Under The Lights

Thirty-eight- Titan Pierce

Im released from jail three days later with a court date. Apparently thats how long it took the flower shop guy to wake up. I feel a little bad that i went that hard but then i think of Records bone sticking out of her leg and my shop being burned down and my guilt washes away.

First thing i do once I'm out on the street is pull out my phone. I notice miss calls from Evan, all of my employees and my mom. I immediately call Record, struggling a bit because my two middle fingers were put in a splint with bandages covering my bruised hand. I finally dial her number and hold the phone up to my ear walking back and forth, antsy to hear her voice.

She picks up on the second ring. "Titan-"

"Are you alright? Are you still at the hospital?" I accidentally cut her off, just throwing questions at her in concern.

"Im fine and yes im still trapped in this stupid hospital."

"Alright alright I'll be there as soon as i can." I hang up quickly and get an uber back to my car thats still sitting by the cafe.

Once I'm in my car i race over to the hospital and park crooked in my haste to go see her.

I run to the counter and unintentionally slam my hand on it causing the nurse to jump. "Where's Record Lee's room." My breathing is heavy as she just looks at me. "Are you family?"

"Yes."

She looks me up and down with a raised eyebrow and i fight the urge to roll my eyes. "Are you serious right now? I'll open every door in this hospital to find her. Im her husband." I'll have to use the same lie we used last time. Why are people so annoying about this stuff?

She sighs and checks her computer."Room 302. Third floor."

I immediately take off to the elevator and impatiently click the button before leaning against the wall. Why is this elevator so fucking slow?

It finally dings when we reach the floor and i run down the hall looking for her room. I accidentally pass her room and quickly back track before twisting the door open. I sigh in relief when i see her, finally feeling like i can breathe again now that i know shes okay. She lights up as soon as she sees me and i immediately race to her side, grabbing her hand. I take in her beautiful smile and i can finally calm down a little bit. Her braids are in a bun and i stay silent for a second, just taking her in. She sits up immediately pulling me in for a hug and i notice She has fresh bandages wrapped around her arms. She squeezes me hard and i rub her back closing my eyes.

"Are you alright? Are you hurting anywhere? Should i get the doctor?" I begin to pull away but she pulls me back. I hear her sniffle in my ear and my body stiffens. "Hey, what's wrong." I whisper trying my best to comfort her. She doesn't answer as she continues sniffing in my ear. God i hate that sound, i hate when shes upset.

She finally lets me go and i notice her eyes are watery, a couple of tears staining her face and it makes my heart tighten.

I hold her hand and rub it, getting increasingly concerned. "Whats wrong? What hurts?"

"I really thought you were dead back there." Her voice cracks as she hits my shoulders in frustration.

I wipe her tears, i hate that shes crying like this because of me. I should've told her where i went, i feel sick making her cry like this. "Im sorry." Is all i can think to say.

She sticks her face in my stomach, her next words come out muffled. "Where were you? You didn't look harmed at all when you lifted the shelf off of me."

"I was across the street at Johnnys," i laugh but it's bitter, thinking about the stupidness of it all. "I wanted to surprise you with a bunch on vinyl for your record player."

She chuckles against my shirt. "Im so glad you weren't there."

I sigh shaking my head. "I should've brought you with me. Or even better kept you at home. I should be the one lying in this hospital bed right now with the broken leg."

She shakes her head and looks up at me. "If you were there instead of me you would be dead and i would be at home not knowing a damn thing."

She pulls away and moves giving me room to sit down while i still hold her hand. "Ive been calling the cops everyday asking about you and if you were alright."

I smile at her worrying about me. "Im fine."

She smiles, her eyes finally not sad anymore. "How was jail."

I grin and kiss her hand. "Hell, because i couldn't see you."

She throws her head back and laughs. And the sound is like music to my ears. "Good answer."

I smile but then look around. "Why are you here alone? Why didn't you call your parents?"

"They'd ask where you were, then id have to explain to them that my boyfriend went to jail." She shakes her head just thinking about it. "We would never hear the end of it, you would never hear the end of it."

I nod thinking about it, not my finest moment and they barely know me. I don't want to give them the wrong impression of me right off the bat. Especially since that would be her father's first impression of me.

"Good thinking." I nod squeezing her hand. "Im sorry i couldn't be here. I want to say i regret what i did but i don't. I just wish i had the restraint to get off of him before the cops got there." I look at her with regret. "Im sorry you had to see me like that."

She snickers a little bit shaking her head. Well I'm glad she can laugh about it. "Don't worry i enjoyed the show. It was hot, I'm upset you went to jail though." She takes her other hand and cups my cheek while pouting. "You're too soft for jail."

I throw my head back and bark out a laugh before it slowly dissolves into a soft chuckle. "I think i can handle it. I don't plan on going back though."

Her face gets serious as she looks down at our hands. "Im sorry about your store."

I shrug not even worried about that right now. "It's okay, all of those things can be replaced."

I look around the room knowing she hates hospitals. "When can you get out of here anyway?"

She scrunches her face. "They said i can leave tomorrow but i refuse to stay here any longer, especially with you here. Go get a nurse."

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Words- 1174