Laney's Point Of View;
“So the minute Justin tells you that he has stopped drinking and you just left, that's a really idiotic move Laney,” Oliver hissed angrily, pacing the hospital hall back and forth. “I thought you were better than this.”
I lowered my gaze to the floor. “I'm sorry.” I said softly, avoiding her eye contact.
“Sorry won't do anything!” She yelled in a whisper, emphasizing the word 'sorry'. “He almost died last night, can you imagine what would happen if he hadn't called me?”
After I checking all of Oliver's texts after Justin relapsing, I went into a complete state of denial. I was just with him hours ago and he seemed fine, why would he relapse all of the sudden? All those questions kept replying themselves in my head as I drove myself to the hospital where Justin was admitted to find out that he almost drank himself to death.
For the last 2 hours I've been listening to Oliver blaming everything on me to the point where I started to believe her. Maybe it was my fault for leaving him, and even though it doesn't seem logical, I started to convince myself that it was my fault. It was an amazing thing for Justin to stop drinking and instead of supporting him, I left him. I was already feeling guilty but Oliver had to make me feel worse about the whole situation.
“Is Cara fine now?” I asked in a low inaudible voice, I didn't want to push Oliver's strings and make her angrier.
“Yeah they managed to lower her temperature and she's fine.” Oliver answered in a nicer tone.
An hour later we were finally allowed inside the intensive care unit to see Justin. My body shook in anticipation, as much as I wanted to see him, I was dreading seeing him. What if he hates me now? Knowing Justin's weird mood swings, there was a big chance that he will be mad at me.
Oliver entered first and I followed her inside the room. My shoes were squeaking against the spotless floor and I received a death glare from Oliver, I started to tip toe instead inside the room. The tears that were pooling in my eyes were blurring my vision, I was silently praying that he would be fine.
“Justin...” Oliver's voice cracked when she spotted Justin laying lifelessly on the bed. A heart monitor was continuously beeping next to him. His face was as white as a sheet and he seemed to be shirtless under the blanket. Cords and tubes were surrounding him, I felt a lump forming in my throat. In a way, I caused all of this.
I immediately went by his side and kissed his hand, I was so tempted to tickle him until he wakes up but I of course couldn't do that. Oliver sat on the stool across from me and laid her head on his arm and held his hand.
“Don't tell him that it was alcohol poisoning.” She suddenly spoke.
“What do you mean?” I tilted my head to the side in confusion.
“He doesn't have to know, it will worsen his anxiety.” Oliver stated, was she joking?
“What are you going to tell him then? He will figure it out by himself anyways.”
“I said he doesn't need to know, just don't bring it up.” I responded with a nod, I felt like she was trying to prove to me that she's a good, caring sister and I was the stranger in the situation.
Thirty minutes later, Justin started moving and curling his fingers. I felt an empty feeling in my stomach as I waited for him to wake up eagerly. My stomach was rumbling due to the fact that I didn't eat anything since last night's meal at the restaurant and I debated whether I should find something to eat or wait for Justin.
Finally, his head moved to my side and he mumbled something incoherently. Oliver and I looked at each other for a mere second then back at him again weirdly. He half opened his right eye and mumbled what sounded like the same thing again.
“Are you awake Justin?” I asked, holding tighter onto his hands and Oliver did the same. He responded with a nod and his hand moved in mine.
“My balls are itching.” He finally said out loud, trying to pull his hand from mine. A relived smile formed on my face, I thanked God silently. Oliver was holding back a smile as well at his smart words, it was funny that the first thing he said was that his balls are itching.
“Are you feeling alright? Does anything hurt?” Oliver bombarded him with questions. “That was a pretty damn hard fall bro.”
His eyes suddenly widened. “Where is Cara?” He looked to the left then right, his eyes darting everywhere.
“Justin answer me.” Oliver insisted, ignoring his question.
“Cara, she had a fever, where is she?” He breathed heavily and started to pull himself up but I pushed him down.
“She's fine baby.” I whispered soothingly.
“Can you go get her Oliver?” He asked his sister, she responded with a 'yes' and strode outside of the room.
I took a deep, pained breath and looked at Justin with tears in my eyes. “I'm so sorry,” I sniffled loudly. “I didn't know this would happen if I left you––”
Justin's eyes softened. “You're going to make me cry.” He pulled me closer to his face. “What's going on?”
“You almost died Justin, Oliver found you passed out in the bathroom and brought you here. It's––it's my fault, I shouldn't have left you especially that I know that you and Cara are sick. That was so stupid of me. I don't blame you if you don't want to see my face again.” I cried even more, I really have never felt this towards anyone before. It was a mixed feeling of extreme guilt and sadness. I had forgotten everything Oliver told me about not telling him, I didn't even agree with her. “I'm n––not supposed to tell you about this––” Justin cut me off.
“My balls are still itching.” He joked with a smile in an attempt to lighten the mood. I couldn't help but crack a smile as well, I felt more relived inside. “I love you okay? I would never want to––” He suddenly stopped and sneezed. “––want to... I forgot what I was trying to say.” Justin rubbed his eyes and laid his head again on the pillow.
“I love you too.” I admitted shyly, my face flushing red.
“Weren't you friend-zoning me just a day ago?” He joked, shutting his eyes closed. “Don't get freaked out if I fall asleep suddenly because I feel like I’m going to.”
I pecked his lips softly hoping that he has forgotten about 'I’m sick I’m not going to kiss you' and he luckily did. His hand slid lightly to my ear and he caressed my head. He suddenly pulled away breathless and turned his head then started to cough his lungs out.
“I feel so sexy right now.” He joked humorously between his coughs.
“I will never leave you again.” I assured him once he stopped coughing. Instead of talking, Justin rolled his head to my side and smiled weakly at me with his eyes still closed. He hushed me and reached for my hand, and after he found it, he left a soft kiss and fell into a deep sleep again.
