Changing Everything

Chapter 12

I opened my eyes slowly to a strange room, the bright light was blinding to my sensitive eyes. The first thing I noticed was the pungent smell. Like disinfectant and illness. The bed was harsh and not at all like mine at home with lots of pillows and a fluffy blanket, the walls were sterile white unlike my own bedroom walls which were covered in One Direction posters, gig tickets and photos of myself, Madison and Jenna. There were flowers and cards on a cupboard next to the head of my bed. I then noticed all the wires attached to my body and a variety of bleeping machines all around me. I had wires attached in to my arms at one end and to the machines at the other end and looking at them was making me feel sick. Was it the look of the wires or the pain I felt echoing through me, I couldn't decide. Where was I? I didn't know what to do. I was so scared. I began to scream.

The next thing I knew my mum and dad were by my side attempting to calm me. I stopped screaming when my mum put her hand to my forehead. Her cool touch soothed my terrified thoughts. She sat to my left propped on the bed and my dad sat to my right in the over sized chair there for patients and visitors. "Mum, Dad." I managed to croak out. "Where am I?" My voice felt so harsh in my throat, like nails being dragged down a blackboard. It was hard to form the words I so needed to say.

"You're in the hospital Princess. Don't worry you're going to be ok." My dad reassured though I still didn't understand.

"Wha- wher-" I couldn't get my words out no matter how hard I tried and before I know what was happening tears were pouring down my cheeks and I was heaving great big sobs. Why was I in the hospital and how long had I been here? I couldn't remember a thing.

"You've had an accident Leila," My mum began to explain, "You were late home from school and a car hit you as you were crossing the road." I studied my mum as she said this, her face was pale and her eyes larger than usual, her clothes were rumpled, she looked so tiered.

"How long have I..." I began to say but my words failed me again.

"What was that honey?"

"How long have I been in here?" I choked out.

My father answered this time, "You've been asleep for 4 days Leila. We were so worried about you!"

"What were you doing staying late after school Leila? And how many times do we have to tell you to look before you cross a road!" My mum chastised. This made me laugh inwardly. I'm laid in a hospital bed after being knocked over and after coming out of a 4 day coma but somehow I still get the "road safety" lecture!

I looked about me as I finally deduced my throat was so very dry. My dad realised what I was looking for and handed me a glass of water from my bedside that I had not seen. The water was good - cool and refreshing. It soothed my throat and after a few more minutes I could talk a little better than before. "I don't remember..." My parents looked at each other worriedly. "I don't know what happened, I just know I always look before crossing." I had become hysterical again as big fat tears rolled down my face. I could not remember what happened that day at school and I don't remember walking home either. My mother disappeared from my bed side and came back minutes later with an oldish lady dressed in blue scrubs. Her hair was pinned back and she wore very little makeup but a stern look adorned her face.

"Now Leila shut up, tears will only make you feel worse."  The nurse's face softened with her words, I liked her instantly. Although her words seemed harsh, they were familiar to me and they made me feel warm inside. My tears slowly dried up. Then I realised why the nurse with the stern face made me feel a little better - my nannan had always said words like these to me when I was little, they were comforting to me and always had been. She spoke words like this on the day she died, I was seven and it broke my heart to loose her. The nurse marched over to my bed side and started check the machines attached to me, as my mum sat back down she took my temperature. She told me her name was nurse Julie and asked how I was feeling.

"A little worse for wear, if I'm honest." I replied with a small smile.

"I can imagine!" The nurse said. "You have been a very lucky young lady and escaped with only cuts and bruises now that you're awake. We already checked for brain damage but we will have to check again later today to be certain."

"Okay." I mumbled in response. This was all so much to take in.

"Are you feeling up to more visitors yet because the police wish to speak to you." 

"The police!" I gasped "Why?"

"Leila, princess, you've been in a very serious accident that left you in a coma for 4 days and the police still haven't found who is responsible. You could be dead right now." Dad pointed out, he never was the type of man to silver coat things!

"Daryl!" My mother screetched "Do not say such things!"

"I'm sorry love but it's true. She needs to know. You must speak to the police Leila" My dad finally added looking at me.

"I will. They haven't found who did it?" I asked but he shook his head no, in answer and when turning back to the nurse I asked, "When can I go home?"

"You will certainly have to stay tonight and maybe tomorrow but as long as your scans come back clear this afternoon, you'll be free to go."  

"Send them in then." I sighed. With that nurse Julie left and sent in two police officers, one male and one female. They strode forwards in their ink black uniforms both wearing grim looks on their faces.

"We're going to have to asked you to leave Mr and Mrs Town." The male police officer said to my parents while the female officer approached me.

"Leave?!" Both my parents shouted at once.

"We will not be leaving our daughter." My mum said with a finality to her tone.

"I'm afraid you're going to have to Mrs Town, we need to speak to your daughter alone."

"She's only a child, she is not -"

"Mum, dad, it's fine, you can wait outside and ill call if I need you. I'm sure we'll only be five minutes. Right officers?" I didn't want a scene in here it would only cause more hassle.  

"Of course." The female offered in an even voice with a tight smile. She was a small woman, with mousey brown hair and soft features. She was pretty but she looked like she could mow down even the most intimidating criminals despite her stature. This was going to be fun.