I Love You Black And Blue

3

I got Carly to the hospital faster than I've gotten anywhere in this town. I was just going to drop her off and head back home to deal with Dylan, but I couldn't get myself to leave Carly here like this. Scared and confused. I can see the fear and worry in her eyes, and I recognize the look on her face. She's starting to shut down. Ive seen that look before on my mother and I never imagined seeing it on her. My best friend. I need to stay with her. I can't leave her alone. 

Walking to check in Carly's unable to even look the nurse in the eye, concentrating on her shoes and the tiles on the floor, so I speak for her. 

"Hi, we're looking for Andrew Davis. He was admitted last night? Is there anyway we can see him?"

The nurse is friendly and gives us a sympathetic smile. 

"Can I ask how you know the patient?" 

"This is his fiancé Carly, and I'm a family friend. Can we see him?" 

"I'm sorry ladies, but I'm afraid he can't have visitors right now..." She gives Carly a look before finishing. "He's in surgery." 

Carly snaps her head up, and looks at the nurse. She doesn't say anything, just stares. Shocked. 

"He's what?!" 

She gives us another sympathetic smile. 

"I'm sorry love, he's been in for two hours now. They dont have an estimated time of when they'll be finished. But if you want to stay, I can keep you updated."  

Carly's crying, so I answer again for her. 

"Yes please. Thank you."

"No problem, have a seat."

I take Carly to a quieter section of the waiting area. Of course, it's in the corner. The corner is always the quietest in a waiting room, I've found that out. Carly's crying has gotten quieter and I just keep my arms around her and don't speak until she's ready. 

"Alyssa I'm so scared..." 

"I know sweetie. I'm sure it'll all be okay." 

"I love him Alyssa. I can't lose him." 

"I know.." 

We don't say much for a while after that. We just sit in silence. Her head on my shoulder and my arms around her. She sniffles every few seconds. I don't know if we sit there for minutes or hours. I just focus on being there for her. She's always been there for me and although I know I can never repay her, I hope being here for her now is enough. The nurse comes over, and crouches down in front of our two seats, like a teacher would in front of her students. 

"Hello ladies, he's out of surgery now, and the good news is that he is okay. However visitors will not be permitted for another couple hours. Carly, as his fiancé you will be allowed to stay the night if you wish. Alyssa, I'm afraid only she can stay, but if you wish you can come back first thing in the morning." 

"Thank you ma'am. Is he going to be okay?" 

She hesitates before answering. 

"We don't know for sure yet. The doctors have done all they can for now, but there was lots of head trauma to deal with, and that's always very unpredictable. As for right now, they are just hoping he wakes up within the next three days for a follow up." 

"Okay, thank you for the update." After the nurse leaves I turn to Carly.

"Are you going to be okay? Do you want me to stay longer?" 

"Just another hour please?"

"Of course." 

"Thank you. Alyssa..." 

"Hm?" 

"I always told you I'd support all your decisions, but I can't anymore..." She looks down and bites her lip like she's going to cry again.

"What do you mean?" 

"Dylan, I can't make you leave him, but all he does is hurt people. You constantly. I mean look at all your bruises. And look at what's happened with Andrew. And what if you guys have a kid? Can you imagine you both hurting because he doesn't know when to stop drinking. Im not telling you what to do but please just consider leaving..." 

I know she's right. He's dangerous drunk. I mean I'm sitting in a hospital waiting room because of him. And imagining a little boy or girl of my own crying and bruised up the way I am...

"Carly I would if I could. I really would. But I have no where to go." 

"You can stay with Andrew and I! Well...just me right now.." She clears her throat before continuing. 

"You've always been welcome..."

"Okay. I'm gonna head out now okay? Go see Andrew. I'm gonna go and get some food, then head home. See what happens."

Leaving the hospital and getting back in my car, I head home and stop at a drive through on the way. Pulling into our driveway a few minutes later I notice Dylan's car isn't in the driveway. Maybe I'll be able to pack some stuff up before he gets back. 

______________

I'd gotten a couple small suitcases packed and put in the back of my car. I was packing a backpack when Dylan walks in. 

"What are you doing?" 

Rather than giving him an answer, I ask a question of my own. 

"When were you gonna tell me about you and Andrew?" I ask, turning around to look at him. He looks sober and ashamed. 

"Crap Alyssa I'm sorry.."

"Oh you're sorry? Well thats just great isn't it? He's in the hospital Dylan! Carly's there crying over him and he may not even wake up! But as long as you're sorry!" 

"Alyssa I was drunk!"

"You're always drunk!" I walk into the bathroom and throw what I can in the backpack. Dylan follows and grabs my wrist, causing me to yell out in pain and look at him. 

"I'm not now. Where are you going?" 

"Im leaving." 

"The hell you are! You're staying here!" 

"No I'm not! I'm tired of being your punching bag! I'm leaving." I try to push my way past before he grabs my hair and drags me to the bed. 

"You aren't going anywhere." 

Shit.