When Worlds Collide

Chapter 11

*ANNA'S POV*

     I blinked in confusion and shock. Eli was unconscious in the hospital too? I looked at the doctor. "I'm sorry, but... you're joking, right? He's not actually in the hospital, is he?" The doctor nodded solemnly.
     "I'm very sorry, Miss Anna."
     "How'd he end up here? What happened?" The doctor sighed.
     "We're not entirely sure. He was visiting you, then we found him on the floor of your room, passed out. He wouldn't wake up, no matter what we tried. But I assure you, we're doing everything we can to help him." I nodded.
     "That's good. Listen, has anyone else come to visit me?" He shook his head.
     "No, ma'am. Just Mr. Bradbury." I sighed in relief. That meant Alex hadn't been here.
     "Can I visit Eli?" The doctor hesitated.
     "Not yet, after all, you just came out of a coma, so you need to get your rest before you can even think of moving around." I nodded.
     "Of course, I was just curious." He smiled.
     "Why so curious? Is he someone special? Maybe a boyfriend or crush?" A feeling went through me at those words, but it passed too quickly for me to be able to discern what it was. I shook my head.
     "No. Just a..." I hesitated. We'd only known each other for a day, but... he did protect me. "A friend. He's a friend." The doctor nodded.
     "He must be a very good friend, then; he's been visiting you every day. We practically have to drag him out of your room at the end of visiting hours every day. And every day, he comes back early, waiting outside your room for us to give the ok." I blushed slightly, but I wasn't sure why. I guess I just wasn't used to somebody caring about me that much. Or, at all, really. The doctor left, mumbling something I couldn't hear. I turned over as the door creaked open. I heard it lock. A familiar voice chilled me to the bone.
     "I know you're awake, Anna..."