was something on her mind that was bothering
her for a long time "How's Javi?"

Ben took a deep breath, his hesitation palpable. He forced himself to meet her gaze, his own eyes filling with unshed tears.

"He's fine."

With a sharp, ragged breath, Hayden's eyes shot open, wide and filled with confusion. She gasped. The shock of returning to consciousness sent a ripple through her body, and she tried to sit up, but a sharp pain in her stomach made her immediately regret trying.

"Hayden! Oh my god." Someone gently pressed her back onto the pillow. "Lay back down."

A faint groan escaped her lips, and her eyes flickered open, unfocused and filled with confusion. She blinked slowly, the light invading the room causing her to squint.

"You're awake! She's awake! Misty!"

Hayden's eyes finally settled on her, recognition dawning slowly. Her lips parted as she managed a weak, raspy whisper.

"Nat?"

"Yes, it's me. I'm here. You're okay, Hayden. You're going to be okay."

Relief washed over Natalie like a tidal wave, and she let out a half-laughter, half-tears. She leaned closer, her free hand gently caressing the girl's cheek.

Misty rushed in, followed closely by the other girls. Natalie stepped back slightly, her hand still holding Hayden's, to make room for Misty to take a closer look at the girl.

"Atkins, I'm so happy you woke up, you're going to be fine." Misty smiled at her "You just need to rest."

Relief and joy washed over the room as the girls moved closer, their expressions a blend of smiles and tears.

Hayden's lips curved into a faint, tired smile. She felt overwhelmed, her mind struggling to piece together the fragments of memory and reality. But the warmth of the room grounded her in the moment.

"What happened?" Hayden asked, looking around.

"You were hurt..." Misty exchanged looks with Natalie "You've been in a coma for three days. But you're okay now. You're going to be okay."

"I... I don't remember much." She admitted, frustration and confusion mingling in her tone.

"That's okay." Misty assured her "It might take a little time for everything to come together. The important thing is that you're awake now."

Hayden had been in a coma for three days. Her head hurt, her stomach hurt. She felt weak and things were a little blurry.

And those three days seemed like eternity for Natalie, filled with an agonizing mix of fear, hope, and helplessness. She had barely left the girl's side, holding her hand and whispering words of encouragement, willing her to come back.

"I'll get you some soup, alright?" Taissa announced, letting the others know they should give her some time.

Everybody left, except for Natalie.

"I was so worried about you." Nat said, her voice breaking. "You had us all scared to death."

Natalie brushed a lock of hair from her forehead, her touch tender and soothing.