Safe Haven

Chapter 6: Aftermath

I woke up with a horrible headache. What happened? I opened my eyes to see that I was in a dimly lit room, which I was thankful for. I was on a big puffy leather couch and part of me didn't want to get up. But I had to find out where I was. I sat up and clutched my head as the world spun. I groaned as a wave of nausea washed over me. Shuffling came from behind a door and I began to panic. I remembered the guy coming after me and Chris trying to save me. Did the guy get me? Was I safe sitting here? What about Chris? Where was he?

I stood up and slowly made my way to a window. Ok good I was on ground floor. I fumbled with the lock before pushing the window out. The door knob started to turn and started to panic even more. I couldn't let this guy get me. I got one leg out as the door opened to reveal Chris with a bandage around his arm. He was carrying a tray of what looked like food when he stopped. He gave me a curious look before setting the tray down and walking over to me.

"What are you doing?" He laughed.

"I thought you were the bad guy." I said leaning my head against the other window.

"No, I'm the good guy. The bad guy is in jail by now. C'mon, let's get you to the couch." Chris helped me back inside and to the couch. I sat down closing my eyes briefly, wishing for the dizziness to go away. "Here take this. It should help."

I tool the pills in his hand and downed them. I was accustomed to dry swallowing pills due to trying to conserve water during droughts. Chris looked at my head and then at my bruised arm.

"Well it doesn't look too serious. Your arm isn't broken or sprained but it is bruised up, obviously, and will be sore. You might have a concussion but I highly doubt it." He grabbed a wet rag and lightly wiped my forehead.

"What happened?" I asked him closing my eyes again. This headache was killing me.

"You left your wallet and I came after you to give it back and I heard you screaming. That prick was going to.........." He froze and I could tell he was getting angry. "I called the police after I pulled you out of the mud and brought you hear, out of the rain."

"Thank you." I smiled and placed my hand on his arm then retracted it after he hissed in pain. "I am so sorry Chris!"

He shook his head and took a few deep breathes before he looked back at me. His hands were clenched and I felt the horrible guilt rise in me. How could I be so stupid? I mean I freakin' saw the bandage on his arm! Ugh I feel like one of those stupid girls from those ditzy movies.

"Chris, I am so sorry. I should go back to the dorms." I got up and started for the door.

"Cabela wait!" I didn't. I had gotten him hurt and then I was stupid and touched his injury. I flew through the hall and headed for what I hoped to be the front door. "Cabela!!"

Chris took my arm and stopped me. I didn't turn towards him and I heard him sigh, frustrated.

"Cabela I know what you're thinking. So stop. You couldn't help that that prick was out to get you. I'm going to find out who paid him to go after you and bring them to justice." He tried turning me around but I didn't want to turn and I know what you're thinking. She's over reacting. She needs to stop being a whiny baby or whatever. But if you think about it I'M the one who went back BY MYSELF. I'M the one who didn't run after hearing the guy. I'M the one who Chris heard crying for help. I'M the one who he had the urge to protect. So WHY shouldn't I feel guilty? Let me be people!!

"How are you going to find out? Hack the police station's computers? Get the guy to tell you through torture? Chris this isn't a spy movie. That stuff doesn't happen in our lives." I said finally looking at him.