DONE ✔️ (UNDER EDIT)

Chapter Six.

Chapter Six.
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I woke to a sharp knock.

For a split second, panic sunk in.

How could you fall asleep? Were you supposed to be on watch? What if the others are in trouble? Fuck, Sydney, you're so stupid-

Then reality settled back in.

Still in the hospital. Still alive.

I didn't bother answering. They didn't wait for permission anyway. The door swung open, the fluorescent hallway light cutting a hard line across the floor.

I pushed myself upright, or as best I could without moving my leg.

Motherfucker hurt.

But River? His legs had worked fine the last time I saw him. Sure, he'd dislocated his shoulder, but Caleb popped it back in. That explained the brace strapped across his chest.

A brace, yeah. Not a whole-ass wheelchair.

So why the chair?

"Morning Peach. And thanks, Nurse. Mind giving us a moment?" River asked, polite enough, but with that grin I knew too well.

She hesitated, the kind of pause that said protocol, then glanced at me like she wanted backup.

River tilted his head, all charm and harmless mischief.

The poor woman caved instantly.

"Alright. Just a minute."

She shuffled out, closing the door behind her.

River immediately stood, grimacing as he shifted his shoulder, but still managed to slip a smirk onto his face. I stared.

He walked over and perched on the edge of my bed as if this were perfectly normal.

"Why?" I asked flatly, nodding at the wheelchair.

"Because I'm milking it," He shrugged, "Also, she's hot."

I rolled my eyes.

"She's wearing a mask." I muttered.

"Exactly," He smirked, "Adds to the mystery."

I didn't dignify that with a response as he winked at me.

I watched as his eyes scanned the room. Probably the same layout as his, maybe mirrored. Then they landed on the book on my table.

Shit.

I grabbed it too fast, trying to shove it into my bag only to miss. It thudded to the floor.

Our eyes met again. He arched an eyebrow.

"Still attached to that thing?"

I shook my head. We both knew I was lying.