Night shift - Completed

Chapter 72

Calum's PoV

I still couldn't believe it. I'd just voiced my feelings to Dave for the first time in a while and he was silent. I was in disbelief that I'd even said them aloud, that wasn't like me. Hell, that's what got me into this mess to begin with. I was lonely, watching all my friends with their partners on a night out and just drunk myself into oblivion - which was fine until I broke my ankle. No one was meant to know about my intentions of proposing to Poppy because I knew people would give me some stick for it - telling me I was doing it too fast or that she wasn't the one for me. People always have a lot to say when it comes to things like that but I'm an adult, I can make my own decisions and this is one that keeps playing on my mind. Poppy was there for me at times when no one else was. She's proved to us all that she doesn't have a bad bone in her body and yes, she has a bad past and hung out with the wrong people, but I wasn't with her then; I'm with her now. Now, all I see is a woman who is trying to right the wrongs she didn't even create; she became a nurse to help people, she tries to help us all if we need it, she puts on breakfasts to bring everyone together - I can't fault her for any of that. All the guys like her, girlfriends too, security and management have even shown approval. This was enough for me. I was hardly perfect, yet she accepted me.

"Are you sure?" Dave finally said, bringing me out of my thoughts. I shot a glare over to him but realised he was actually on the phone. "Okay, thank you. That would be really helpful. This has been one crazy ride!" He said his goodbyes and hung up quickly. "Sorry Cal, that was Jack." I nodded, looking straight back down at Poppy. I'd almost got used to the sight of all the tubes and machines, the bleeps and drips and noises they'd make. "They fired Diego with immediate effect so the team are down to just me. Jack still isn't fit to guard the band but he is good enough to help you. Management want to speak with me so Jack has said he's going to come down here and take over from me so I can run up there. I hope you don't mind..." the last sentence rang through my head for ages. Mind? No. It's life. Everyone else will continue their lives like someone we know isn't here in the hospital after major surgery. Like she didn't just save my life by nearly losing hers. It's cool, you guys carry on. The fury began to build inside of me again. Dave didn't even wait for my response as he came up, patted me on the shoulder and wished us both well, heading out the door seconds later. Before I had time to compute, Jack came in and straight over to me. He put an arm around my shoulders.

"I'm so sorry man. I know this is so tough on you right now..." I sighed heavily and looked at him, my tired eyes really showing every emotion I felt. Since I'd got here, I hadn't left. I hadn't eaten or slept. Mr Shine had said the next twenty four hours were crucial and I was going to stay with her for the whole time. Dave had been buying small things from the vending machines for us; mainly coffee and biscuits and crisps, but I could barely eat it. Knowing Poppy was there, in that state, made me not want to eat. It was almost as if I wanted to suffer because I knew she was. I couldn't just carry on my life. She was my life. She saved my life. How was I meant to go back to the band and play and dance around when all I really wanted to do was be here in case she woke up? I wonder if that's what management wanted to talk to Dave about. Hell, they'll have to drag me out of this room before I leave Poppy here alone. I clung onto her hand, my fingers intertwined with hers but it felt weird. Her fingers weren't responding - not moving or twitching or stroking my knuckles like she normally did. Her hand was still. A knock at the door brought me from my thoughts but I didn't look away. Jack opened the door and greeted the person.

"Mr Shine. It's good to see you again." Jack shook his hand and let him in the room with a nurse. The nurse began writing down the observations and fiddling with the tubes, making sure everything was okay.

"Well, as much as this doesn't seem good, Calum, the fact she hasn't deteriorated again means she is doing really well and we caught the problem early. As I said, the next day was critical so we'll still be keeping an eye for the next four hours but after that, things should begin to improve quicker and she should come around. Her body shut down to prevent her bleeding too much so now that is sorted, she should wake up." Mr Shine said with a smile on his face. I think he was just as relieved as I was to hear that, although I didn't show it.

"Thank you." I managed to whisper out. Soon, it felt like I might collapse with exhaustion. I desperately needed food and drink but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I nestled my head into my arm to get more comfortable.

"Cal, you really should get some rest and a big hearty meal. You've been here for nearly a day." Jack said, looking at Mr Shine for some assistance.

"We serve food in the canteen just in the main entrance, you really should eat. It won't be good for you or Poppy if you end up in here too!" Mr Shine said with a small laugh at the end, desperate to brighten the mood. I just shook my head. He sighed heavily before walking out of the door, followed by the nurse. Not long afterwards, there was another knock at the door. Jack hesitantly opened it to find a caterer with a trolley.

"Courtesy of Mr Shine." She smiled as she wheeled the trolley in and opened the covers on the plates, revealing two full roast dinners, fruit, yoghurts, coffee and tea. "He wasn't sure what you liked so he asked for me to bring it all." She chuckled. The smell of the food made my stomach growl loudly. Jack grabbed a plate and cutlery and lay it on the edge of the bed on a tray.

"Seriously, eat some food."

I let one hand go to grab the fork, the other still holding Poppy's hand, as I began to devour the first proper food I'd eaten in ages. The flavours were dancing around in my mouth as I scoffed everything down as if I was on a time limit.

"Wow, that was good." I finally spoke as jack took my empty plate away and replaced it with a steaming cup of coffee.

"See? When Poppy wakes up you need to be on the ball, man. She'll be just as sad to see you in a state." I sighed heavily, knowing he was right. They all were but I just didn't want to listen.

"You're right. I won't drink the coffee, I might have a nap while it's quiet." Jack nodded as he removed the cup and tray to give me more room. I rested my head in the crook of my arm once more as I shut my eyes and tried to sleep. My mind was whirring and it took everything in me to stop it, just trying to rest for even an hour. Slowly, I was getting more tired, dozing off as the silence in the room sent me to sleep. Just as I was about to sleep, something happened that jolted me awake and I shot upright, my eyes wide and my jaw agape.

"What happened?!" Jack said, on the edge of his seat. I'd probably scared him just as much. I looked over to him in disbelief.

"I think Poppy just squeezed my hand."