He Never Does || n.h

Chapter 9: That Which Is Already Broken

Chapter 9:

"Rosie, are you awake?" I hear someone whisper.

I groan and squint my eyes to see my visitor, it's him.

"No." I say to Niall and he laughs.

"C'mon and wake up. The doctor said you can leave today after you talk with them." He smiles at me and I attempt to push myself into a sitting position.

These last few days at the hospital have helped me get my strength back. Niall still has to help me sit up though, but not as much as before. I have to be careful not to rip any stitches, it's painful but manageable.

I made him go home and get a proper nights rest the day I came back from my coma. He visits everyday though, and I'm so thankful.

I still feel guilty in the back of my mind. The night I left him is etched into my memory, it will forever haunt me. If I think about it too hard I can literally feel his sobs echoing through my chest. I don't deserve his kindness, and I'm confident he knows that too. I have a feeling when I leave this hospital things won't be so warm and friendly.

"Fine, send them in." I sigh and gingerly rub my eyes.

He nods and rushes out to fetch someone. Minutes later, Doctor Hasting walks in.

"Morning miss Rosaline." He smiles.

"Morning." I reply and yawn, still half asleep.

"This will be quick and then I'll send you packing." He laughs at my sleepy state.

He runs a quick check of my wounds, vitals, monitors, everything. He asks me about my head and stomach pains and I tell him I just have a slight headache and my stomach only hurts when I twist my torso. He seems pleased by my responses.

"Okay, you are cleared to go my dear. I only want you walking short distances, maybe from one room to another, okay? I'll see you in a few weeks." He taps his clipboard and I grin then nod.

"But one more thing, the police wanted me to inform you that they, well, they couldn't find Richard O'Donnell. There was no sign of him anywhere. The London PD will contact you and keep you updated."

My heart drops.

"I'm sorry, call me if you need anything. You can go home now Rosaline." He pats my shoulder and gives me a sympathetic look before exiting.

Two thoughts are circling my head.

One; they didn't catch him. He's on the prowl and he didn't die. I swore to god he was dead. But no, he's alive and he's angry.

Two; the doctor said I can go home. Home where? New York? I don't think I'll ever be able to go back. And honestly, I'm debating on whether I would even want to or not. London? I haven't had a home here since I left. I've got no home.

Both thoughts trouble me to my core.

Niall snaps me from my thoughts and he helps me to my feet. My stomach lurches at his steady hand on the small of my back. He leads me to the bathroom where a nurse is waiting to help me change. I thank her after the uncomfortable encounter and they put me in a wheelchair.

"I feel helpless." I frown as Niall pushes me out of the sterile hospital. My eyes squint as they adjust to the sunlight but I'm ecstatic to be in fresh air again.

"Don't say that, you've been through hell. I think the fact that you're still here shows you are definitely not helpless." He says and I sigh.

"You are pushing me in a wheelchair." I retort.