Everything with you

Part 33

Emma

The walk back to our room was quiet. I tried hard to not ask any more questions and pry on the Nate matter. I kept thinking of something else to talk about ,to not make the situation awkward, but my mind kept drawing a blank.

"I know you want to ask about it, Em," Hayles says as she walks on the footpath beside me.

"What? No.. I mean..", I left out a big breath as I continued.

"Of course I want to know, but if you're not comfortable sharing, I get that too," I say honestly.

"I actually think I might feel better talking about it. I'm all riled up with guilt for the past two days," she says, looking at her feet.

"Technically, you're single," I add.

"Yeah, but you know what's weird? Nate and I didn't feel weird at all. I mean, I have not even spoken to the guy before, but when we spoke, he actually listened. He didn't just pretend to listen to get laid. The sex Em! Oh my god! It was... I have no words. I never thought it'd be so good with someone other than Nolan."

"I feel awful just thinking about it," she says with her voice filled with sadness.

"I get it. Don't be hard on yourself. Maybe it was a sign that you really need to be with Nolan."

"I don't know... I need to speak with Nolan first. I don't think he'll forgive me for doing this."

"I'm sure he'll understand.". She just gives me a nod and stays silent after that.

Once in our room, I unpacked my things and got into bed.

The next few days flew by quickly as we had to work on our assignments and do some prep for an upcoming event at the studio. I was on my way to the coffee shop to meet with Joel before I left for the studio. I checked my phone for any messages from Justin, but there were none. I assumed he was busy with his work and games.

On my way there, I happened to see Ash; Justin had introduced us the other day. He must have also noticed me as he made his way through the crowd, giving me a nod. I smiled at him and searched for Justin. Usually I would get to see him along with Ash and Nate. When I don't find him, I immediately feel a frown on my lips. I wondered where he must be. I wasn't paying much attention when I bumped into the door. Ouch! I hit my head on the door.

I lost my balance for a second, but I felt a hand hold on to my arm, steadying me.

"Sorry.. I wasn't paying attention to where I was going," I immediately apologized to the person who steadied me. I look up to see that it was Ash.

"It's okay," he says, taking his hand back.

"Thanks for not letting me fall," I say with a smile. He just nods with a straight face. I got the feeling he wasn't much of a talker.

"Do you happen to know where's Justin?" I ask. I could see a change in his expression to confusion.

"He's at the hospital," he responds calmly.

"What? Why? What happened?" I say way too fast in panic.

"His mom fell sick on Sunday night; she was rushed to the hospital. He's with her.".

Mrs. Shepard was fine when I saw her last Sunday, but she didn't look too good. I didn't want to disturb him, thinking he was busy, but now I felt like an idiot for not checking up on him.

"I didn't know. I had tests, and I thought he was busy," I say in a dejected tone. I am the worst girlfriend in the world. It's been three whole days, and I didn't know.

"Yeah.. don't beat yourself up. He's not really spoken to anyone except Nate and our coach," he says, trying to comfort me, but it does nothing to ease my guilt.

"Which hospital is she in?" I ask.

"St. Mary's Bethel"

I nod at his response and think of a way to reach there. I'd have to take the bus, but I had no idea where the hospital was or which route I should take.

"Um.. I'm on my way there now. I could give you a ride there," Ash says, breaking my train of thought.

"You would? That would be great!"

He gives me a nod in agreement and starts walking towards the exit leading to the parking. I quickly follow him to his car. His car was a blue Nissan Skyline. I'd seen it plenty of times in the Fast and Furious movies. I'd never seen one in real life. Even though I had no interest in racing, it was my favorite car growing up.

"Nice car," I say, admiring the beautiful car.

"Yeah," he says as he unlocks it and gets in the driver seat.

On my way to the hospital, I call up Joel and Sophia, letting them know I won't be able to meet them today due to a personal issue; the rest of the drive was silent.

We arrived at the hospital around 30 minutes later. Ash led the way to the ICU waiting room. I saw Justin and his dad waiting outside the door on the left. I made my way towards him; he was so lost in thought that he didn't notice me walking up to him. His dad nudged him in the shoulder and nodded in my direction. He finally looked up to notice me.

"Emma." He stands up and gives me a hug.

"Hi," I say, hugging him back. He finally let me go and looked at me in confusion. He looked like he hadn't slept in days by the dark circles under his eyes. He had a stubble now, which made him look older somehow.

"How'd you..." he starts questioning my sudden arrival.

"Ash brought me here... I met him on campus earlier," I explain. Regret washes over his face. He looks over me to see Ash standing in the corner.

"I should have called. I'm sorry. I was.."

"It's okay, really. How is she doing now?"

I could see sadness come across his face. He clears his throat.

"She's still critical, they've put her on the vent. She could get better, but there's a chance she won't wake up tooo," he says, looking at the floor.

I hold his hand. "She'll get better. I know it," I assure him. He lets out a breath and squeezes my hand.

Mr. Shepard clears his throat. "I'm going to pickup Joanna from her class; I'll come by after she's asleep," he speaks to Justin.

Justin nods and talks to his dad. Ash also comes over to speak to Justin about something while I take a seat and wait.