Running Bases With You

Chapter 56

{unedited}

*Annabeth's POV*

I jolt awake, greeted by thick darkness as my eyes tear open. The sick feeling in my stomach is back and the pain I'm feeling in my arm is close to unbearable. It feels like it's burning, searing almost, like it's tearing and scratching at my insides.

Tears fill my eyes and I whimper. Nothing I've done could've prepared me for the pain I'm feeling now. This is on a whole other level than any other pain I've ever experienced, and after years of depression, self harm, severe anxiety, and attempting suicide, I never imagined anything could ever be worse.

Louis stirs beside me, reminding me once again that I'm not alone. I don't want him to see me like this, so I reach my IV'd hand up to wipe my watery eyes.

"Annabeth.."

He groans, his voice deep and scratchy due to his interrupted slumber. His eyes peel open and he gives me a worried expression, eyes squinted and barely visible through the dark.

"What's wrong? Are you crying?"

I open my mouth to speak, but my throat is too tight for any words to spill out. I open and close my mouth numerous times before finally choking out an answer.

"It h-hurts." I cry, my face distorting as I release a slew of cries of pain.

Louis pulls me to him, holding me as tight as possible while trying his best not to hurt me further. I bury my face into his chest and my tears hit his shirt one after the other in a chorus of sorrow.

"I'm so sorry, baby. I wish I could take it all away for you, I swear I do." He whispers helplessly in my ear, his hand drawing small circles on my back in an attempt to sooth me.

"Can y-you call the nurse's station and ask for a pain pill?" I ask, sniffling profusely.

"Of course."

Louis removes his arms from around me and moves his hand around in search for the remote. He finds it after a minute of searching and squints to find the right button.

"Hold on.."

Louis shifts slightly and shoves his hand in his jeans pocket. He pulls out his iPhone and turns on the flashlight, momentarily blinding me in the process.

"Shit, sorry." He cringes, quickly turning the light away from my face.

Louis finds the bright red button on the fancy old remote and presses it. A faint beep is heard before a loud voice booms through the room.

"This is Nurse Taylor, how may I be of assistance?"

Louis is taken aback momentarily before replying. "Erm, my girlfriend is in a lot of pain at the moment, and she's feeling a bit ill. Could you maybe bring her some medicine or something?"

A rustling is heard on the other end of the speaker. "Yes, of course! We'll be heading your way shortly."

Louis sighs in relief. "Thank you so much!"

"No problem!"

The speaker cuts off and I lean my head back on Louis' shoulder. "I'm so tired.."

Louis runs his fingers lightly through my tangled hair in a calm gesture. "I know, love."

We sit in silence for what seems like forever before a knock on the door breaks us apart. Louis pulls away from me as a male nurse walks in with a whole tray full of things.

The man greets me with a sad, tired smile. "Hello, miss. I'm Taylor, the head nurse for the night. How are you feeling?"

"Not so great at the moment." I croak, squinting as he turns on a white light across the room.