Second Heartbeat [Avenged Sevenfold]

Chaper Four

Losing someone to death had always been a huge fear of mine; simply because I never had to go through it before. But now I has to face the consequences of my fear; I'd lost the one person who truly meant the whole world to me. I quickly wiped the tears that cascaded down my face as I sat on the edge of the hospital bed.

"Brian just called to say that everything is set up ready for you at his and he'll be here soon to take us home." Jimmy said entering the room with a bag in hand.

"Also, Val's gone and done some shopping for you until we can get to your house to get some clothes. Clothes are in here." He held up the bag before putting it down on the ground.

"Thanks, Jim." I gave him a sad smile as he took in my saddened features.

"You alright?" I bit back tears and diverted my gaze.

"Yea. Just a bit overwhelmed, that's all. It just seems so weird I'm finally being released today into the care of complete strangers." Jimmy made his way over and sat down next to me, carefully wrapping an arm around my shoulder.

"I just miss him so fucking much, Jimmy." I couldn't help the tears that fell as he rubbed circles on my back in an effort to comfort me.

"I know baby girl. Just know that he's up there right now looking down on you and he is so proud of you. He is so proud of how strong you're being."

I just nodded not knowing how else to respond as he wiped the tears from my face with this thumb.

"And you know every single one of us is here for you, to help you through this. You'll be at Brian's house, I'll be there, the other guys will drop in, his dad will drop by. You'll have Val. You have us all, alright?"

I simply nodded again, granting him a small smile. That was the thing about Jimmy, he had this weird way of keeping me calm and feeling safe.

There was a slight knock at the door as Val popped her head in.

"Can I come in?"

"Of course you can, Val." Jimmy said sliding off the bed.

"Scar here more than eager to get out so why don't you come help her get changed so we can get the hell out of here?"

Val laughed as she ushered Jimmy out of the room. She shook her head smiling at his silliness before walking over and helping me off the bed.

Having been cooped up in a hospital bed for a month, my muscles were weak and I needed help doing the most simple tasks. She led me over to the bathroom, picking the bag up on the way. As we entered I stopped and looked at myself in the mirror.

My face was pale and gaunt sporting the remnants of a fading black eye, my hair was a mess and I had lost a considerable amount of weight; the cast on my arm looking abnormally large on my small arm.

"Well, don't I look.."

"You look beautiful, Scar. Give yourself a break, you've been through a lot." Val spoke up as the sat me down on the closed toilet seat.

"Wait here, I'm just gonna grab the chair from the room."

She was back with chair in hand in no time as she sat me down and proceeded to wash my hair in the sink, carefully avoiding the stitches in my head.

"I don't know what it is but Brian and Jimmy have taken a liking to you. They're really protective of you." I let out a small chuckle as she washed the remnants of soap from my hair and patted it dry.

"They're not going to leave your side throughout this whole recovery. You know that, right?" I nodded at her as she helped me get dressed into clothes that she had brought. She then led me back out into the room and sitting me back down on the bed.

"Alright dear, my work here is done." I smiled at her opening my arms and hugging her.

"Thanks so much, Val."

"Don't stress it. Anytime you need do not hesitate to give me a call. I mean it!" She told my sternly.

"I've put my number in your phone, I'll be there in a heartbeat." She picked up the bag, looking around to make sure she hadn't forgotten anything.

"We're all coming by tomorrow, for a welcome home party. Jimmy just wanted another reason to party really. I'll give the bag to Brian to put in his car and I'll send Jimmy down to come get you. Matt is taking care of discharge papers so don't worry about them."

I shook my head slightly.

"I seriously cannot thank you guys enough."

She smiled at me hugging me one last time.

"Call me if you need me." And with that she exited the room.

I glanced around taking in my sterile white surroundings one last time.

"You ready to go?" Instead of Jimmy entering the room, Brian entered pushing a wheelchair.

"I figured I'd save you walking all the way to the car and grab you a wheelchair."

I smiled at him.

"Thanks, Bri." He returned my smile before making his way over and taking a seat next to me on the bed.

"Before we go, I've got something for you." I watched as out of his pocket, he pulled three rings attached to a necklace: my engagement ring and both mine and Daniels wedding bands.

My breath hitched in my throat and my eyes started to instantly water.

"I figured you'd want these. I went and had them put on a chain for you, so they could always be close to your heart." I let out a sob and he fastened the chain around my neck.

He pulled me into a tight hug and held me as I felt my heart break all over again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Okay, this'll be your room." Brian opened the bedroom door, holding it open as I walked inside.

"It's not much bu.."

"It's perfect, Brian. Really. I can't even begin to thank you guys enough." I sat down on the bed taking in my surroundings. The walls were a warm white, there was a door leading to an ensuite and on the other wall were French doors leading out to the balcony which overlooked the beach.

"Perfect view too." I whispered as I looked out the window, a wave of nostalgia washing over me as I remembered all the memories Daniel and I shared at the beach.

The bed shifted next to me and a arm wrapped around my shoulder. For the second time today Brian comforted me as I cried.

"Thank you." I whispered again. "You shouldn't have to deal with this."

"Don't even mention it." He wiped my years away with his thumb.

"I'm going to deal with it regardless of whether you believe I should or not. I'm always going to be here for you. Now, you're stuck with me."

I glanced over at him and he have me a goofy smile with made me smile in return.

"Well, I'm going to go and order pizza. Want anything?" I shook my head and absentmindedly played with the rings as I looked back out at the ocean.

"I think I'm just going to sleep."

"Alright well, if you change your mind or need me I'll either be downstairs or in the room next to this one. Jimmy's down the hall, too. Don't feel afraid to give us a shout."

He kissed the side of my head before getting up and exiting the room.

I pulled off my top and pants before sliding into the bed, falling into a blissful sleep.