Content Warning* This chapter deals with the subject of self-harm, please skip this chapter if the topic is not for you.
Madison stared down at her phone, aimlessly scrolling past the endless stream of selfies and memes on Instagram. Beside her, Luke's own phone lay forgotten in his lap, his gaze fixed on the white double doors that led to the patient's rooms. The hospital waiting room buzzed with hushed conversations and the occasional shuffle of feet, but to Madison, it felt like a vacuum - silent and suffocating.
The sliding doors swooshed open and Matt walked in, his eyes darting around until they landed on them. He approached with heavy steps but chose a chair across from Luke.
"Have you heard anything?" Matt's voice broke through the stillness.
"Nothing," Madison replied without looking up. "Just what his mom said earlier."
Matt scrubbed a hand over his face, frustration creasing his brow. "I can't believe he'd... do something like this. After everything... I mean he should have known we still care about him."
"Matt, stop," Madison's voice was firm, almost annoyed. "There is nothing we could have done."
"I don't believe that, and why are you being so calm about this?" His eyes sought hers, searching for an answer.
Madison finally locked her phone and met his gaze. "I'm not calm, I'm mad. It was selfish of him, and—" Her voice wavered, betraying her composure. "I don't want to talk about it,"
Her face started to turn red and she began to shake, Luke reached out and placed his hand on hers. Their fingers intertwined, without either of them saying a word, and Madison let out a shuddering breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. Matt's eyes shifted between the two, and a small smile spread across his face.
Their moment was interrupted as Sasha appeared, she quietly approached them.
"Rodney's awake," Sasha announced softly, "but he's very tired. You can see him, but keep it brief, okay?"
They all nodded, rising in unison, and making their way down the hall. Entering Rodney's room felt like stepping into a church. They entered silently, no one knowing if they should say something or not.
Matt surged forward, unable to contain himself, he embraced Rodney. "Rodney, you scared the hell out of me. I'm so glad you are ok,"
"Sorry," Rodney whispered weakly, lifting his shaky arms to return the hug. "Wish I could take it all back."
Madison lingered by the doorway, her arms wrapped tightly around herself as if to hold in the emotions threatening to spill. Luke gently nudged her forward, a wordless encouragement that she needed more than she'd admit.
As she drew nearer, tears pooled in her eyes, blurring Rodney's figure into a mere shadow. "Rodney, that was... it was so stupid," she choked out, the anger and relief intermingling in her voice.
He looked up at her, his eyes glassy. "I know," he murmured, "and I'm sorry, Madison. I totally understand if you're mad at me, I'm mad at myself."
She hesitated, she wanted to be mad, but seeing Rodney ok made her anger waver. Then, slowly, she closed the distance and enveloped him in a gentle hug. "I'm not mad. I want to be, but I can't. I'm just... glad you're here."
Luke watched the scene from the back of the room, leaning against the wall. Finally, he spoke, his voice steady but soft. "Glad to see you made it, Rodney. You gave us all a good scare."
"Thanks for coming," Rodney managed, his friends released him from their embrace. Rodney's eyelids fluttered as he tried to stay awake for his friends. Madison exchanged a glance with Matt, knowing Rodney needed to rest.
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Bi the Curb
Teen Fiction(Bi the Book 3) Rodney has had a rough summer, Ally broke his heart and then totally ghosted him. To make matters worse the first day of school is quickly approaching and he is going to have to face her at some point. His friends tell him he should...
