Abhor

Chapter 13

Dylan

"Dylan" I heard a voice call my name. I looked around but all I could see was white. "Dylan" I heard the same feminine voice call again. I looked around my white surroundings until I landed on a woman sitting cross legged in front of me. I recognized her but I couldn't figure out from where. She looked middle aged but very pretty. She had curly black hair, warm brown eyes, and a slight tan glow to her skin. She wore a red sweater and jeans. She smiled at me with her perfect white teeth. "Hi Dylan" she spoke. 

"Who are you?" I whispered, on edge. She smiled, laughing at herself.

"You must be terribly confused. I suppose we haven't met yet" she scooted closer, extending her hand out towards me. "I'm Gabriella Johnson. Emma's mom" she spoke. I almost threw up. How was that possible?

"H-how are you... but you are..." I stuttered trying to find the words. She just smiled at me.

"I'm dead. I know. But well you were shot and-"

"I'm dead?!" I cut her off panicked.

"No!" she replied quickly, laughing. "No honey you aren't dead. But you were kind of close, so I have the chance to talk to you. Kind of spooky isn't it?" she asked. I nodded, knowing I should be scared but something about that warm smile prevented me from feeling so.

"Emma really misses you" I finally spoke. I wasn't sure what to say but it sounded right. The smile faded from her face and turned into a sad look that made my heart break.

"I miss her too. Everyday. The worst part is, I can watch over her. See how she's doing. Hear her when she talks to me. But she can't see me. It kills me" she informed me. I shrunk, my shoulders slumping.

"You must hate me for everything I put her through" I mumbled looking at the ground ashamed of myself. She reached out and put a hand on my shoulder.

"You should not be ashamed because of something your father did. I understand why you lied. I can't say I wouldn't have done the same. Emma is just in a rough spot. With her step monster and father. And she misses me" she said. I smiled at her nick name that she gave Sheila. Then a sick feeling came over me.

"Isabelle's dead. He killed her. I don't think Emma will ever be the same" I informed her mother. She nodded.

"I know. I've talked to Isabelle. She's getting by. But Emma..." her mother stared of into space for a moment. "She is going to need you Dylan. More than she has ever needed anything before. I don't care how much she says she doesn't or tries to push you away. I want you to promise me you'll take care of her. Promise?" she asked. I nodded my head.

"I was already planning to" I said truthfully. The smile returned to her face. 

"I know you are" she smiled. "But that's all if she wakes up" she added quickly

"What?!" I asked as a sudden sick feeling washed over me. But it was too late. She was gone.

+

I suddenly woke up and all I could see was black: my eye lids glued together. I took in a deep breath. I peeled my eyes open only to be blinded by a florescent light. Soon my eyes adjusted. Oh yes. I remember now. I'm in the hospital. After being shot and killing a man. As I went to move my arm I felt a sharp prick. I strained my neck to get a good look at what was causing the pain. An IV. I shuddered as I leaned back into the pillow. I noticed a tube that was in my nose. It wasn't comfortable but it wasn't uncomfortable. 

I cleared my throat and immediately wished I hadn't. It burned like nothing I'd felt before. It must have been from all the screaming and yelling. I looked around the room as I tried to find something to drink. The hospital room was small. It had dark green walls that almost looked brown. Three chairs sat along one wall, under one window with maroon curtains. Nothing special. I turned as I heard the door creak open. I saw my mom walk in on the phone. She ran a hand through her hair as she had large bags under her eyes and stress lines on her face. She almost seemed worried. About what? I wondered if it was about me. "Hi Mom" I tried to speak. It came out scratchy, close to a whisper. She turned around, surprised. A large smile lighting up her face when she saw that I was awake.