Leather Jackets and Brooches

Chapter 26

The next morning

Cheryl was woken up by the sound of someone moving around the house. She sat up on the bed and lightly rubbed her eyes as they were sore from the light that was coming through the gap in the curtains. She moved herself off the end of the bed and walk through to the kitchen where she was met by Sheriff Keller and Kevin.

"Hi Cheryl, did you sleep ok?" Kevin asked while pouring out a glass of juice.

"Not too bad thank you" Cheryl sat down on a stool opposite Kevin.

"I heading out to work soon, I can give you a lift to the hospital on my way in if you would like?" Sheriff Keller offered.

"That would be great thank you. I will only be a minute to get changed" 

"No problem. Do you want anything to eat before we go? I can get you something while you get change?" Kevin added.

"I'm okay thank you Kevin" Cheryl politely declined

"Are you sure?"

"Positive" Cheryl  gave him a small smile. 

Cheryl stood up from the stool and went back to the guest room where she changed in to the clean clothes that she had packed last night. Once she was changed and had neatly made the bed she returned to the kitchen.

"Do you want me to come with you?" Kevin said while tidying up his glass and plate from breakfast.

"It's okay you go to school I will be fine" Cheryl dismissed the kind gesture.

"Well don't be afraid to call me if you need anything" Kevin walked over to the red head and pulled her in for a hug.

"Thank you Kev" Cheryl said while reciprocating the hug. 

"I will come to the hospital after school if that's okay?" 

"I would love that thank you" 

Cheryl followed Sheriff Keller out of the house to his car where he politely opened the door for her. She thanked him then sat down inside the car and put her seat belt on, Tom walked round the other side and proceeded to do the same. It was a short ride to the hospital but it felt long for Cheryl as she kept replaying the sight of Toni bleeding in front of her. Cheryl tried as best as she could to block out those visions for the rest of the journey. Once they arrived at the hospital, both of them got out of the car and made their way to Toni's room. 

"Go ahead I will speak with the doctor" Sheriff Keller hinted for Cheryl to go in to room without him.

Cheryl walked anxiously in to the room, Toni looked exactly the same as she did when Cheryl left her last night. She sat down in the chair next to Thomas who stirred from his light sleep.

"Sorry Mr Topaz I didn't mean to wake up you" Cheryl apologised.

"No it's okay, how are feeling?" he adjusted himself so that he was sitting upright in the chair.

"I'm okay thanks. Did you get much sleep?" Cheryl said softly.

"Little naps here and there" he rubbed his eyes and yawned.

"Has she woken up yet?"

"Unfortunately not, but she remained stable throughout the night which is a good thing" 

"Do you mind if I go and get a coffee, would like one too?"

"No of course not. Thank you for the offer but I'm ok" Cheryl smiled at the older man.

Thomas stood up from the chair and stretched his arms up which caused he back to click and he groaned at the sound then walked out of the room. Cheryl moved herself closer to Toni, she picked her hand in hers and lightly rubbed it while being careful not to knock the tubes out. The machines continued to beep in the background, Cheryl looked at the one next to her which showed Toni's heartbeat, it was beating a slow pace. Cheryl felt something move in her hands. She looked down to she Toni's hand lightly twitching.

"Toni? Can you hear me?" Cheryl leaned over to see in to Toni's eyes which where slowly opening.

"It's okay Toni I'm here" Cheryl stroked Toni's cheek to reassure her.

Toni blinked a few times then turned her head to look at Cheryl properly then smiled at her and tried to hold Cheryl's hand in hers.  

"Toni I'm sorry" Cheryl began to cry, Toni slowly lifted her hand up to Cheryl's cheek to wipe away a tear. 

Thomas returned to the room to see Toni awake and conscious, the shock caused him to nearly drop his coffee. 

"Toni! I'm so glad you're awake. I thought we lost you" he put down his drink and walked over to the bed then kissed her on the top of her head. 

"Should I let the doctor know?" Cheryl asked.

"Yes that might be a good idea" Thomas smiled.

Cheryl left the room and told the doctor the good news. He returned with Cheryl to the room shortly after.

"Ah Miss Topaz you are awake, how are you feeling?" the Doctor smiled

"Feeling very tired to be honest" Toni admitted.

"That's quite understandable. If it's ok with you I would like to carry out some checks with Miss Topaz, they won't take too long" the doctor politely requested.

"Of course Doctor, we will be back in a bit Toni" Thomas picked up his coffee then left the room with Cheryl to allow the Doctor to carry out his work.