Notorious Hope

36.Fallen Devils

Northside Hospital, Waiting Room-12: 12 pm

''It's gonna be okay, Luke''

The brunette kisses his forehead as he rests his head on her shoulder. They've sat in this waiting room from 3 hours but it's felt like a million years. The couple isn't communicating but for Lucas, just knowing Riley is right beside him is comforting enough.

''Is it bad that I don't necessarily care about this? I mean, I know he's my father but, he's been so distant within the past few years. But I do hope that if he survives this, that we can develop a better relationship with one and other.''

Riley is incredibly unaware of the truth of her mother's current condition. 

''It's okay, everybody deals with family trauma in their own way. You're entitled to feel this way.''

Instead of stressing over her mother, she turns her attention towards the television, perched in the corner of the ceiling. A certain news story grabbing her eye.

''...Thank you, Steven. I'm Alice Smith reporting from just outside of Northside Hospital, where reports claim that Gladys Lockford and McCallister Friar are currently in serious conditions in the intensive care unit. This comes after a physical altercation between the pair just hours ago. Police arrived at the Jones' residency after reports of a disturbance from neighbours. We will report back when we have further details. Once again, I'm Alice Smith, thank you for watching''

Riley sits in an uneasy and hollowing silence. Lucas, however, paces back and forth in a stressful pang.

''What happens now? What're we supposed to do when the cops come to us for questioning? I wanna be responsible for my Dad ending up in jail. I can't let my siblings go through something like that again Riles.''

Reaching for his hand. Pulling him towards her. Kissing his temple and grazing her fingertips through his fluffy dirty-blonde hair. 

''We just tell them everything that we know. The worst that can happen is that we end up in court against our parents. It'll be alright, I promise. If anything ever goes wrong during the case, I'm gonna be here for you every step of the way''

Grazing his finger on the brunette's faint freckles upon her cheeks.

''What did I do to deserve you, Riles?''

Kissing her boyfriend's cheek. Caressing his cheekbones, tenderly.

''I don't know what you're talking about Lucas. The universe works in mysterious ways. Maybe, we were just destined to be together. By the way, I think I was the lucky one to have met you''

Pecking her lips, gazing lovingly into the brunette's optics. Fiddling with one and other's fingers.

''You really wanna have an argument about who's the lucky one right now?''

The doctor enters the hallway after what feels like an eternity. 

''Gladys Lockford and McCallister Friar?''

The female doctor gives the couple a solemn grin. Continually glancing from her clipboard and back to them. Raising from their seats, gripping each other's hands with intensity.

''I'm Dr Phillips, one of the doctors monitoring your parents. We've just received the results from their MRIs. I'm afraid to say, that it's not looking good''

Both of them receive a portfolio. Posted with their names on the top right-hand corner.

 ''Your mother, Miss Jones, is currently in a sedated coma. We've done this due to the severity of her injuries. We're unsure of where we're gonna go from this. But for the time being, we're just gonna take this one step at a time.''

Riley's brain goes into shutdown mode. Although the relationship with her mother is rocky at this moment, she'd never wish this upon her.

''As for your father, Mr Friar, we're unsure at this point what's about to happen with him. He's also in a sedated coma. However, we're still figuring out where to go from here. He's a mystery patient at this given moment but we will notify you once we know.''

The doctor retreats back to the opposite hallway. 

''So what happens now?''

Lucas rests his head on the brunette's shoulder. Her eyes focused on her mother's journal.

''Maybe all we need now, is just some hope''