Breaking the Chains

Chapter Thirty Six

Nona took the group back to the hospital so they could know what was going on with Riley and Matt's parents. Riley wouldn't stop bouncing her legs, even though every time they did, she'd wince from the pain. Eli was sitting beside her with an arm around her waist but it didn't seem to help her. Matt was sitting beside Nona with an empty look in his eyes, but for some reason, whenever he looked at Riley, his eyes would perk. Eli gulped whenever someone entered the waiting room or stood to leave. Nona was on edge as well, even though she tried her best not to show it. She kept tapping her fingers together as she watched the empty hallway.

It took three hours for a doctor to come to them. Riley was the first to stand, but Eli could see she regretting standing so quick. Her knees buckled and she nearly fell, but Eli wrapped his arm around her waist to help her stay stable. The doctor looked exhausted, though. Sweat covered his forehead and his eyes were red rimmed. If he hadn't been doing surgery for hours, Eli would've assumed he'd been crying.

"What's going on?" Riley asked as soon as she could. Her words spilled from her mouth quickly but the doctor understood what she had said. 

"Well," the doctor started and smiled weakly at the girl before glancing at the others. "They haven't woken up yet and they lost a lot of blood. And the area of their side where the knife entered is infected." Riley frowned immediately and looked down. "The chances of them waking up are slim." Riley began to breathe heavily.

"They're dead?" Matt asked worriedly as he looked toward the doctor while he made his way toward Riley.

"They aren't dead," the doctor replied quickly. Matt exhausted some air but when the doctor opened his mouth again, Matt held his breath. "They might not survive this, though. Ten minutes earlier and they would've been a little easier to help." Riley clenched her jaw before she looked up toward the doctor and nodded reluctantly.

"Thank you," she breathed out before sitting back on her chair. Eli looked at her and frowned.

"If you all want to go home, that would be fine. In fact, I would recommend that for now." Nona nodded and Eli did too for a moment before looking at Riley.

"I'm staying here," Riley whispered gently as she brought up her knees on the chair and tucked her head against them.

"Riley," Eli said quietly as he sat down beside her. "You need rest."

Riley just shook her head as she stayed in her position. Eli frowned and looked up toward Nona, who stood with her arms crossed lightly. Matt went up to Riley and hugged her legs lightly. "Mom and dad will be okay," Matt said quietly. Riley's shoulders shook a bit before Matt continued. "They will be okay." The girl gulped before she brought her knees down and wrapped her arms around her brother.

"You can go with them. I want to stay here." Matt shook his head as Riley pulled away from the hug.

"Riley," he said quietly. "I'm not going without you." Riley frowned and gently wiped a tear from her cheek.

"But you'll have Nona and Eli. They'll protect you." Riley looked at Nona with strict eyes. "Watch him," she mouthed but Nona only sat down on the chair. "Nona?" She asked quietly. 

"You know, Riley," Nona started and looked at the girl with kind, loving eyes. "The only things I fully learnt my entire life was how family should stick together. From what I know, you both are family and that means we won't leave you behind. If that means we all stay here, we will. I have no issue with that." Nona took a breath. "But the doctor has a point. You look exhausted and I think you need rest. So does your brother." Riley gulped before she shook her head slightly. 

"What happens if they die?" Riley asked quietly. Nona frowned and lowered her eyebrows in a worried way. "I want to have a chance to say goodbye."

"I know it's hard, Riley. But listen," she took a breath. "The doctor will call us if anything changes with your parents so it's okay." Riley closed her eyes and let a few tears fall down her cheeks. "If they survive, we will come here immediately. But if they don't, then the family will be there for you."

"I don't want to leave," Riley said quietly once more before looking back to Nona. "I'm not leaving them."

"Riley," Eli said from the other side of her. "Nona has a point. If we leave, they'll call us. Plus, it might take days for them to find out what happens." Riley frowned before Matt hugged her.

"Let's go," Matt said tiredly. Riley finally nodded and stood before accepting Eli's hand request.  And then they were out of the hospital.

_______________________________________

I'm honestly worried about Riley's parents. You should be too.

I'm the only one who knows what's about to happen. 

You're welcome.

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Peace out Secrets and God bless you all!

-S