Th13rteen

Chapter 51

Th13rteen

Chapter 51

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Aurelia...

I heard chatter all around me as I started to come back to consciousness. It got progressively louder and louder until I could hear clearly.

"How long has she been out for?"

"About an hour."

"Why did you not come get me sooner?" I heard Harry's scolding voice. "Phoenix, you should know better."

"I'm sorry. But we didn't want to bother you. She just passed out, that's all."

"No, the doctor said she went into shock. That is something that requires immediate attention. Alexander, what happened?"

"Phoenix said something, and she reacted negatively to it." At the sound of his shaking voice, I was suddenly aware of the cold hand that was clenching my own.

"What did you say, Phoenix?"

"She called me Princess Tree Stump."

The room silenced at the sound of my scratchy voice.

"Water." I croaked.

Nixie was on it, filling an empty glass with water from the air. "Here." She smiled comfortingly as Alex helped me sit up.

"Aurelia. Thank God. You scared the life out of me." His voice was tense, as if he'd been crying.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to." My voice cracked, and I was on the verge of tears. My emotions were jumbled because of the PTSD I suffered, and the regret I felt for making everyone even more worried.

"Aurelia, it's okay." Alex leaned his head against my forehead.

"Before she left, she called me Princess Tree Stump. I guess you saying it kinda triggered me." I looked at my young uncle, who held an apologetic look.

"Relia, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to."

"It's alright. I know you didn't."

"How are you feeling?" Harry asked me.

"I'm okay. Just tired." I exhaled a long breath. "When can I leave? I just want to go outside and connect with nature for a little bit."

On cue, the doctor came into the cozy little room. It was then that I realized the walls were dark and wooden, surrounding the warm crackling fire. It was so opposite of the typical white roomed hospitals back on Earth. I think all hospitals should convert to this comforting and home-like look.

"Your vitals are looking good, and your body temperature is back to normal. I do not see a need for you to stay confined any further." He smiled at me.

"Thank you." I grinned.

"Well, you heard the Princess. She wants to go outside, so outside she will go." Evan said.

I stood up, and the moment my feet were on the ground, I felt the sleepiness in them from having been asleep for over four days. Between being nearly frozen solid to death, and not using them for a while, I could feel the jelly feeling hitting them hard.

I wobbled, feeling my knees buckle. I would've hit the ground if it weren't for Alex catching me with his quick reflexes.

"Easy there." His breath tickled my ear, giving me butterflies.

He steadied me, wrapping an arm around my waist, and positioning one of my own arms around his shoulder.

"I got you." He kissed me on the cheek.