Secrets | 5SOS

[26]

I woke up that morning feeling dreadful. My head pounded with each heartbeat, my body ached all over, and a fever burned through me like a wildfire. Despite feeling like I could barely stand, I knew it was result day – the day I would finally see how I did on my exams. Calum had been drilling into me how crucial these grades were, so I dragged myself out of bed and trudged to school, determined to see my results.

By the time I arrived at school, I was dizzy and weak. Every step felt like a monumental effort, but I pushed through, clutching onto the hope that my hard work would pay off.

The tension in the air was thick as I sat in homeroom, waiting for the results to be posted online. My hands shook with nerves as I logged into the school portal. The screen loaded agonizingly slow, and when my grades finally appeared, my heart sank.

Two B grades stared back at me, mocking my efforts. Disappointment washed over me, mixing with the feverish haze that clouded my mind. I knew Calum had high expectations, and I dreaded facing him with this news.

After grabbing my report card, I stumbled out of homeroom, trying to process the weight of my grades. Calum found me in the hallway, his expression already stern as he demanded to see my results.

"You got two Bs?" Calum's voice was sharp with disappointment. "Isabella, I expected better from you. You know how much effort we've put into this."

Tears pricked my eyes, a mixture of frustration and exhaustion overwhelming me. "I tried, Calum," I managed to whisper, my voice trembling. "I really did."

Before Calum could respond, the world seemed to spin around me. My vision blurred, and my legs gave out beneath me. I collapsed against the wall, barely registering Calum's shout of alarm.

When I regained consciousness, I found myself lying on a hospital bed, the sterile scent of disinfectant assaulting my senses. Luke and Calum stood beside me, their faces a mix of concern and disbelief.

"Bella," Calum's voice cracked with worry. "Are you okay?"

I tried to speak, but my throat felt dry and scratchy. The pain in my head was unbearable, throbbing with each heartbeat.

"She fainted," Luke explained calmly, his voice tinged with concern. "She's burning up."

Ashton and Michael appeared beside Luke, Ashton swiftly preparing an IV while Michael hovered anxiously by my side. Luke gently adjusted the pillow under my head, his hands steady despite the concern etched on his face.

Luke's medical training kicked in as he monitored my vital signs and guided Ashton through the process of starting the IV. I felt a cool rush as fluids began to drip into my veins, slowly easing some of the discomfort.

Calum watched, guilt etched on his face as he saw me lying in the hospital bed. "I'm sorry, Bella," he whispered, his voice thick with regret. "I didn't mean for this to happen."

Luke shot Calum a stern look, his protective instincts flaring up. "She needs support, Calum," he stated firmly. "She doesn't need to be pushed like this."

Calum nodded solemnly, his shoulders sagging with the weight of his expectations. "I know," he admitted quietly. "I'll talk to her. I'll apologize."

As I lay in the hospital bed, surrounded by the people who cared for me, I felt a mix of relief and guilt. I had pushed myself too hard, driven by the desire to meet Calum's expectations and prove myself. Now, as I faced the consequences, I realized the importance of finding a balance between ambition and self-care.

"Thank you, Luke," I whispered weakly, my voice barely audible.

Luke smiled gently, brushing a strand of hair away from my face. "You don't have to thank me, Bella. Just promise me you'll take better care of yourself."