This Time

Chapter 10

My eyes fluttered open, and I immediately realised it was night time. The hospital was dark, except for the small stream of moonlight that leaked through the windows. I let my head fall to the side and saw a figure. His blonde hair was ruffled and his head bent. Both hands were clutched on mine, but I could tell he was praying. In fact, I could hear it too.

‘Please God, bring her back to me. Give her the strength to wake up. Guide her, guard her, do not let harm befall her.’ He whispered, sounding shaky.

I frowned sleepily. What was he talking about? Why was he doing this?

‘Please God, I love her. I really, really do.’ He whispered, tears falling to the bed.

Then I remembered. Everything came rushing back like a wave at the beach.

The humiliation was stronger than ever. Liar!

I pulled my hand away from him, and his head snapped upwards. Eyes wide and tearful, his mouth dropped open before breaking into a grin.

‘Lucy!’ He lunged at me, pressing his lips against mine eagerly. I used both hands to shove him away, surprising myself with the amount of strength I had, considering how tired I felt.

He looked utterly bewildered and grasped both my wrists with his hands.

‘Lucy, do you remember me?’ he asked frantically, tears springing to his eyes.

I rolled my own and shook him off me.

‘Yes, I do.’ I replied in an agitated tone, wishing I hadn’t woken up quite yet.

He stared at me, not knowing what to say. Angrily, I broke the silence, not bothering to whisper.

‘Look, I don’t blame you for not wanting to marry me, okay? But I have known you for over fifteen years!

So, you might say you love me....’ I trailed off, losing some of my stamina.

‘But it’s not the same.’ I whispered, facing away from him.

I don’t know how long Niall stayed there, but I fell asleep without looking back.

When I re-opened my eyes, I was met by a cheer and a group hug. Feeling very tired, I didn’t hug them back by just laughed weakly. Harry had his arm around Louis’ shoulders and Louis had his around Harry’s waist. They both grinned at me lovingly and I felt my heart swell with pride.

Zoe and Liam were holding hands again, Rachel was bouncing up and down excitedly and Zayn was eyeing Nicola as she held my hand and raved about how worried they all were.

I scanned the room and noticed that Niall was nowhere to be seen.

Fine, just how I wanted it.

‘Why do you keep doing this Lucy? Zoe asked, chuckling lightly.

‘Because she’s selfless. Only thinks of others, don’t ya Luce?’ Harry said huskily, squeezing Louis shoulders. I felt my lips turn upwards in a half-smile.

‘Yeah, I have woken up in this hospital way too many times.’ I said glancing around at the now familiar setting. I loved having everyone there to support me, but something still tugged at my mind, pleading to be brought forward, wanting to be thought about. I pushed it back further, telling myself I would deal with it later. What a lie.

‘You really have 4 Delta!’ The doctor was back, looking the same as always.

Woah, de ja vu much? I thought to myself as he inspected my chart.