Relying On Each Other (On Hold)

Chapter Four

As I wake up, I notice my mom is the only one in the room. She's fast asleep with her head on the hospital bed and her hand in mine. Her dirty blonde hair is a mess across her shoulders. How long have we been in the hospital?

I want to let her sleep but I need to know exactly what is going to happen now. She groans as I shake her awake until she realizes it's me. When she hugs me, I tense up, not use to being hugged by my mom. My shoulder feels wet as I realized she's crying.

She pulls away and wipes her eyes. "I'm sorry. I didn't want to cry but now I'm blubbering like a baby," she laughs at her own joke. "I just didn't think you were going to wake up."

"How long have I been here?" I ask her.

"Two days." I do the math. The party was Friday which means today is Sunday.

"Where is everyone?" I ask, curious about who all is here. To know if he's here. I listen for my friends, trying to see if they're in the hall but all I hear is machines keeping people alive and doctors talking softly.

"Your dad is in the cafeteria with Jamie, Nora, Skye, and Zach. Ryan is home with his parents. They won't allow him to come." She spoke. Ryan's parents are super strict which is probably why he's at home. Nothing to do with Friday.

"And Asher?" I ask her. She looks at me with such pity that I already know the answer.

"He's still in a coma and still in the ICU."

The door opens, saving me from a response and everyone rushes in. I see Nora's crying face first as she rushes forward and hugs me, sobbing into my chest.

"It's okay guys, I'm okay, I think... Why am I still here?"

"You had a severe hit to the head but fortunately you didn't get a concussion. The doctors just wanted to be sure of that since you continued to pass out." My dad was the one who answered me. He looked horrible. They all did, with messy hair, red-rimmed eyes, and runny noses.

"When can I be released?" I ask as Nora sits up. Zach came to hug me next. I relaxed into his embrace because I love his hugs the best. It's like cuddling a huge teddy bear.

"I'll go find Dr. Pontious right now," Dad said as he walked out. Mom followed him.

Everyone sat down in the chairs or on the edge of the bed. "Ryan has been fighting with his parents because they won't let him see you. He's really trying to be here." Skye told me this as she studies my reaction. I smile weakly, silently thanking Ryan's parents for hating me. I can't deal with Ryan right now.

"Ashton, are you okay? You've been quiet for a while." Jamie says concerned. Everyone's eye was on me which made me uncomfortable.

"Yeah, I'm okay, just thinking."

The door opens and my parents walk in with Dr. Pontious. "Ashton! Not going to try to fight me today, are you?" Everyone chuckles. "How are you feeling?" He asks me.

"I'm still hurting but I guess that's to be expected. Other than that, I think I'm good.

"Fantastic. I just need you to sign a few papers and then you can change and be on your way. We'll send you with a few pain pills too." When everything was signed and I was changed, we headed out.

"Can I have some alone time with Asher? I can walk home." My parents nodded as everyone but Skye left.

"I'll show you the way to his room." She grabbed my hand, which wasn't unusual for us. I'm glad she did because right now it felt like she tethered me to the Earth. She's my anchor.

We passed many rooms and many ill people along with crying families before we reached his room.

"Take your time, I'll wait and give you a ride home."

I nodded and prepared myself for what I was about to see, even though nothing could prepare me for this. Asher laid on the bed with tubes and needles sticking out of him. His skin is paler than ever with a gray tint to it. He's littered with bruises and scratches and my stomach drops at the sight of it. An oxygen tube is helping him breathe. Seeing him like this, vulnerable and beat up, broke something inside of me as I pulled up a chair beside him.

His hands are cold as I hold one between mine. I recall something about how when a person is in a coma, they can still hear you and feel you, so I guess I should try talking.

"Hey Asher, gosh this is already sounding stupid." I let out a chuckle. "You've been in a coma for two days and I need you to wake up. I need my brother." My voice cracked as the tears ran down my face. He shouldn't be here, lying on this bed, so still when he is usually hyper. It should be me instead of him. It's all my fault that he's here so I should be the one in a coma. I should be lying on that bed.

A hand landed on my shoulder and I looked up to see Skye. I didn't even notice her walk in. She pulled me up and hugged me as tight as she could. No words were spoken between us but that's okay. We didn't need words to express our feelings.

"Can you stay the night? I don't really want to be alone with my parents tonight." I ask her. I know if she said no then I would have a night of hell ahead of me.

"Yeah, we can stop by my house so I can grab a few things." She took a hold of my hand and guided me out of the room to head home.

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Hi guys! Sorry it took me so long to update, school has been stressful and I've been super tired. Unfortunately, I lost my editor but it's okay. He is a great editor and I was glad to have him for the few chapters he did. If you're reading this, you did a great job!

Anyways, what did you think of this chapter? It's probably horrible or rushed but oh well... Also if you liked it please give me vote or send me a comment because they make my day more than anything. If any of you have any suggestions for the story let me know! Also let me know if you see any mistakes. Thank you guys. Love ya lots! -Nev-