Invisible (C.T.H)

{Chapter Thirty-Two}

Calum's POV

"I had to save you, Calum. I was not going to let him kill you," Maddie's voice fades off as she slips out of consciousness. Tears stream down my face as the ride to the hospital becomes even more unbearable. Why did it have to be her that got shot? I would much rather prefer me being in her place. I grab her hand and rub it, even though I know it won't help anything.

Her shirt, which is technically mine, is soaked with blood and the sight makes me sick to my stomach. I have to look away before I end up vomiting all over the ambulance and everything inside of it. After what felt like years, we finally arrive at the hospital. The paramedics get both of us out and rush inside. A doctor takes Maddie back to the operating room so they can remove the bullet, while I get wheeled to ICU. I'm in pretty bad condition due to my excessive injuries, so they want to check them out more thoroughly.

The nurse, who I later learn is named Stacy, checks on my injuries and keeps asking if I'm in any pain. I lie and tell her no, of course. I'm more worried about Maddie, I hope she's okay. Stacy stitches up some of my wounds and cleans up some other ones, then leaves after telling me she will be back in an hour to check on me. I can't help but imagine numerous devastating scenarios involving Maddie and the bullet. What if she dies? What if something goes wrong during the surgery? What if she- Snap out of it, Cal! She isn't going to die, she's strong. I groan as the thoughts keep racing through my head, no matter how many times I try to push them back. I need a distraction and I need it fast before I start to panic even more. Luke!

I get up and ignore the pain as I search for my phone. Once it is securely in my hands, I immediately call Luke. After the first two rings, he finally picks up. "Calum, mate, is something wrong?"

"I don't know if you've heard the news, but Maddie and I are both at the hospital right now. I'm sure she told you about what happened to me, so I'll spare you the details."

"She did tell me, yes. What does that have to with anyth-"

"Maddie was shot," I cut him off. The line goes silent and I can hear him start to breathe heavily.

"Is," he pauses for a few seconds, "is she okay?" I can hear the concern and worry in his voice, and it breaks my heart.

"I don't know, they rushed her to surgery once we got here. Luke," I take some time to process everything, "she jumped in front of the bullet for me. I don't know why she would do something so dangerous, especially for me." Once again, his end goes quiet and I anxiously wait for his response.

"I do," his voice comes out light and shaky. "She did it because she loves you, mate."

"I know she loves me, but-"

"No, Calum, I don't think you understand exactly how much she loves you. She talks about you anytime we hang out and she does it with the biggest smile on her face. Not to mention, but anytime your name is brought up, her face lights up more than I've ever seen. Also, the fact that she took a literal bullet for you shows exactly how much she loves you. I don't know anyone who would do that. You make her the happiest I've seen her in years and it actually makes me want to cry. You know how devastated and heartbroken she was after Logan. He ruined her. Once you came into the picture, I noticed her slowly start to repair herself and she became the sister I've known my whole life. She has showed you sides of her that I don't even know, sides I probably won't ever discover. Besides me, you're the only other person I have seen her open up to. You know how much she keeps everything bottled up, so the fact she tells you how she's feeling shows how much she loves you."

"I guess you're right."

"I'm not done," Luke cuts me off once more. "I just want to apologize for how I acted the other night. It's clear to me how important you are to each other and it's not my place to try breaking you two apart. I just don't want to see her get hurt again, you know? She's my twin sister, I would do anything to protect her." He pauses again and I can picture him trying to process and plan out his next few words.