The Masquerade

24.Apologies

Devin's P.O.V

   My dream just ended and I felt myself slip back into reality. I didn't remember what it was about but if I can't remember then it wasn't important. I slowly opened my eyes and blinked a few times, everything was blurry at first but it soon came back to me: being kidnapped, finding out about Kat, Jared coming in and Lexi shooting me. I was surprised at how I'd made it out alive. 

   I observed the room and found the room to be completely empty. I barely remember bits and pieces of waking up for a moment last night and seeing Jared. I wondered where he was now but my body was still weak. My eyes closed and opened from time to time as I stared at the clock in front of me. About 10 minutes passed before the door opened, my aunt and Jared walking inside.

"Oh dear your awake, how are you feeling?" Aunt Marie asked coming to my left side and Jared came to the right side of the bed.

"Have you been awake for a while? I'm sorry I went to pick up your aunt and bring her here."

  I shook my head. "I feel fine but my whole body hurts and I feel numb," I say in a whisper as each of them take a hold of one my hands.

"Devin dear I brought you some clothes, the doctors said you'll be free to go tomorrow if everything is fine. I also brought you your phone and some of your favorite cookies," she said with a smile, opening her purse and taking everything out.

"Thanks," I managed to mumble. 

   I felt Jared stroking my hair away from my forehead. "I have to go to work now but I promise to come around 7 and stay longer."

   I nodded and closed my eyes.

   I felt her lips press against my forehead that were followed by some footsteps and the closing of a door.

"Devin, do you want me to call a doctor you don't look too well?"

   I shook my head. "I'm okay," I said opening my eyes and looking at him.

There was silence between us for a few seconds.

"I'm sorry Devin," he started.

"For what?"

"It's just I should have never invaded your life, it only made things worse and I caused you to suffer. Heck, I almost got you killed and I don't know what to do anymore."

  I pressed his hand that was still holding mine.

"If you never came into my life I would've never understood what I was living for," I said in a whisper because that's all my voice allowed me to say. 

"I love you Devin, I'm never going to leave your side and don't worry about Lexi I'll take care of her," he whispered back and put his forehead to mine.

"I love you too," I mumbled as he kissed my nose once before sitting up again.

"Jared, leave the group," I managed to say, looking into his eyes. "Leave that terrible place and live normally."

   He sighed. "I can't."

"Please, for me?"

"That's the only way that I can keep a living. I don't have a proper education so I can't get into work and even if I do it won't be enough for me."

"I just want you to be normal." Our conversation was interrupted by a sharp pain hitting my shoulder. "Ow," I mumbled.

"What's wrong?" he asked concerned, touching my wounded shoulder lightly.

I shook my head while biting my lip. "It just hurts." I looked at him and felt the pain in his eyes as well. He hated seeing me like this but there was nothing either of us could do.

  After about another 5 minutes of silence and Jared rubbing my shoulder the door opened again. With slow footsteps I saw a familiar face walk inside. Someone whom I haven't seen nor talked with in a long time. Her pink heels clicked on the tiled floor as she was wearing skinny jeans and a white top with a matching pink blazer. The wild blonde hair tied to the side. It was Kristen and she looked a little shy as she took a few steps closer to my bed where I was laid.

"Um, hi. Can we talk Devin?" she asked with hesitation.

  Jared looked at me and I nodded before looking back at Kristen. "Sure."

"Well, I'll be waiting outside," Jared whispered before getting up from where he was sitting and leaving the room. I watched as Kristen played with her fingers in front of me. 

"Look Devin I'm really sorry about the other day and I can't stand not talking to you anymore."

"It's okay Kristen, I just wanted to look out for you but you didn't give me the chance." She nodded and didn't meet my eyes.

"So tell me a little about what's been going on."

  She sighed and took a seat next to me.