Dodge Mason // Mystery Boy

23

I know I can't promise

—

My head is pounding, my back is sore, and my lungs feel heavy. I open my eyes and see white. After they adjust, I look around and see the IV connected to my left arm and the heart monitor on my right hand. I let out a groan once the pain truly settles into my body. I look over and next to my bed is an asleep Kai in the fetal position on an armchair. "Kai?" I call out.

He shuffles a bit before his eyes slowly open. "Delilah?! DELILAH?!" He shouts after realizing I am awake. He practically jumps off the couch and reaches for my hand and starts crying. "I was so worried I thought you were gonna die and I didn't wanna leave you and mom couldn't stay and I felt all alone and- and- and-" he says between sobs. I reach out and wipe his tears and nose with my hands and try to calm him down.

"Hey, hey, it's okay," I start in a soft voice. My eyes start to well up seeing him like this. "I'm okay and I'm right here with you and I'm not going anywhere. Not without a fight at least," I stifle out a laugh. I push his hair back and guide him through some breathing so he doesn't have a panic attack. After a few breaths I reassure that he's okay and pull him into the hospital bed with me and hold him.

"What were you even doing?" he asks. I freeze and close my eyes trying to hold back more tears. I need to lie.

"I was at a stupid party," I say with a small crack in my voice.

"In the Graybill house?"

"Yeah, I think it was for the people who were playing in Panic and I guess some idiots started a fire. I just hope everyone is okay," I breath out heavily.

"Heather and Dodge are here too," Kai adds.

"Did you see them? Are they okay?"

"Yeah, they're doing okay. They didn't wanna tell me what happened though. I was so scared. I thought I lost you," he chokes out.

"I'm so sorry, Kai," I say holding him tighter.

"Don't ever scare me like that again, please," he begs.

"I won't," I hold my breath... because I know I can't promise it.

I hear footsteps approach and a nurse comes in. "Hello, Ms. Knightly, glad to see you're awake. Do you mind if we do a check up on you before the police come in and take a statement?"

"Yeah, of course, no problem," I stumble. "Here Kai, go sit in the chair," I say gently nudging him while he easily complies. Kai has always been the sweetest kid I've ever known and it breaks my heart that I did this to him. This game is insane. This is all insane. What is wrong with this town? What happened to Dodge and Heather? Dodge. Andrew Dodge Mason. Andrew Dodge Mason. Andrew-

"Ms. Knightly your heart rate is quite high. Are you okay?" My thoughts are interrupted.

"Hmm? Oh yes. Just a little shaken up from everything. That's all. May I have some water please?"

"Yes, of course, lemme go grab you a cup," the nurse says sweetly.

—

"Okay hon, my name is Michelle, you lemme know if you need anything else, okay?"

"Okay, thank you Michelle," I give a nod and pursed smile.

"There is someone here to see you, would you like to see them before the cop?" She asks.

"Um, who is it? My mom?" I ask.

"No, a young girl, Natalie I think."

"Oh, yes please."

"Okay I'll go get her now," she says and I thank her. I check on Kai while I wait for Nat and he says he's doing better now that I'm awake and okay. I'm glad.

"Knock knock," Nat says.

"Ya know you could just actually knock?" I laugh.

"You know me and my theatrics," she giggles while coming to sit on the bed to face me. "I'm so glad you're okay," she leans in to hug me. "It was a party. You don't know how the fire started. That's all you know," she whispers right in my ear. When we separate, I nod showing I understand and just let out a sigh of relief knowing I told Kai the same thing.

"How's Heather?" I ask.

"She's okay, basically same state as you," she reassures me.

"Thank God," I say while massaging my forehead to help my headache. Nat stares at me. "What?"

"You're not gonna ask me about Dodge?" She teases.

"What?" I let out a scoff.

"Sorry I just thought you would want to know how your boyfriend is."

"He's not my boyfriend-"

"He totally is!" Kai cuts in.

"Kai!" I scold. "He's not officially my boyfriend, and I was just processing," I explain.

"Well he's okay," Nat reassures. "He's really worried about you," she adds on. "He's a few rooms down if you want me to give him a message."

"No that's okay, I wanna see him myself as soon as I can," I answer.

"Okay. Well, I'm gonna go keep Heather company. Kai, take care of her."

"Will do," he responds.

"Love ya," she says as she leaves.

"Love you too, Nat," I respond. Before I can even react, an officer knocks on the doorframe before asking to come in.

He introduces himself and asks me questions about last night. Why was I there, who else was there, what happened, what started the fire, was it related to Panic? I said what I "knew" and that was all. Luckily, since I got knocked out I could blame my shady recollection on hazy memories and "the rest being a blur." Last night was close. A close call with the police and with death. This shit isn't a game. It never was. Now all I can do is finish what I started. The officer left and the room was filled with the beeps of the monitor. I need to see Dodge.