Love Goes On

Chapter 34

Laurine's P.O.V

Everything is quite hazy as my eyes struggle to adjust to the bright lights and Stark colours that could only mean one thing. I'm in hospital. The smell stings my nose before I can even confirm my suspicion. It definitely smells like a hospital.
"Shhhh it's okay." Someone squeezes my hand. It's Brendan. Cian appears at my other side and takes my other hand.
Ciara squeezes in next to Brendan and smiles at me anxiously, chewing the inside of her lip.
"Is it sore?" Cian asks, a pained expression on his face.
I shake my head. "I feel...numb." A nurse appears and I feel my heart beat faster as the panic sets in.
"It's okay." She assures me. "I'm just here to check on you."
She moves swiftly and gently as she adjusts things around me and clearly noting my panic, does not hesitate when she's finished.
The others have obviously been briefed on the circumstances and don't ask many questions as she leaves.

"You're fine." Brendan tells me, reading my worried expression.
Cian nods in agreement.
"Nothing that won't heal in time. You might have a small scar is all."
I realise I've been holding my breath.
Ciara nudges in slightly more and kneels down at my side.
"I'm sorry for everything Lau, I really mean it."
Her eyes are red and puffy, mascara smeared down her face, her face pale.
She's obviously been crying for ages.

I shake my head but I feel a tingle and decide this is not the wisest gesture so I settle for a sympathetic expression instead.
"I'm sorry I didn't understand your situation. And yes you hurt me but you weren't wrong and I was just to stubborn to admit it."

Ciara looks as if she's about to start crying again."It was a stupid situation to be in, I should've faced that sooner, someone was bound to get hurt. No I'm so sorry I didn't mean it."
I sigh.
"That's what I thought, I didn't mean it to sound like I was judging you.
And Cian I'm so sorry. Brendan too."
Cian shushes me and tells me we can talk about it when I'm better but the pain is clear in his eyes. I was with Brendan when this happened. He probably thinks something went down between us.
And then it hits me.
I gasp.
"Oh Dean I'm so sorry. Ciara I'm awful I didn't mean it."
I know Dean's somewhere in the background and he comes over and pats my arm gently.
"Of course it wasn't true I can't believe I said that. Ryan I'm sorry."

Dean shakes his head and smiles at me gently.
"It's okay Laurine. Me and Ryan are all good, you didn't do damage."
A nurse comes in to tell us visiting time is almost over and as if on a schedule everyone gets up and says their goodbyes, all except Cian and Brendan.
When everyone is gone Cian smiles gently at me, holding my hand as though it might break at his touch.

"Stress isn't good for you right now so we'll talk when you're better but we just wanted you to know that everything is fine between us and no matter what happens we'll all stay friends."
He kisses the top of my head and Brendan kisses my hand and they leave. Just like that. What did he mean friends?