from the sidelines-Paige Bueckers

PART 24

Rowan's POV:

"You had another panic attack, and you lost consciousness or something. Your heart stopped, Teag. I was scared. Stop scaring me like that" Paige whispered, holding her head in her hands. I already knew that, the doctors had informed me. "Paige what did you say to Hannah?" I asked. Her eyes brows wrinkled in confusion, "I told her we're done, I never liked her from the beginning and it was a mistake. We're over" she said, "why? Did she say something to you?! I'm gonna fucking-" "she texted me before my panic attack." "so she caused the panic attack? She caused you all this pain?! I'll be back" She husked, she looked pissed, not at me but at Hannah. She stood up, speed walking to the door.

"Paige! Wait" I shouted. She instantly stopped in her tracks, turning around. "Can you stay?" I hesitated, cringing as the words left my mouth. Deep down I needed her still, I craved her, and missed her like hell. I wanted her to stay with me.

She quickly walked back and sat back down in her chair. She took a deep breath before saying "tell me what she texted you?" so I handed her the phone letting her read the message. I watched as her yes read the text, her face quickly turning even more angry.

"Paige please comfort me instead of getting pissed at her, I can't handle any more of it" my thoughts spoke aloud. She turned my phone off, putting it on my bedside table and suddenly wrapped her arms around me,holding by me tight. Her head was rested on my shoulder, like it always does. It's been so long since we've hugged or touched and it felt good. Her scent, the warmth.

"I'm sorry, and I'm sorry about her, I feel like this is all my fault" she ranted, letting go and sitting back down. "No, no, it's not, I promise" I tiredly smiled at her. There were three knocks at the door before it swung open, revealing nurse Callahan.

"Sorry girls but visiting hours are over, unless of your relation to the patient" she frowned. I sighed, not wanting Paige to go. "Nurse Callahan, you'd have to think I'm crazy if you think I'm leaving her alone after what just happened! I'm staying here, throughout the night. She needs me" Paige demanded. "I don't feel comfortable leaving her alone, after what just happens when I left the room. If it's okay with you, can I stay?" She turned to me. Nurse Callahan gave me a look, "alright then, ig it's fine if it's fine with Tegan, but only because you're the girlfriend of the patient. There's blankets in the closet, good night you two" she winked, shutting the door behind her.

"Girlfriend?" I asked, watching Paige reach up on her tippy toes, struggling to reach the extra blankets and pillows. "Oh, ya, sorry about that. It kinda just slipped out. Besides, how else was I supposed to get in here?" She smirked, walked back over, making her bed on the uncomfortable chair.

"Paige" I laughed at her. "You're not seriously going to sleep on that chair? You'll break your back! Just come up here with me" I said, chuckling. It just felt so natural to have her sleeping with me, besides we're friends now, friends share a bed.

"Are you sure? Cause it's fine-" she protested. "P, I'm sure" and without hesitation she ran over to the other side of my bed, slipping under the covers, her legs instantly touching mine, sending a bolt of electricity through my body. I missed her touch. She snuggled into my side, her arms snaked and clutching my arm, as her head was stuck in the crook of my neck.

"You know I was never leaving here, no matter if they kicked me out. I'm not leaving you again, ever again Teag, I promise" she whispered, her breath hot against my skin. I hummed in response, as I felt her finger draw circles on my arm. "I thought the nurse was about to kill me for a second, glad I didn't have to throw hands at her" the blonde chuckled and cracked a smirk.

I started to tear up, and I didn't even know why.
"what's wrong? why are you crying lovey?" Paige lifted her head up. Shit. She must have heard my sniffling. I ignored her comment, and nervously played with my IV wire, trying to hide my tears.
"stop messing with your IV. Talk to me, what's wrong?"