Forces of Nature

Goodbye For Now

Fifteen minutes later my hand was heavily wrapped in a bandage. A nurse had been in and out, forcing me to drink three cups of juice and eat four cookies.

"To help with the blood loss," she'd said.

They wanted to keep me under observation for the next few hours, just in case I had lost more blood than they thought. I sighed contentedly. This was fine with me. I was no longer bleeding, and was no longer in pain. Plus, I didn't think my legs would hold me up if I tried to walk out right now.

"You might be feeling a little anaemic," the nurse said, handing me some pain killers and water. "So when you get home you should get some rest, and don't forget to eat."

Tyson, who had moved to the foot of the bed while the nurse was fussing over me, sat in a chair similar to those that occupied the waiting room. Elbows on his knees, head ducked, he was rolling an unlit cigarette between his fingers, seemingly lost in thought. The nurse departed, saying she would check back in every so often. The curtain closed with a whoosh behind her.

I shifted uncomfortably on the bed, suddenly all too aware that I was alone with a boy. A very hot, moody boy. And wouldn't you know, I looked like crap. My long hair was tangled - no doubt there were golf ball sized knots waiting for me to brush out, my hazel eyes were heavy and bloodshot, and my exposed skin felt all sticky and clammy. I could only imagine what kind of image that created as a whole. Minus my sweater I was wearing a pair of dark gray, blood-spattered jeans and a gray singlet. I'm sure all guys just loved girls covered in blood. I more than likely looked like something out of a bad horror movie. I glanced at Tyson again. I should probably tell him he could leave now. I mean, I was fine, and it seemed more than a little weird to have a stranger keep me company in the hospital.

While I was thinking of the best way to tell him to leave, Tyson surged to his feet abruptly.

"I'm going outside to have a smoke. I'll be back in ten."

I guess the opportunity just presented itself.

"Um, That's okay. I've already taken up enough of your time," I said, twisting the thin hospital sheet with my good hand. "You don't have to come back. I'm going to be here a while, so you should just go."

For some reason, even as the words were coming out of my mouth, I didn't want him to go. How absurd. I didn't even know the guy and here I was, a little sad at the thought of him leaving.

"Yeah, I should." was all he said and started to leave.

"Thank you for your help." He paused half way through the gap in the curtains, his back facing me. "I'm um, sorry if I ruined your evening."

Without another word he left, and I had to stop myself from calling him back.

I opened my eyes to a nurse hovering over me. Disoriented, I looked around at my surroundings. A hospital? Why the hell was I in a hospital? I moved my hands up to rub at my eyes, but a throbbing ache in my right hand stopped me. I looked at my bandaged hand and everything came flooding back to me. Wow, those pain killers must have knocked me out.

"How are you feeling?" the nurse asked. "You've been sleeping for a few hours."

"What time is it?" I sat up slowly and swung my legs over the side of the bed.

"Almost three in the morning. Do you think you're well enough to get up? Is there anyone I can call for you?" She seemed genuinely concerned.

I sighed and rubbed my good hand down my face, trying to get my bearings.

"No, it's fine. I'll call someone from my cell to pick me up. Thank you."

Once outside, I pulled my cell from my pocket. Shit, it really was 3a.m. I laughed bitterly when I saw there were no missed calls, no new text messages. Yep, that was Aidan alright. Pushes me through a window in a jealous rage and then doesn't bother to pick up his damn phone to send me an apology text. Didn't bother to call to see if I was alright either. Asshole. Still, I needed a ride home and seeing as my brother was out of town on business again and Courtney was away this weekend, Aidan was my only option.