A New Beginning • Emmerdale

Chapter 12: "You haven't changed one bit"

THIRD PERSON POV

Kennedy had been sat staring at the pale blue wall of the relatives room for give or take 3 hours. The only times she had gotten up when the door opened twice, neither doctors looking for her.

"Miss Dingle" She shot her head up at the sound of her name "you may see him now" the small nurse smiled at her.

Kennedy just nodded, unable to form any words. As she rose from her seat she stretched her legs as they hadn't been moved for a while. Thoughts still going through her mind, consisting on what she should do about her dad.

Kennedy had been completely lost in her own thoughts until the nurse spoke "Right in this room, ring if you need anything" She smiles before slightly skipping off. Kennedy thought to herself how she had never met such a happy person.

She shook her head slightly. Placing her small hand on her door, gathering courage to open the door, afraid of what she'd see in the other side. She slowly pushes the door open, seeing Joe laying there, still lifeless.

She walks over and sits in the seat next to him, looking at the floor tucking her hands under her legs, sitting on them.

"I'm so sorry this happened. If i only came sooner, maybe I could've stopped this. Or if i didn't even ask you to leave" Kennedy shook her head, placing all the blame on herself as that is she thought was true.

"This is all my fault" She finally takes a good look at him. The corner of his forehead, where he was struck with the bat, was all bandaged up, still a slight splatter of blood showing through. His chest was also all bandaged up, She remembered someone telling her he had suffered a few broken ribs.

She reached for his hand but hesitated for a split second. She swallowed all the saliva that was gathering in her mouth. Kennedy gripped his hand giving it a small squeeze. She brought the chair closer to the bed, still holding his hand, laying her head on the side of the bed closing her eyes.

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KENNEDY'S POV

My head rose as I felt something on my hand, I looked at it, still seeing it intertwined with Joe's. My heart starts racing as I squeeze his hand, and feel the same back.

"Joe?" I whisper.

"It wasn't your fault" he slurrs his words, me being just about able to make out what he's saying. His eyes still glued shut.

I let out a breath of relief and my eyes start watering as I let out a smile, happy that he's awake and okay.

"It is, if i came sooner, I could've stopped him before he hit your head" my smile fading as I say that sentence.

"I deserved it" he struggles to say, still clearly in pain.

"Don't ever say that" I glared at him. "You didn't deserve any of that."

He grips my hand as his eyes flutter open, his bright blue eyes meeting my brown ones.

"I still love you. I didn't stop" he speaks. I smile lightly at him.

"I know" I say as I move onto the side of the bed, being careful not to hurt him.

His other hand moved to my cheek, rubbing it gently. "I've missed you"

I smile looking at his lips for a second, before leaning down giving him a quick kiss. I pull away slightly, but still remain close enough that our noses were nearly touching.

"I've missed you too. Im sorry I left" he shook his head

"You don't have to apologise" he says smiling. "I'm just glad your back."