My Hockey Boy

Chapter 21

Haley's POV

The hospital was crowded with doctors and patients as I ran inside. I quickly went to the front desk to ask where Charlie's mom was.

"Excuse me, I was wondering . . ." I stopped mid sentence as my eyes looked down the hall to see Charlie with his elbows rested on his knees. "Nevermind." I told the brunette behind the desk. She nodded as I made my way down to Charlie.

"Charlie?" My voice rang above him and as he heard me his eyes met mine. He quickly stood from his seat, wrapping his arms around my small frame.

"Thank you so much for coming." He spoke as I laid my head on his chest, his hand stroking my hair.

"Of course." I pulled away slightly so I could look at him again. My hand was placed on his cheek, my thumb rubbing back and forth. "Don't worry. I'm sure everything's going to be fine."

"She's the only family I have left." His tone sounded weak and almost cracked.

I couldn't find the words to say, instead nodding while taking his hand in mine, sitting back down on the chairs. Our hands were placed in my lap as I brought them to my lips to kiss his knuckles like he always does to me. He smiled at me as I laid my head on his shoulder. I didn't care about three days ago, that he had overreacted, lost his temper. Right now was about him and his mom. He needed me just as much as I need him.

******

About an hour later, the doctor still hasn't come out from the surgery room and we still didn't know what event took place while Charlie was in New York. Charlie didn't sleep. He was wide awake the entire time. I could clearly see the worry etched on his features and I wanted nothing more than to take away the pain. No matter how much he's caused me, he always takes it away and that's what I wanted to do for him. But I didn't know how. The only way the pain would be taken away now was for the doctor to walk out of those doors with positive news.

Soon after, a white coat worn by an older man stepped out of the room. He looked around before his eyes landed on us. He made his way over to Charlie and I as we awaited for him to tell us the news.

"Are you Charlie Adams?" He asked.

"Yes, that's me." Charlie replied, standing to face the doctor. I stood along side him, my arm wrapping around his.

"It took a while but your mom is going to be fine." Charlie let out a relieved sigh as he turned to hug me. "She lost a lot of blood after the wound so we are going to keep her here over night."

"Wait, the wound? What wound?"

"Were you not home when the incident took place?"

Charlie shook his head as confused as I was. Obviously, something bad had happened to Mrs. Adams but we didn't think she was physically hurt by someone or something.

"Charlie your house was broken in to. The robber must've thought no one was home but your mother was and she tried to stop whoever it was but they shot her. Luckily, a neighbor had heard and immediately called the police."

"But you said she's going to be alright?"

"Yes. We removed the bullet from her system and fortunately it didn't hit any vital organs. She's very lucky."

"Thank you doctor."

The man smiled at us before patting Charlie on the shoulder and leaving to go settle some more paperwork or attend to other patients. Charlie looked at me, pulling my body to his, and encircling me in a hug once more. We pulled away after a second, Charlie taking my hand, leading me towards the room where his mom was.