Breaking Free

Chapter 38

Taylor's POV

I stay with my head buried in my knees for a while, rocking back and forth in a soothing motion. I probably would have stayed like that longer if the door didn't burst open.

A man, obviously a doctor, walks in, a slightly relieved look on his face.

"Are you here for Carter Stone," he asks.

"Yes," I reply, standing to my feet.

"Do you know where his parents are?" he questions.

"In the cafeteria- please tell me what's going on," I beg.

"I'm sorry I ca- you're that girl who was supposed to be dead, aren't you. You've been all over the news for the past twelve hours," he mutters, mostly to himself. "And I'm sorry but I am required by law to talk to his immediate family before saying anything to anyone else."

"Can you at least tell me if he's alive?" I ask.

"Oh yes, he's alive. He's alive indeed," the doctor states.

I follow him to the cafeteria, and point out Carter's parents to him.

"Mr and Mrs Stone- may I speak with you in private," the doctor asks. Mrs Stone glances to me before replying to his request.

"If you can say it in front of us, you can say it in front of Taylor. She's family," she states, putting a comforting arm over my shoulder.

"Well, if you insist- Carter has come out of surgery. We successfully removed the bullet, and though it will take a while for him to recover, we expect a full recovery. The only thing that is stumping us is that he should have woken up by now. The anesthesia has completely worn off, and any other patient would have woken up. The only thing that could be preventing consciousness would be sheer willpower. It's almost as if he wants to die," the doctor states.

"It's all my fault," I whimper, sinking into a nearby chair, and burying my face into my hands.

"Can we see him," Mr. Stone asks, causing me to look up at the doctor, waiting for a response.

"If you want to. I'll show you to his room."

We trail at the doctors heels, following behind him to Carters room. It seems like they lead me down a million halls before we get there.

His parents go in first, while I stay at the door, afraid to go in for fear of seeing Carter in a hospital bed. The thought terrified me to the core.

After an immeasurable amount of time, they come out of the room. Mrs Stone is teary eyed, and she glances at me reassuringly.

"Please go in. They said that he can probably hear us," she whispers, before walking away with Mr. Stone.

After a beat of silence, I take a deep breath and walk into the room. I nearly choke on my breath at the sight of him.

He looks unnaturally pale, with tubes and wires criss crossed all around him. A steady, repetitive beeping sound fills the room around us.

I tentatively walk toward him, and sit on the edge of his bed.

"Carter- I don't know if you can hear me. But if you can, please wake up. Just- you can't die on me Carter. I love you so much. Please wake up," I tearfully whisper.

He doesn't make a sound, or give any sign that he can hear me. I sigh exasperatedly, and lie down across his bed, resting my head on his shoulder and grabbing his hand.

"I love you," I whisper. And though it's probably in my head, I swear I can feel him lightly squeeze my hand.

A/N

OHMYGODIMNUMBER35ON

THEWHATSHOTLISTFOR

ADVENTURE!!!

Now that that little outburst is over, I want to say how much I love you guys. An author is nothing without their readers. Thanks for getting me to number 35 on the what's hot list for adventure. I love you guys so so much.

My parents are trying to convince me to publish. I'm considering it. But I really need to edit and add more details etc.

Thanks for sticking by me even when I was uninspired and took too long to update. You guys are the reason I write.

Thanks for being awesome my lovelies.

Sorry for the short chapter