Torn [A Robert Downey Jr. Fan-Fic]

Chapter 53

Taking deep and steady breaths, my heart was beating in my chest like it was about to explode at any given time. Just breathe. Breathe against the nervousness. Calm down. Relax. That was what I kept telling myself over and over again, hoping it'd somehow help and actually calm me down. But apparently, words weren't enough to help in this situation.

Clinging to the sheet of paper in my hands, I uttered a sigh, closing my eyes for a second to remind myself that from now on, everything was going to be alright, that there was absolutely no reason to be afraid any longer because the worst part was over. The clouds were gone and the sun was finally able to shine again. Nothing would ever hold me back again and no one was going to stop me now. No one.

After everything that happened and how I behaved to some of my most loved ones, I still couldn't believe this might actually have a happy ending. Well, at least if I could work things out with Nathan again. I seriously wouldn't know what to do if we couldn't make up again, if I had eventually pushed him too far away, pushed him over the edge. Quickly shaking my head, I had to get these thoughts as far away from me as any possible. I needed him. I needed Nathan in my life like I needed the air in my lungs. Living a life without him by my side was unimaginable at this point.

Taking another deep breath, I tightened my grip around the bunch of papers in my hands, recalling my latest conversation with Elsa and how much joy my little girl brought to me. If it wasn't for her, I probably wouldn't be here this day. My precious little girl, always giving me another reason to fight.

There was no way I was ever going to risk losing them again, the two most important people of my life. No, never. I closed my eyes, finally able to enjoy this exact moment, just trying to ignore everything else around me.

"Kate!"

Immediately, I opened my eyes again, searching for the person that was calling out for me. And as I turned around, I already bumped into someone, almost falling to the ground but quickly feeling the grip of some strong hands around my arms. "Oh, I'm so sorry, I-..." But then I paused, regarding the person in front of me closely for the first time, "Nathan?"

His brows furrowed, he quickly shook his head. "Robert", he corrected me then, looking at me with the same expression I used to see in Nathan's eyes, panic recognisable in his gaze, "My-- My wife... We've had an accident, I can't find my wife."

"Well, uhm-...", swallowing hard, I observed him from head to toe. The man in front of me looked like Nathan's lost twin. His eyes had the same brown colour with these golden sparkles I adored so much, his hair tousled and not as grey as Nathan's, and his face was covered in cuts and bruises, blood dripping from his eyebrow. "You're hurt", I stated, hesitantly loosening his grip around my arm and reaching out for his hands, "Let me patch you up first." I nodded towards the cut above his eyebrow.

"No!", he yelled, quickly stepping away from me, "I'm okay, I don't need your help. My wife, Kate, we've had an accident. The doctors told me to meet them here but I can't find her. She's hurt, please. She needs help." Tears forming in his eyes, his voice slowly started to break.

"I don't know about your wife's whereabouts but I can ask one of my co-workers and in the meantime, I'll handle your injuries. You need medical help, Robert."

He backed away, violently shaking his head, pulling his hands away from mine. "Kate!", he yelled then, "Kate!"

Suddenly, Derek approached us, gently laying a hand on my shoulder. "It's okay", he mouthed as I stepped aside. "Robert, I need you to come with me now."

"No, not until I know where my wife is."

Derek glanced at me, signalling me that it was okay to leave and that he'd handle the situation from now on. I nodded slightly before I eventually left the room, closing the door behind my back and finally continued my way to Nathan.