Inked [Harry Styles]

xxii. aftermath

As we rushed into the hospital with Evelynn and Josh draped onto identical stretchers there was a restless sense of panic laced with every breath took. Josh was in a critical state, his blood covered everyone's fingers as we all had tried to help him stop gushing. 

We minimal looks from curious bystanders as it was weird how One Direction were mostly in tears and by the side of two stretchers. The looks from wounded teenage girls horrified me, they looked abused and battered as they saw the hurt in our irises that shone through. 

The ambulance drivers that had accompanied us relayed off foreign words that only those who were medically trained could comprehend. The time came when we -- the boys and the crew -- had to face a dead end as Evelynn and Josh were pushed into a room. We stood there, not knowing where to look or move or let any words leave our lips. 

Eventually everyone but me found themselves sat on a chair with their hands clinched together and free falling tears flowing. It was unusual for their not to be a word said or anecdote spoke as the silence was awkward with tension flying high. 

Many minutes later a doctor appeared from within the doors with a solemn look. "Are you the friends of Evelynn Rose and Josh Devine?" He asked and a flurry of nods answered his question. 

"Are they alright?" Niall asked with his voice cracking in the middle with sobs. 

"I'm afraid not," My heart lurched in my chest and the shakes overtook my body at the thought of the word dead pass his lips. "Josh Devine, we tried to save him but he lost too much blood so he died," A harmony of sobs erupted, causing the doctor to etch a look of sadness onto his mouth. I placed my hands in a prayer position in hope of Evelynn not being in that state. 

"And Evelynn?" I stuttered with my whimpers becoming obvious. 

"She's been comatose since her injuries will cause her a lot of pain so to save her the pain, it'd be best for her. We are sure that she will wake up in her own time though and make a full recovery," With every word spoke and letter pronounced, my heart beat faster and harder. 

Judging by the melodic tune of breaths exiting bodies, they was minuscule relief passing through the air. Obviously I was saddened by the devastating news of Josh's passing but heaven had gained a beautiful angel in the form of Josh. 

Soon, I saw the lifeless body of Evelynn be transported to a ward on an upper floor and we were aloud to say our impossible goodbye's to one of our best friends. When we pushed the weighty doors which guarded the dead body. Draped over him was a crisp white cloth with his head still peeking through the top end with his eyes shut looking peaceful. 

In turns, we whispered upsetting goodbyes to him with the realization that he took his last breath. Then a thought dawned to me, Alice didn't know. Shocking everyone, the said girl burst through the doors with her eyes resembling pandas and beside herself with woe. 

"Josh!" She screamed and it pierced through all of our hearts that she had lost the love of her life like I was faced with maybe losing mine. 

"No..." Was whimpered before Alice crumbled to the cold tiles and hugged her knees. 

It made us all realise how hard this was going to be for Alice, a young 19 year old girl who had to face the harsh prospect of losing her boyfriend and maybe best friend. 

Time seemed to stand still as we all bit plump lips and held back glassy tears. 

Hours passed before I heard Alice stop weeping. Her and I were sat on the metal folding chairs outside Evelynn's ward since the others were long gone to shower and eat.