Sealed Lips ✔️

Chapter 22

Bethany:

I peer through the small window, hoping to catch a glimpse of Jake, but they won't allow me in. The doctors warned that he was in a very fragile state, so they only permitted his parents to visit.

I'm just grateful he's still breathing. He was unconscious when the ambulance arrived. The police are tirelessly searching for any leads on the other person involved in the car crash, but so far, they've found nothing.

I'm stuck in the hospital too because of my leg. There's a deep gash on my calf, and they had to remove the glass. The pain is excruciating.

Suddenly, a presence fills the room, sending a rush of air against my cheeks. Swiftly, I look around, hopping on my one good leg. The other one is still too tender to put weight on.

I don't think, I just react, chasing after the figure. I'm certain someone is there.

"Boo," someone says behind me and my whole body goes numb.

"It's just me. I wanted to come say hi," Alisha says. Before I know it Sarah comes from behind her and she says, "Me too."

Why are they here? Are they spying on me? 

The idea that Lily might actually be Fice and that her minions are still as loyal as ever seems believable, but completely insane.

"I have to go," I murmur, carefully making my way back to my mom. The throbbing in my head feels relentless; the airbag hit me hard. The doctors assure me that the pain will subside with the pills, but it doesn't seem to be working.

"Beth, please. I know it's tough, but you must stay in your room. It's for your well-being and the well-being of the other patients," my mom insists as I approach her.

"What do you mean, 'best for the other patients'?" I asked, puzzled.

"Alisha and Sarah. They're both in the hospital, and they managed to sneak out of their rooms to come see you. They both took a fall from the stage at school. They were performing their drama plays for grades, but the stage gave way and they went down. I'm sorry, dear. I know they're your friends."

Instantly, something clicks in my head. What if Alisha and Sarah are not telling the truth? What if they were involved in this same car crash? What if they're truly helping Fice? It would explain a lot.

"Mom, I have to see Jake."

"I'll ask, but I doubt they'll allow it," she replies.

I remember everything. How he grinned and danced carelessly to the music. How we rolled down the windows and sang louder than Fiona does when she shouts "action" in drama class. How he reached out and touched my leg while the wind whipped through my hair, and how he planted a kiss on my cheek. He had planned it all: a whole picnic basket, a lovely view, great music, just everything.

How could anyone despise Jake? How could Fice, or anyone for that matter, have so much hatred towards us to the point of trying to end our lives?

My heart swells with love for him. The terror that surged through me as I saw his head hit the steering wheel will never leave my memory. At that moment, it felt like his very life depended on me. That's why my hands trembled uncontrollably. It was too much to bear. I would move mountains for him; he means everything to me.

"Mom, is he going to make it?" I choke out, tears streaming down my face.

"No, sweetheart. We have to hold onto hope and pray that everything will turn out alright."

"Mom," I say, clutching her tightly. "You don't understand. I can't lose him. He was there for me when you weren't. I'm sorry for putting it so bluntly, but you kept Briley away from me. He was there when Briley couldn't be. He stood by me when Daddy passed away. Mom, he's more than just my boyfriend. He's not just some title I own. It's so much deeper than that. He's my other half."

It saddens me that I can't confide in her about all the trials Fice has put us through. He's been my rock through it all.

A soft sniffle catches my attention behind me, and when I turn, I see Briley. She's crying, and I know exactly why.

Oh no, Beth. Well done.

Briley and I used to call each other 'other halves' when we were younger, like a childhood promise.

"Briley, I... I didn't mean it like..."

"It's okay. Get well soon," she says, her voice gentle, before turning to leave.

Tears stream down my face, sobs echoing through the empty corridor. I feel utterly alone. Mom's trying, but she's just adding to the stress. I was in a terrible car accident, and she doesn't even ask how it happened or if I'm still in shock. Nothing.

"Bethany Andrews, you need to get back to your room," a nurse reminds me.

"Goodbye, Mom," I manage to say. She kisses my cheek, and her hug is tight.

"Goodbye, sweetheart. I'll talk to Briley. She'll understand once I explain. I hope the doctors let you see Jake tomorrow. I think he wants to see you too. His mother told me he refuses to speak to anyone, he only wants to see you."

"Thanks, Mom. I hope it's true..." I say, my voice trailing off.

I hop back to my room and collapse onto the bed. Tears flow freely, my heartache palpable. At eighteen, it feels like too much.

I can't do this alone.

"Here you go, sweetheart. How's your head feeling?" The nurse asks.

"It hurts. A lot."

Just like my heart.

"And any pain in your arm?"

"No, not right now. But my foot is very sore from the stitches."

"Here, take this."

She hands me two pills. One large pink one and a round blue one. I swallow them both and stare at my trembling hands.

"Bethany, you should get some rest. If you get enough rest and your body heals quickly, we might be able to let you see Jake. There's hope for tomorrow. I'm not supposed to say this, but he's healing faster than most patients. But he's really hurt, dear."

"Oh, I don't know if I should be happy or sad..." I murmur.

"Sweet dreams, sweetie," she says, and I close my eyes.

Sleep falls over me. I can't stop thinking, what if? What if he doesn't make it? They said there was damage to his head, but I can't remember if they mentioned his brain. What if he can't recover normally?

It terrifies me, but no matter what happens, I'll be right by his side. Fice can't tear us apart. I mean, seriously, Fice's minions fell through a stage. I can hurt Fice too.

It takes two to tango.