1| WAKE UP LITTLE ONE ( zalfie)

Chapter 21

Zoe's POV

After a series of questions and check ups and forms, we exited the police station. We were provided with two of America's best bodyguards, and also a new car until the old one was fixed. The glass was shattered, the tyres were burst and there were scratches all along the paintwork.

Then I wondered what had happened to my car. Finn had taken it to get fixed but where was it now? I shook the thought out of my mind. I'd ask Finn when I next saw him.

We drove quickly to the hospital, desperate to see Joe. I hoped he'd be OK with Elise. I could see he really liked her, and Elise seemed to at least care about him, whether it be in a friendly way or a lover's way I didn't know. I just hoped she didn't break his heart.

She obviously wouldn't lead him on, or hurt him on purpose, she seemed like an innocent, sweet, bubbly girl who couldn't hurt a fly, but she did seem quite naïve. She mightn't know that Joe liked her, and simply by being so blind she could break him slowly without even knowing.

She didn't seem like she'd been with a lot of guys, which was strange, because she was beautiful, smart, talented, lovely and funny. She was the most perfect girlfriend anyone could ever want and I could see why Joe liked her.

I didn't know her that well, but I'm very good at reading people, and I thought that she was adored by guys who washed their affection onto her and loved her dearly, but she was too naïve to see it. And also, she could've been asked out by many guys, but it looked like she'd denied it, because what other reason would there be that such a flawless girl had no experience in the love department.

For my brother's sake, I vowed to help Elise to be less innocent and recognise when a boy liked her. And find out why she always pushed people away and help her to get over it. For Joe.

Elise's POV

I sat beside Joe's bed in the hospital room, holding his hand, rubbing my thumb against the back of it. My other hand lay tangled in his hair, stroking it gently.

The hospital chairs were very uncomfortable, and I shifted around constantly on the hard back black chair.

According to the doctor, before I came in, Joe was irritated and restless, and kept murmuring 'El' and 'Z'. I knew 'Z' was Zoe, but could 'El' be...me? Was Joe trying to say my name?

I shook the thought out of my head. Why would he? I was nothing special. Just a friend. Nothing more.

'El' was probably his girlfriend. I didn't know why bitterness washed over me when I thought about Joe having a girlfriend.

Zoe's POV

We finally reached the hospital and I ran straight up to the ward Joe was in. After a quick conversation with the doctor explaining who I was, I was allowed to go and see Joe.

I couldn't help smiling when I walked in and Elise was right beside his bed, stroking his hair and holding his hand. I knew as an older sister I should be more wary of who he dated, but I couldn't help trusting Elise with my brother's heart.

Elise looked up when I walked in, her big hazel eyes glassy with tears, her pink lips trembling. I don't mean that in a lesbian way, she was just really pretty.

"Hey Elise," I said softly, lowering myself down on an uncomfortable chair beside her. "How is he?"

"I'm not sure...I haven't been told anything since I last notified you. But he was murmuring 'El' and 'Z' in his sleep. I'm assuming 'Z' is for you," Elise said, trying to control her shaky voice.

"What's 'El'?" I asked, although I already knew.

"I'm not sure," she said, nibbling on her lower lip. "His girlfriend, maybe?"

"Joe's single," I told her.

"Oh," she said simply, but I was sure I could see hope glinting in her eyes. "Would you like me to call the doctor in so you can see how Joe's getting on?"

"Yes please," I said.

Elise took a deep breath and got up, walking out the door. I stared at my little brother. I couldn't believe what had happened. How many more of us would be injured, or even killed? Was Alfie... I couldn't bear to think about it. I couldn't control the tears that spilled out of my eyes as I buried my face into Joe's lap.

"E-Elise?" I heard someone croak.

"Joe?" I asked.

"E-Elise?" Joe repeated.

He was awake, but his eyes were still closed. I leapt up and ran into the waiting room, calling for Elise.

Elise ran towards me, her eyes wild. "Is he OK?" she yelled.

I grabbed her hand and pulled her into Joe's room. Joe's eyes were now half open, and he was peering around the room. Looking for something... someone.

"Joe!" Elise squealed, and ran towards the bed.

"Elise.." Joe said, his voice raspy.

Tears ran heavily down Elise's face as she gently lowered herself onto Joe's bed beside him, careful not to hurt him, and wrapped her arms around him, crying into his chest.

Joe's good arm pulled her close to him and stroked her ombré hair.

The doctor came in afterwards, a small smile on his face as he watched the two. They obviously adored each other.

It made me crave Jack's presence? Where was he? I decided to go looking for him.

Author's Note

I'm going to make a separate fanfic about how Elise and Joe met, including all the content from this book. Please comment and tell me if you'll read it.

Love you guys!

-El xxx