Shades of Desire

Ethan

I drove aimlessly, my mind a jumbled mess of thoughts about Ivy. I had decided to be just friends with her, and honestly, that felt like a small victory. At least I could still talk to her, still have her in my life, even if it wasn't the way I wanted. But as I steered through the streets, a heaviness settled in my chest.

The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows on the road. I cranked up the music, trying to drown out the thoughts swirling in my head. "Just friends," I repeated to myself, as if saying it enough would make it true. But no matter how many times I told myself that, a part of me still wanted more.

Lost in my thoughts, I didn't notice the turn until it was too late. My car drifted off the main road and onto a quiet stretch. I sighed, running a hand through my hair, feeling the weight of the world pressing down on me.

Then, something caught my eye. I slammed on the brakes, heart racing as I saw the wreckage up ahead. My stomach dropped. It was Jace's car, completely mangled. Panic surged through me, and I jumped out of the car, adrenaline flooding my system.

"Jace!" I called, my voice echoing in the eerie silence. But there was no answer. My heart pounded louder in my ears as I rushed closer, dread filling me.

And then I saw her. Ivy was lying on the ground, her body crumpled in a way that made my heart stop. "Ivy!" I shouted, rushing to her side. She looked so fragile, so lifeless.

I shook her gently, desperation clawing at my throat. "Ivy, can you hear me?" But she didn't move, didn't respond. My hands trembled as I checked for a pulse, praying for any sign of life. It was there—weak and barely there—but it was enough to make me act.

"Ivy, please!" I cried, fear flooding through me. I couldn't lose her. I scooped her up, cradling her against me, feeling her light frame like a whisper of hope. "Hold on, just hold on."

I dashed back to my car, my heart racing as I laid her in the back seat. I jumped into the driver's seat, turning the key in the ignition, the engine roaring to life. My mind raced as I sped off, the world around me a blur.

"Stay with me, Ivy," I murmured, glancing back at her. She looked so pale, and a wave of panic washed over me. "I'm getting you to the hospital."

I drove like a maniac, weaving through traffic, my heart pounding. All I could think about was getting her help. I pulled into the emergency entrance, rushing out of the car. "Help! She needs a doctor!"

Nurses and doctors rushed around, taking Ivy from my arms and wheeling her away. I stood there, helpless, my heart racing as questions flooded my mind. What happened? Where was Jace?

I paced the waiting room, anxiety gnawing at me. Every second felt like an eternity. I couldn't shake the image of her lying there, so still. I couldn't lose her.

Finally, a doctor approached me, her expression serious. "She's in the ICU," she said. "We're doing everything we can."

I nodded, my throat tight. "Can I see her?"

"Not yet. You'll have to wait for updates," she said gently.

I slumped into a chair, the weight of fear settling over me like a heavy blanket. I could only hope she would be okay. My thoughts spiraled as I sat there, worried for Ivy and frustrated at the chaos of it all.

I could only think of one thing: I needed her to wake up. I needed to know she was alright.