Bloody Mary, Bloody Mary, Bloody Mary

Chapter Four

After a few agonizing hours, the doctors determined Ashley stable. They moved her to another room, and I closely followed. I was trying to get a look of her, but I couldn't without bumping into one of the nurses pushing her. They went through more double doors, and I tried to rush in behind them, but I didn't make it in time. For about half an hour, I had repeatedly been trying to get through the doors, but something was blocking me from doing so. It was so infuriating I wanted to scream. Why can't I get to Ashley? I thought miserably.

Eventually I heard familiar voices behind me. I turned to see Ashley's parents and little brother, all white-faced with worry.  Leading them along is a young male nurse. The group walked towards me, and I realize that they're going to visit Ashley. I jump out of their way just in time and squeeze through the doors right behind them. We pass many closed doors, and I can't help but wonder what is going on behind them.

Soon the nurse stopped in front of a door, and I got ready to push my way through. When the door opened, I walked through everyone, no longer caring whether or not they got cold. Shivers ran through everyone's veins. I reached Ashley's side and finally got a look at her face.

Well, not really. I saw her body, but her face was covered with a bandage. Tubes with different fluids ran in and out of her body. I wince and avert my eyes, cringing at the sight. I looked back. Tears threaten to fall. My friend. My best friend. My sister. Look at her.

I let out a sob and fall to my knees. I saw her hand, tucked by her side. It was't covered by a bandage like the rest of her skin . . . but I wish it was. There was almost no color. She was ghostly pale.

Why did this happen? My throat was dry, and I swallowed over and over, my body trying to obtain some liquid, but there was none. Why did this happen to my Ashley?

I tuned into the conversation between the nurse and Ashley's family.

"She will most likely be okay, but there's no telling yet what her skin will look like. There will be a surgery preformed tomorrow to reconstruct as much of her face as possible, but that fire really hurt her. Be prepared to see a completely new girl."

I finally noticed that Ashley's mom and dad were crying. Her little brother wasn't at the moment, but his eyes were red and puffy and his cheeks were wet. This hurt me even more.

Why?

I turn back to my friend and sit in the chair beside her bed, and I grab her hand. Well, I try, but my hand goes through hers. 

I sit there, still, even when her brother sits on the chair. Even when her family leaves. Even when the nurse and other doctors leave. Even after visiting hours ends. I stay up very late. All is quiet, except for the constant, steady "beep" of the heart monitor.

I fall asleep like that, my hand by hers, my feet curled up onto the seat, my head hanging down onto my chest. The heart monitor sings me an odd lullaby that sends me into a deep sleep.