Savage

Chapter 18: Parivaar

"I have to get to the hospital," the words rushed out of me. I darted for my bedroom, threw the closet door open, and pulled a pair of jeans with a shirt on. Oh fuck, I can't believe this is happening. I returned to the living room, where Roman had changed his position to the door waiting for me. I passed him and headed towards the elevator and made my way to the underground garage. Roman didn't say anything but kept in tow with me. I rushed to my car. By the time I unlocked it and made my way to the car door, Roman had stepped passed me to stop my efforts.

"Not now, Roman," It came out in a fluster.

"This way, Kätzchen," he simply said.

He held my elbow and waist to guide me to his car instead. I didn't protest. I didn't have time to. I needed to know that my best friend was alright. Tears welled in my eyes when Roman opened the front door for me. I sat down and fastened my seat belt quietly. Roman was already opening his door and fastening himself into his seat. At that point, we were off into the busy Toronto streets. The buildings enclose us, like arms barricading us from our destination. We couldn't get there any faster, I thought. The cool air slapped my cheeks from rolling down the car window. It was sucking the air from my lungs, rather than oxygenating it. I quickly closed the window. That's when the tears spilled over. I cried in silence, droplets cascading down my cheeks like a stream in rainy Spring. I hadn't thought he noticed until Roman took my hand in his. I looked at him. A warm feeling swelled inside of me cautiously. This little action was the comfort I never knew I needed, on our journey to the hospital.

*******

"Oh my gosh, Ronnie!"

I threw my hands around her on the bed. The air was stale and sterile.

"Oh my poor baby, I wasn't trying to worry you," she said while hugging me back.

"I'm fine, S," Ronnie soothed.

I pulled back and looked at her. Her right leg was plastered up to her knee and she had black and blue bruises under her left eye and cheek.

"Your leg is broken," I pointed out.

"I know. But it could have been worse."

"Ronnie, you were in a car accident. The only thing worst is de–," I caught myself on the last word.

I couldn't get the word out. Tears began to sting the corners of my eyes. She watched me closely with moisture shining on her black eyes.

"Come here, hon. I'm not dead," she said softly.

I went into her outstretched arms and bawled into the crook of her neck.

"You can't do stuff like that, Ronn," I hiccuped into her neck.

She made room for me on the bed as best as possible, so that I could lie next to her. It was limited but we didn't care. We hugged each other and cried. Probably a half hour had passed as we lay on the bed in silence watching the movie on the television hanging in front of us.

"Where's Mrs. B.?" I suddenly realised.

"She's out getting Dad and some proper food," she stated, her eyes trained on the television. Then she turned her head to look at me, "How did you get here so fast?"

"Roman –oh my gosh, Roman!"

I scrambled toward the door and opened it, only to see him standing steadfastly by it on the outside. He was there all along. He didn't leave. I had completely forgotten that he accompanied me. A wave of relief washed over me.

"Hi," I greeted in a small voice I didn't recognise.

"Allo," was his reply.

He stepped into the room and followed me to where Ronnie was lying. He took up the space with his presence.