My Complicated Love Life

Chapter 7: Back to Camp,

I was immediately moved to the surgery room halfway across the hospital. And throughout all the chaos, Hunter stayed with me. That actually made me quite happy, especially since everyone else that cared about me were not present. 

I woke up, and found Hunter snoozing next to me. I tried to sit up, but couldn't. My back was as hard as steel, and my legs were bound to the bed. 

"Seriously." I screamed. Hunter's eyes shot open, and immediately looked at me. "What's wrong? Are you okay?" he asked. "Fine.. Just finding it hard to sit up like a normal person." I remarked. "Do you need help?" he asked. "Yeah, that would be extremely helpful." I said to him. 

Hunter grabbed a lever on the bed and somehow managed to lift it so that I could sit up without my ribs and spine screaming in agony. 

"Thank you." I told him. "For what?" he asked me. "For everything. Being a good friend, not making it awkward between us, and for being willing to take care of me here." I explained. "Oh. You're welcome." he responded. 

The door slammed open. "Ms. Phoenix." a nurse said to me "You're cousin is here." I looked at Hunter. "Can we have a moment?" I asked the nurse. "Of course." she responded. The nurse stepped out and shut the door. 

"Why'd you ask if we could have a moment?" Hunter asked me. "Because I wanted to do this, as a friend." I said. I leaned over to him the best I could and kissed him on the cheek. Hunter touched his cheek."I don't know what to say.." he stuttered. "A simple thanks would do." I interrupted. "I better get going so Jade can visit." he said. "Ok. I'll see you soon." I said. Hunter got up and headed out of the room. 

"That was so weird." I told myself "But I kind of like it. That's not right." 

The door opened. And my cousin walked in. 

"Oh my goodness. Phoenix!" Jade cried. She ran towards me, hugging me like there was no tomorrow. "Hey Jade. I'm glad to see you too." I said hugging her to the best of my abilities. "So, how was the surgery?" she asked me. "Fine." I said. "Thank goodness." she breathed. 

I hadn't noticed this earlier but Jade had been sobbing. "Jade. Are you okay?" I asked her. "Yeah." she sobbed "I was just so afraid that I would lose you." 

"You won't lose me Jade. At least not now." I reassured her. "Well I've really missed my little cousin." she told me. "I've really missed you too." I said. Jade looked down at her watch and frowned. "I have to get back to camp. I'll see you soon." she said before kissing me on the head. She got up and went outside.

Jade was right. I would see her soon. I was back at camp less than a week after when she visited. Hunter stayed at the hospital with me the whole time, and was always there to comfort me. 

One of the camp counselors Justine Monahan, who was also the theater director, came to pick Hunter and I up from the hospital. She had a little silver Toyota Prius, that had barely enough room for Hunter in the back. 

We got back in time for lunch, which was an amazing thing. Since I was starving, and the hospital didn't have great food.

 As soon as I stepped into the dining hall, I felt thousands eyes staring at me. I guess the story of the girl who nearly died, had spread throughout camp. Then the kids in the dining hall started cheering and clapping. I had a feeling that one of the counselors had told my fellow camp-mates that I was coming back today, and all the kids decided to clap and cheer in celebration of my return. Which, if I'm being completely honest, stressed me out. 

Imagine just coming out of a testing lab, and returning back to where you came from, and everyone is crowding around you to get a better look at you, the specimen.

I couldn't take it. I ran out of the dining hall, to the auditorium. 

The cheers coming from the dining hall slowly died out. "I can't do this." I cried. My throat was hoarse and my breathing was heavy. The pain of being overwhelmed took over my emotions, and sent spiraling throughout my body.

 A door squeaked open nearby, and I tried to hide that fact that I was emotionally broken. "Phoenix." a familiar voice yelled. It was Hunter. "Go away." I screamed. "No. I need to talk to you." he said. 

Hunter turned around the corner, my most recent book in his hands. He sat down in front of me, clutching my book like it was his own. I wiped my tears off my face, and laughed under my breath, "Give it." I said. He handed me my book and I hugged it. 

"Are you okay Phoenix?" he asked. "I'm fine, just not ready." I openly told him. "Not ready for what?" he asked. "All of this." I breathed, "The pressure, the attention, the fact that they looked at me like some alien or science experiment. Growing up I got that look way to much, and it would tear me apart. I can't go back there, not like this." 

"I'll protect you Phoenix." Hunter said. "You'd really do that?" I asked whilst a tear rolled down my cheek. He lifted his hand towards the tear, wiping it away "Yes I will." He scooted a little closer to me, and hugged me. 

My initial reaction was shock, but that feeling melted into something sweeter. Compassion and true support, something that I hadn't felt in a long time. I could stay here forever.