Comeback (Sequel to 'Before the Storm')

Chapter 6: Scare

Joe's POV

Joe, get up here now. Something's wrong. Doctors are already aiding Ally.

I was in the hospital cafeteria, fetching a coffee, when my phone buzzed. It was Dani.

I dropped my coffee, my feet already moving, sprinting towards the elevator. The ride up felt endless, my heart pounding in my ears.

I burst out of the elevator, nearly colliding with a nurse. As I rounded the corner to Ally's room, I saw Dani in the hallway, her face pale and tear-streaked.

"What happened?" I demanded, my voice raw with fear.

"I don't know," Dani choked out, "She was sleeping, and then suddenly she started gasping. The alarms-"

I didn't wait to hear more. I pushed past her into Ally's room, and the scene before me turned my blood to ice.

Ally's face was ashen, her chest heaving as she struggled for air. Nurses swarmed around her, their voices urgent but controlled.

"Blood pressure's crashing"
"Oxygen saturation dropping"
"Starting compressions"

The erratic beeping of the heart monitor filled the air, each uneven sound was like a knife to my heart.

"Ally!" I cried, surging forward.

A nurse turned, blocking my path. "Sir, you need to step outside-"

"No!" I shouted, trying to push past her, "That's my girlfriend!"

Strong hands gripped my shoulders, pulling me back. I turned to see Kevin, his face grim.

"Joe, come on. Let them work," he said firmly.

I struggled against his hold, my eyes never leaving Ally's face.

"No, I can't leave her. Ally! I'm here, baby, I'm here. I promise."

"Blood pressure's dropping further," a nurse called out.

"Oxygen levels keep decreasing," another responded.

Each word was a physical blow. I felt my knees buckle, but Kevin held me up.

"Please," I begged, my voice breaking, "Please, I can't lose her. Not again. Please..."

"They need space to work, Joe. The best thing you can do for Ally right now is let them help her."

Kevin's voice was gentle but insistent in my ear.

NO!" I screamed, struggling with all my might, "I can't leave her!"

"Get him out of here!" a doctor ordered

Tears blurred my vision as Kevin guided me out of the room.

With a final heave, Kevin pulled me through the doorway. The last thing I saw before the door closed was Ally's hand, limping on the white hospital sheets.

The door slammed shut.

In the hallway, I collapsed against the wall, sliding down to the floor. Sobs wracked my body, each breath a struggle.

"This can't be happening," I choked out, "We just got her back. FUCK!"

Dani crouched beside me, her own tears falling freely.

"She's strong, Joe. She'll pull through this."

Kevin sat on my other side, his solid presence serving as an anchor.

"Dani's right. Ally's a fighter. She's not giving up, and neither are we."

I nodded numbly, beyond words. The three of us huddled there on the cold hospital floor, united in our fear and hope.

Time lost all meaning as we sat there, the muffled sounds of activity from Ally's room the only indication that the fight for her life continued.

I found myself praying, something I hadn't done in years. Please, let her be ok. Please don't take her from us. I'll do anything, just please...

After what felt like an eternity, the door opened. A doctor emerged, his face unreadable.

I scrambled to my feet, heart in my throat. "How is she? Is she-"

The doctor held up a hand, his expression softening.

"She's stabilized. We had a close call, but Ms. Deleasa is responding well to treatment. Her body is still recovering from the trauma, and these fluctuations can happen. We'll be monitoring her closely, but for now, she's out of immediate danger."

The relief was so intense I felt my legs give way. Kevin caught me, holding me up as I let out a shuddering breath.

"Can I see her?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

The doctor hesitated. "She needs rest, but..." He paused, then nodded, "She's actually asking to see you, Mr. Jonas."

My heart leapt. "She is?"

He nodded again. "Just for a few minutes."

As I entered the room, Ally's eyes fluttered open. She looked exhausted, fragile, but there was a warmth in her gaze that made my heart ache.

"Hi," she whispered, her voice weak but clear.

I was by her side in an instant, taking her hand in mine. "I'm here, baby. I'm right here."

A small smile tugged at her lips. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. Heard you caused quite the commotion."

I laughed softly, tears spilling down my cheeks.

"It's not your fault, baby. The important thing is that you're better now."

Her fingers tightened slightly around mine.

"Joe, I know we have things to work through. But I just needed to see you. I love you. Please never doubt that."

My throat tightened with emotion.

"I love you too, Ally. So much. We'll figure everything out, I promise. Just... just stay with me, ok?"

She nodded, her eyes drifting closed with exhaustion.

As I watched her sleep, I knew we had a long road ahead. There were conversations to be had, trust to rebuild.

But looking at Ally, feeling the warmth of her hand in mine, I knew we'd face whatever came next together.