War of Love

Chapter 18- Why?

Ethan
It has been two weeks now, since Lyria had been admitted into the hospital. I have spent the last few days visiting her, even though she is still unconscious.
Today, is a Saturday; and I'm thinking of going to visit her at the hospital. The doctor had informed me on my last visit, that she could be discharged tomorrow. I am happy with the fact that she is quickly recovering, and I plan on settling the bills today.
     The drive to the hospital is unusually long, accompanied with the fact that I wanted to see her soon.
On getting there, I grab the paper bag which I had bought for her along with me. Grabbing my jacket, I ensure the car is locked before proceeding to her ward.
I meet the receptionist, to ask her if I could meet the patient in ward number 101. She simply nods and offers me a reassuring smile, before ushering me to carry on. With big expectations, I rush to her ward. Inhaling deeply with a small hopeful smile on my face, I push the door open.
          She was still in the same position as she was yesterday. The doctor had told me about her subtle movements, which assured us on the improvement of her condition.
My smile nearly falters as I approach her bed, carefully placing the paper bag on the table beside her head. I gently sit in the chair right beside her, careful not to make a sound.
A soft sigh escapes my lips as I stare at her. "Hey..." I begin, completely unsure of what to say to begin with.
"I brought something for you." I say after a moment of silence. She looked so peaceful, a oxygen mask Over her face.
"They're some fruits." I add, staring at my hands as I inhale deeply.
Layla hadn't contacted me in two weeks  since she left, she hasn't even inquired about her sister. I couldn't rest properly because of the thoughts of what she could possibly do, kept running through it.
         And now, here I was staring at an unconscious Lyria who wasn't even aware about what was going on.
Thankfully, the door opens and a nurse comes in. Momentarily saving me from this agonising silence. I sieze the opportunity to see the doctor concerning her discharge. I excuse myself briefly, and make my way to his office. With a small knock against the door twice, I finally hear the permission to come in.
        I open the door afterwards, and step inside. "Mr Xander, pleased to see you." He says with surprise after staring up at me from his table reluctantly looking away from the documents he had been scanning.
I force a smile myself, as I take a seat in front of him. "Same." I reply simply.
        He clears his throat briefly, adjusting his glasses before he speaks.
"I see you're here concerning Miss Albert's discharge bill?" He asks, to which I nod grimly.
He gives an approving nod, "Well in that case, congratulations to you." He says with a beam on his face.
I give him a puzzled look. Congratulations to me? For what?
"You can take her home tomorrow?" He finishes. I blink, unable to contain my disbelief, "really?" I ask, relief flooding through my veins. He nods in agreement. But before I could get too happy, he adds: "we're just waiting for her to regain consciousness at the moment." I pause, lifting an eyebrow in question; "and that will be when?" I ask slowly, dreading the thought of her never waking up again.
He opens his mouth to speak but he doesn't, not as the door to his office opens abruptly.
"Doctor, doctor!" A voice cried eagerly.
I tear my eyes from him and turn around to the direction of the eager voice.
"What is it?" He asks quickly, worry in his voice and words.
"She's awake doctor, she's awake." The nurse says with a huge smile on her face.
At first I'm confused, that is until the doctor decides to question her further. He must have also been confused about the patient she was talking about.
"Which patient?" He asks, getting to his feet as he grabs his stethoscope.
And at her next words, I don't realize when I get on my very on feet and rush out of his office. Neither did I stop, until I reached her ward.
"Patient in ward number 101" had come her reply.
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Lyria was awake! She was awake!!
I remain transfixed on the spot, watching the doctor check her to be sure she was totally fine.
Once he was done, he gives me a reassuring nod; before leaving to prepare the bill papers.
It's silent in the ward after that, I don't dare move. I remain watching her, as her eyes scanned the room until it eventually finds mine. And I could have sworn she flinched, her cyan blue eyes  looking extremely pale and tired.
"Hey..." I say rushing to her side, careful not to touch her hands as the drips were still in use.
"How do you feel now?" I ask her softly.
She scans my face for a moment, as though she was looking for something. After what felt like an eternity, she finally replies.
"My head hurts to death, but apart from that; I guess I'm still in one piece." She finally says, her voice weak and hoarse.
A small smile tugs on my lip at her honesty but it was fine.
"What are you doing here?" She finally asks after a while, I blink in surprise at the question.
"Oh, I came to see you." I say softly, not missing the surprised expression on her face at my words.
"I'm surprised your girlfriend didn't chain you to a wall to stop you." She says with a hint of amusement in her eyes.
'Yeah, I'm surprised too.' I wanted to say, but hesitate instead.
As though reading my thoughts she asks, "She didn't come, did she?" Her voice was low but void of emotion.
I have to look away to answer her question.
"No." Came my simple reply, she doesn't seem to be surprised by it. I refrain from asking her why due to her current condition.
"I need to go arrange for your discharge papers, so I can take you home tomorrow." I say, getting up, she stares at me for a few seconds.
I turn around and begin to walk out the door, that is,until her voice stops me.
"Why are you doing this? Why are you helping me?" It was a simple question yet, it veiled answers and emotions untold.
I remain quiet for  a few moments before I finally turn over a shoulder to look at her.
A small smile appears on my lips as I give her my reply, "consider it compensation for not listening to you." I say. Perhaps I was trying to convince her and not myself, but either way she doesn't look convinced.
I quickly turn away from her, and leave through the door to evade another question which I may not have the answer to.
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