Her Heart

Chapter 44

Carter's POV

The beeping noise is starting to really annoy me. I crack my eyes open blinking a few times, letting my vision adjust until the room comes into focus.

I groan softly, trying to sit up. My muscles scream in protest, and there's a sharp pain in my chest that makes me gasp. I bite back the discomfort and look around the room.

The first thing that catches my eye is Sofia lying in a bed next to mine. There are several wires and tubes connected to her, monitors flickering with numbers and lines that I can't make sense of.

I glance at the machines beside her, the tubes running from her arms, the steady rise and fall of her chest. She's alive, but she looks so still, so fragile.

I look around more and just then I realize everyone's in here.

My eyes fall on Mama, slumped in a chair near the door. Her head is tilted back, and her arms are crossed over her chest as she sleeps. Mom is on the chair next to her and her fingers are intertwine with Mamas and her head is on her shoulder.

Mom's face is turned slightly toward Mama, and even in sleep, there's a tightness around her eyes, a hint of the worry that's been plaguing her. It breaks my heart to see them like this, both of them so worn down.

Next to them are Aunt Kai and Aunt Hazel. They're curled up in their chairs, legs tangled together, Aunt Hazel's head nestled into the crook of Aunt Kai's neck. Aunt Kai has one arm wrapped around her waist, holding her close, even in sleep.

The pain in my chest makes me look down. Did I get a heart?

I stare at the faint outline of bandages beneath my hospital gown, feeling the dull ache deep in my chest. My heart pounds harder, its rhythm quickening as if trying to answer my unspoken question. Did I finally get the transplant?

With a shaky breath, I reach up and place my hand over the center of my chest. Beneath my palm, I can feel it—a steady, strong beat, one that's unfamiliar to me. It's different from the weak, fluttering rhythm I'd grown used to.

This heartbeat is solid, determined, like it's here to stay.

My gaze shifts again, searching the room for the only faces I haven't seen yet—Riley and Olivia.

I find Riley first. She's sitting on the chair right beside me. Her legs are pulled up to her chest, arms wrapped around them, and her head is resting on her knees, deep in sleep.

I try to move, the pain in my chest flares up again, stopping me in my tracks. I let out a shaky breath, feeling the frustration build up inside me.

I look around and finally spot Olivia. She's on a chair next to Sofia also asleep. Her hands are resting on top of Sofia's, fingers intertwined in a way that feels protective. Even in sleep, Olivia's grip is firm, like she's holding on to Sofia with everything she has. Her expression is softer than I've ever seen it, worry and exhaustion etched into the lines of her face. It's almost like she's standing guard, ready to jump into action if Sofia so much as stirs.

"So what's for food around here? I'm starving." I try to say loudly.

Riley's head jerks up, her eyes wide and disoriented. She blinks rapidly, taking in the sight of me with a mix of disbelief and relief. "Carter?" she gasps, rubbing her eyes. "You're awake."

Mama and Mom are up in seconds. They rush to my side, their faces flushed with a mix of shock and joy. Mom's eyes are brimming with tears, and she clutches Mama's hand tightly as they both hover near the bed.

"Oh my baby," Mom says, her voice trembling. "You're awake."

Mama's face softens with a relieved smile. "You gave us quite a scare," she says, her voice cracking. She reaches out to gently touch my hand.