Comeback (Sequel to 'Before the Storm')

Chapter 2: State

Joe's POV

The steady beep of the heart monitor was both a comfort and a torment. It meant Ally was alive, but it also served as a constant reminder of how close I'd come to losing her.

I sat by her bedside, my hand gently holding hers, willing her to wake up.

Three days. It had been three days since the accident. Three days since I watched helplessly as a car struck the woman I love.

The image replayed in my mind constantly. Ally's tear-streaked face, the screeching tires, her body hitting the ground. I shuddered, squeezing my eyes shut against the memory.

"I'm so sorry, Ally," I whispered, my voice hoarse from lack of sleep, "This is all my fault. If I hadn't... if I'd just..."

I couldn't even finish the sentence. The guilt was overwhelming. That moment with Sophie, it meant nothing. A moment of weakness, of nostalgia perhaps, but nothing compared to what I felt for Ally. And now, because of my stupidity, she was lying here, unresponsive.

I leaned forward, pressing my forehead against our joined hands.

"Please wake up, baby. I need to explain. I need you to know how much I love you. How sorry I am. How I'd do anything, anything, to take it all back."

The doctors said she was stable, that her body needed time to heal. They called it a temporary coma, but every hour that passed felt like an eternity.

I hadn't left her side except when the nurses forced me to. I couldn't bear the thought of her waking up alone, thinking I'd abandoned her.

"Willa and Delphine keep asking about you," I continued, hoping somehow she could hear me, "They made you get-well cards. I promised them they could see you soon. You have to wake up, Ally. They need you. I need you."

My eyes burned with unshed tears. I was exhausted, running on coffee and fear, but I couldn't sleep. Not until I saw those beautiful eyes flutter open again.

"Remember our plans? That weekend getaway? It's still on, as soon as you're better. Just you and me, no distractions. We'll talk everything through. I'll explain about Sophie, about my fears, about everything. Anything you need."

I brought her hand to my lips, pressing a gentle kiss to her knuckles.

"I love you, Ally. More than I've ever loved anyone. Please, come back to me. I promise I'll spend the rest of my life making this up to you. Just please, wake up."

The room fell silent again, except for the persistent beeping of the monitor. I watched her face, searching for any sign of movement, any hint that she'd heard me, but Ally remained still, her chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm.

I settled back in my chair, her hand still in mine, prepared to wait as long as it took. I wasn't going anywhere. Not now, not ever.

A soft knock at the door broke the silence. I looked up to see Dani peeking in, her face etched with exhaustion and concern.

"Hey," she said softly, entering the room, "Any movement?"

I shook my head, my voice rough. "Not yet."

Dani approached Ally's bedside, gently brushing a strand of hair from her face.

"Oh, Ally," she whispered, her eyes glistening.

She turned to me, taking in my disheveled appearance. "Joe, you look terrible. When was the last time you slept?"

I shrugged, unable to remember. "Doesn't matter. I need to be here when she wakes up."

Dani pulled up a chair next to mine, her hand resting on my shoulder.

"Joe, you need to take care of yourself too. Ally wouldn't want you running yourself into the ground like this."

I let out a bitter laugh. "Ally wouldn't be here at all if it wasn't for me."

"Joe," Dani said firmly, "this isn't your fault. It was an accident."

"An accident that happened because she was running away from me," I countered, the guilt washing over me anew, "I hurt her."

Dani was quiet for a moment, her gaze moving between Ally and me.

"Dani, I'm so sorry," I sobbed lightly, shame coloring my face, "It was a mistake. A terrible, stupid mistake that meant nothing I swear."

"I believe you," Dani said softly, "And I think Ally will too, once you have a chance to explain."

"If I get the chance," I mumbled, my eyes fixed on Ally's still form.

"You will," Dani assured me, squeezing my shoulder, "Ally's strong. Always has been. She'll pull through. And when she does, you two will work it out. I've seen the way you look at each other, Joe. What you have... it's special."

I nodded, unable to speak past the lump in my throat.

"But," Dani continued, her tone firmer, "you need to be in good shape when she wakes up. Go home, shower, eat something substantial, and get some real sleep. I'll stay with her."

"I can't leave her" I protested weakly.

"You're not leaving her. You're taking care of yourself so you can be there for her when she needs you most," Dani countered, "I promise I'll call you the second anything changes."

I hesitated, torn between my need to stay and the logic of Dani's words.

"Go," she insisted gently, "Do it for Ally."

I nodded, slowly rising to my feet. I leaned over, pressing a soft kiss to Ally's forehead.

"I'll be back soon, love," I whispered, "Please, wait for me."

As I reached the door, I turned back to Dani. "Thank you," I said sincerely.

She smiled softly. "That's what family's for. We'll be here when you get back."

With a final glance at Ally, I left the room, Dani's words echoing in my mind.