The Next Step - Life's Challenges

Chapter 8: Recovery

     I'm floating in and out of consciousness, I would begin to open my eyes then I would find myself drifting off again. I feel someone pull my limp lifeless body out of the crushed vehicle. I opened my eyes to see Eldon, I drifted off once more. My ears were ringing but somehow I managed to hear Eldon say something.

     "Just hold on, we're going home" Eldon said with a weak laugh. Those are the lyrics from my favorite Drake song. I let out a weak laugh as well and tried to maintain a small smile, I guess it was too much for my frail body to handle. My body finally shut down and I blacked out.

     I wake up to see Eldon sitting across from me, I'm laying down on some sort of bed. I look over to my side and see Get Well Soon cards and flowers then I look down at myself and notice that I am wearing a gown, I'm in a hospital.

     "Rise and shine beautiful." Eldon greets me with a quite welcoming smile, I could tell he was trying to keep calm.

     "Morning my prince. Where are we?" I asked. I still felt weak but I was definitely stronger than I was at the crash sight.

     "We're at a hospital. You have a concussion." He replied.

     "Oh... How long was I out for?" I asked him.

     "Three days... I thought you would never wake up... I thought I lost you too. He replied.

     "Wait, what do you mean? Where is Miss Kate?! What happened?!" I panicked. Eldon looked down, I could see tears dripping down his face, he waited for a moment before answering the question.

     "...After I pulled you out of the car I noticed that the back half of the car was untouched, Miss Kate was still laying there peacfully so I left her there and carried you to the main street for help. I was about halfway to the main street before I turned around to see that the car had caught fire..." He replied. He paused to take a few deep breaths then he continued.

     "...I gently placed you onto the grass at the side of the street and ran back towards the car to get her but just as I was about to reach for the door handle... It exploded, the car exploded with her inside." He finished his explanation.

     "I killed her, if I wasn't so stupid and careless she would be alive right now." Eldon said after about five minutes of silence. I couldn't decide if I should blame Eldon for this horrible accident or not, it's quite obvious that it is his fault but he was going through alot at the time, he could not think straight at the time.

    

     Eldon and I stayed in silence, sharing an awkward smile every so often. The doctor finally came into the room and told me that I was healthy enough to go home. I thanked the doctor and he left the room.

     After I changed into the clothes Eldon had brought for me we left. We found James and Riley waiting for us, James motioned us over toward the car.

     "Hey! You two love birds wanna walk any slower?" He yelled sarcastically. I just smiled and waved. Eldon and I both looked at each other and started walking in slow motion. We finally got to the car and hopped in, the ride was home was very quiet. Eldon sat behind Riley while I sat behind James.

     Ten minuted into the drive home Eldon took off his seat belt and moved to the middle seat in order to be closer to me, I was still frustrated with his actions but I have to admit he is still the sweetess guy I know. He snuggled up next to me and put his arm around me, I shrugged it off jokingly then I put it back around me, just as I was about to give him a peck on his cheek he turned his head toward me and we ended up kissing on the lips, we held the kiss for a while and it started getting more passionate until James honked the horn and we quickly pulled apart.

     We finally pulled up to the house and got out of the car. Riley approached me.

     "Wow u didn't even ask if I was ok!" I said jokingly. she gave me the are you serious look and I laughed

     "Well I was going to but as soon as I opened my mouth I noticed that yours was occupied, but I'm so glad to see you alive and well, I have my Michie back!" She explained. We all laughed and went inside, Emily and Hunter were waiting for us on the couch. Emily ran up to me and Hunter followed. Emily hugged me.

     "Oh my God I'm so happy that you're alright! I was so worried! If you died then I would have died too!" Emily said while pulling away from our hug.

     "Ya, life wouldn't be the same with out you guys... I'm really sorry abou..." Hunter started. I cut him off by giving his a stern look, he understood and stopped talking. If he had mentioned Miss Kate, Eldon would have broken down again, It will take him a long time to accept the fact that Miss Kate is actually dead.

     "Look Hunter, I'm really sorry about the car bro. I promise when life starts going my way, I will pay u back every penny" Eldon said.

     "Eldon, don't even worry about it. The insurance company is giving me a rental for a while, plus you gave me so much. I'm the male soloist for Nationals... bro thank you." Hunter replied.

     "Thanks man!" Eldon said.

     "Oh that reminds me, Em your leg will be healed in time for Nationals." I chimed in.

     "Yeah, so what?" She asked with a puzzled expression on her face.

     "I'm giving my solo to you!" I replied. Emily gave me a huge hug and smiled.

     "OMG Michelle! You're the best!" Emily said.

     "Okay, Well it seems like everything is all set. Now we need to tell everyone and ...and Chris." Riley said with a saddened look in he eyes. Competing in Nationals without Miss Kate is going to be a challenge but we will win this... for her.

     "Start Texting people! We should all meet at the replacement studio that Chris and Miss Kate were talking about, around five o' clock or something." Riley continued. Everyone agreed and we started texting the invites.