Shades of Desire

Ethan

The smell of antiseptic hit me the moment I walked into the hospital room. It felt suffocating. The sound of the IV drip echoed in the silence, and I couldn't shake off the feeling of dread coiling in my stomach. Where the hell was Jace? I had tried calling him, but his phone was switched off. "What the fuck?" I muttered under my breath.

I glanced around, anxiety flooding my thoughts. Ivy was here, but what had happened? How did we end up in this nightmare? The image of her lifeless body in the car replayed in my mind like a haunting melody. I rubbed the back of my neck, feeling the weight of helplessness settle on my shoulders.

Just then, a doctor stepped in, and my heart skipped a beat. "Ethan, she's okay now," he said, his tone calming but serious. "You can see her, but she's not fully recovered. Be careful."

"Thank you," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. I followed him into the room, and my breath caught in my throat at the sight of Ivy lying there. Her eyes were closed, and the machines beeped rhythmically beside her.

I gently sat beside her and took her hand in mine. It felt so small, so fragile. I didn't know if she could feel me, but I needed her to know I was here. Slowly, her eyelids fluttered open, and her gaze found mine.

"Ethan," she whispered, relief washing over her face.

"How are you feeling?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

She didn't respond. Instead, panic crept into her voice as she said, "Where's Jace?"

I hesitated, my heart sinking. "I don't know. I've been trying to call him, but he's not answering."

She looked away, a shadow passing over her features. "He left me," she said, her voice cracking.

"What do you mean?" I leaned closer, my heart pounding in my chest.

Tears filled her eyes, and suddenly, she was crying. I didn't know what to do. The weight of her emotions pressed down on me, and I instinctively pulled her into a hug. This wasn't the moment for questions.

"Ivy," I whispered, holding her tightly. "I'm here. You're safe now."

She trembled against me, and I could feel her pain. I didn't need her to explain. I understood enough. This was a moment for comfort, not for dissecting the wreckage of the night.

"I'm so scared, Ethan," she choked out between sobs.

"I know. But we'll figure this out together." I stroked her hair, feeling the warmth of her against me, and wishing I could take away all her hurt.

The room felt like it was closing in around us, but in that moment, it didn't matter. I was here for her, and that was all that counted.

As I held her, the realization hit me hard. This was more than just a friendship. It was a connection deeper than I had ever allowed myself to believe. I wanted to protect her, to be the one she turned to when the world fell apart.

"Just breathe, Ivy. You're not alone," I murmured, hoping my words would anchor her amidst the chaos.

I could feel her tears soaking through my shirt, and I held her tighter, vowing silently to be there for her, no matter what.