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9 ~ You're Not Getting A Hug

The next day, Annie still hadn't woken up, even though she wasn't in a coma. I decided to spend the night at the hospital, so Paige went home to get me pajamas and a toothbrush before she had to return to Louisiana.

I was beginning to get frustrated with having to wait so long. All I want is my sister, but she must have missed so much rest to sleep this long.

Nobody else was in the room. My mom went to talk on the phone with our insurance company, and my dad is in the cafeteria to get us lunch. It was just Annie and I.

I held her hand. She had scars all over her body, and some bruises were just beginning to heal. The doctors say that a majority of the scars will be permanent.

"Annie," my voice cracked. "I know you're asleep so you obviously can't hear me talking to you, but I love you so much. I wish I had done more to help you. I should've done everything I possibly could have; I should have called the police, or set you up with a helpline, or anything else. I just wish I wasn't so passive, even though I tried to help."

"Hayley, it's okay," a voice said softly.

I looked up. Annie smiled.

"Annie!" I exclaimed, hugging her.

"Hey Haybug," she said, hugging me back.

"Wait, when did you wake up?" I asked.

"When you held my hand," she chuckled weakly.

"I'm just so glad you're back," I smiled.

She furrowed her brows.

"It's not like I'm sad that I'm back, but I'm not happy, it's just, I don't know," she said.

We had a slightly awkward silence.

"Paige was here this morning, but she had to leave," I said.

"Aww. Where's Katie and Billy?" She asked.

"Uh, mom's on the phone or something, and she hasn't been sad, which is stupid, and dad's getting lunch. Listen, I know we're mad at our parents—"

"—no, I'm pissed—" she interjected.

"—and I get that, but I think the story is deeper than we know. Yesterday, dad told me 'it's deeper than you think' when mom couldn't hear us. I think dad wanted to get you help, but mom wouldn't let him, or something."

She paused. "Huh. Interesting. Can you get me some water, actually?"

"Sure."

I grabbed a cup that was sitting on her bedside table, filled it with water from my water bottle, and gave it to her. She drank. I pressed the 'call nurse' button. The nurse came in, took Annie's vitals, and called the doctor, whom explained to Annie about her injuries and their healing times. By then, dad had returned, happy that Annie was awake and pretty content mood-wise. When mom got off the phone and stepped into the room, her face was shocked. She plastered a smile on her face.

"Annie!" She walked over to give a hug to her daughter.

Annie tried her best to move away, causing mom to frown.

"Honey, that's rude."

"Rude?! Oh, how am I supposed to act?! Happy that you let me attempt suicide? Happy that you didn't even try to talk to me or take me to therapy or even a doctor? No. You're not getting a hug, Katelyn," Annie spat.

I was shocked, honestly. So were the doctor, the nurse, and dad. Mom was the most shocked, understandably.

"Well then," mom said, slowly backing out of the room.