Second Heartbeat [Avenged Sevenfold]

Chapter 2

~ Brian POV ~

I applied pressure to the wound on her head which was resting in my lap whilst Jimmy attempted to wipe the blood from her face.

"What's your name, sweety?"

I was glad Jimmy had started conversation to keep her awake. My brain couldn't seem to comprehend all that was happening.

"Scarlett." She mumbled whilst her eyes drifted close. My breath caught in my throat and my body stiffened.

"Hey Scar, keep your eyes open. Look at me." Jimmy gently placed his hand on her cheek and tilted her head so she was looking at him.

I admired him for staying so calm and collected considering his usual crazy self.

"That's better. Now I can see those pretty eyes of yours." She smiled gently which in turn, made us both smile.

"Tell me about yourself. Where are you from?"

"My husband and I moved to Huntington two years ago from Australia. We live just down the road." She shifted uncomfortably and whimpered in pain as she tried to get comfortable.

Jimmy soothed her before continuing to question her.

"Now, tell me about your favourite band. I notice you're wearing a Pantera shirt."

Jimmy smiled at her as her dulling eyes seemed to light up a little.

"My favourite band are beyond amazing. I've been listening to them since I was fourteen and when I saw them live for the first time.."

Her body relaxed and her eyes drifted closed as a wave of nostalgia washed over her.

"Don't hide those pretty eyes from me, Scar. Come on. Open them up. Keep telling me about this amazing band." She did as as she peeled her eyes open slowly.

"They were everything I ever imagined them to be. They inspired me to follow my dream of working with bands in the music industry. I remember the night so perfectly even though it it was seven years ago. I met my now husband at that concert. I owe my entire life to Avenged Sevenfold. They've made what my life is today."

Jimmy looked over at me wide eyed. She didn't realise she was in the presence of her favourite band in the entire world: the band that formed the person she is today.

Before we could say anything Matt came into view, his eyes full of tears and paramedics by his side. They made their way over to us and Matt started apologising to her over and over again.

"I'm so sorry. I couldn't save him. He's gone. I'm so fucking sorry."

It all happened so quickly after that. Scarlett's eyes closed and the paramedics swooped on her, pushing Jimmy out the way. It all passed in a blur after that.

Scarlett was placed on a stretcher as they shoved needles into her arms, fed her oxygen and connected her to a range of different machinery.

The house was in disarray. I sat there in shock, Zacky and Johnny stood to the side with their faces full of concern, Matt stood on the corner with tears threatening to spill. Jimmy was engaged in conversation with the paramedics as they continued to work on her.

Soon enough they were pushing the stretcher out the door with Jimmy hot on their heels. It fell silent for what seemed like an eternity until Johnny spoke softly.

"I'm not sure that the fuck just happened or what we just witnessed but Jimmy wants us to meet him at the hospital."

We all just nodded before making our way out to the car and then the hospital, having no idea what we were about to be faced with.

> 6 hours later <

Jimmy's POV

It's times like these when you realise you shouldn't take life for granted because before you know it, it can be gone.

When we arrived at the hospital they had whisked Scarlett away, taking her straight into the operating theatre and not long after that, the guys arrived.

We've been sitting in this god damn waiting room for five hours, jumping at every nurse that walks past.

"Are you related to Scarlett Taylor?"

We all looked at each other unsure what to say. When no one said anything I spoke up.

"Uh we're friends. She doesn't have any relatable family in the immediate area."

The nurses eyebrows furrowed before she continued.

"Alright well, I just wanted to update you on Scarlett's condition. Surgery went as well as it could have however there's some significant damage. Her right arm is broken in three different spots, she has two broken ribs and two fractured ribs also on her right side. There was also a significant bleed on the brain and we've had to place her in an induced coma because of that. At this stage it is unclear if she will pull through however f she does, there's only a slight chance she'll have further complications. She's a very lucky girl."

We all just sat there trying to comprehend what we had just heard. None of us knew this girl yet this had all personally hit us very hard.

"If you have any further questions, just ask."

No one said anything as the nurse got up and walked away.