The Forgotten Blossom | A Riverdale Story

Chapter 8: Hospital

Once they had arrived at the hospital the group spotted Hermione sobbing in the waiting room.

"Hi love, what's happening?" Fred asked, sitting down beside her.

"They took her in for surgery, something about internal bleeding" Hermione replied, wiping away her tears. Fred stroked her hair as she cried into her shoulder.

"It's okay, it's okay" he said softly, kissing the top of Hermione's head. An hour or two passed and everyone except Alice had fallen asleep, she sat there alone with her thoughts, why? How? A doctor suddenly appeared from a room and announced that they could go in and see Claire. Alice decided that it would be best for her to in on her own before waking up anyone else. She tiptoed into the room crying silently as she saw Claire lying there looking so small, so delicate, so fragile. Alice sat on the chair by her bed and held her motionless hand.

"I'm sorry baby, I'm so so sorry. It's all my- it's all my fault, I'm sorry." she whispered, her voice cracking. Suddenly, Hermione burst through the door, Fred and Fp by her side and interrupted the moment.

"Alice, why didn't you wake us up?" She stamped her foot.

"Hermione, I didn't want to wake you up. You looked so.. peaceful." she tried to explain. Hermione scoffed as Fred pulled a chair up to the other side of the bed and sat down in it. She curled up on his lap and he put his arms around her. Alice rested her head on Fp's shoulder and the four once again caught up on some lost sleep. It wasn't long before they were woken by a gentle sneeze.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you" a small voice said.

"Claire! How long have you been awake? Are you okay? Did you call the nurse?" Hermione spoke quickly. Claire giggled.

"Calm down, I'm fine. The nurse checked me over. She said that the internal bleeding has stopped and she changed the dressings on my head." she reassured the adults around her.

"Thank god" Hermione held the young girl's hand tightly, afraid to let go. Without saying a word, Alice stood up and left.

"I'm sorry" Fp said standing up "she's really shaken up over all of this" he left the room following her to the waiting room. "Alice!" He shouted after her. He grabbed her hand and turned her around to face him.

"He hurt her Fp and it's my fault, my fault" she said quietly, silent tears running down her cheeks.

"I told you baby, it's not. We need to talk to the police about Hal" Fp said, holding Alice close.

A/N:
Sorry! I've had this part partially drafted for ages and I'm just now getting around to finishing and publishing it. I've been ill recently and extremely preoccupied with school stuff, I hope you understand and enjoy this part! 💜