Dead Ringers

The Damage Done

I can't breathe. Elliot in the hospital seemed bad enough, but for them to have called me. . .

"Miss Fullin? Miss Fullin are you still there?" Grace asks, her voice jump-starting my brain.

"Yes, sorry, I'm still here. Is he alright? What happened?" I ask.

"I'm sorry, but I can't say. All I know is that it was requested that I contact his emergency contact. Are you able to come in tonight, Miss Fullin?"

I nod, "Yes. Yes, I can come in tonight. I don't know how fast I can get there-"

"That's perfectly alright. I need to make a few more calls, so I have to go now. Have a good evening, Miss Fullin." With that, the line goes dead.

I lower my phone, trying to keep my brain from running through worse case scenarios. My eyes land on Lennox who still stands there.

He raises an eyebrow. "Is everything alright?"

"I'm sorry. It was nice meeting you, but I have to go." I don't wait for his response before I start walking. "Have a wonderful evening," I call over my shoulder.

I wade through the crowd towards the door. Laci. I should call Laci and let her know. Was there anyone else? No. Laci and I were all Elliot had.

"Winter!" My mind registers my name being called just before the hand catches my arm. I grit my teeth. I didn't have time for this. I turn around to face a concerned Micaiah.

"Micaiah." I had completely forgotten about him. "I'm sorry. I have to go."

"Is it another double?"

I shake my head. "No. Elliot was just admitted into the hospital. I need to go make sure he's alright."

"Which one?"

"What?"

"I'll drive you there."

"No. I couldn't ask-"

"You didn't, I offered. Besides, I drove you here and if your friend is in the hospital, you shouldn't have to worry about a cab."

I sigh, shaking my head. "Fine. He's at Mercy River."

xXxXx

I sit staring at the blank wall as my foot bounces on the ground. My eyes flick towards the hall again. What was taking them so long? They said it was a routine operation. It was supposed to be in and out. Had something gone wrong?

My head snaps to the right at the sound of someone sitting down. Micaiah holds out a bottle of water. I reach out to accept it. "Thank you." He nods. We sit in silence. I glance over at him. He sits calmly. "You don't have to wait. Laci is on her way."

"Are you saying you don't want the company?"

I look back at the wall. "I'm not much company right now."

"I don't mind sitting in silence."

We fall back into silence. I hear the automatic door open, admitting someone into the waiting area.

"Winter?" Laci's voice calls.

I'm on my feet in an instant, turning towards the entry. "Laci."

Laci stops in front of me, worry written in every line of her face. "Has there been any update? Is Elliot alright?"

I shake my head. "I don't know. All I know is that they had to do an operation to seal the wound."

"Oh god, I hope he's alright." Laci's eyes shift to the chairs as she quickly composes herself. "Hi, you must be Micaiah."