Run (One Direction) [Watty Awards 2012]

Chapter Twenty-Seven

 Louis

I feel myself waking, slowly, crawling my way out of sleep.

The first thing I feel is a hand in mine.

And then I hear my name.

A beep, beep, beep.

Whispered words.

My chest hurts.

And then my eyes open.

And I see Callin.

She sees me.

“Louis” she breathes. She squeezes my hand. I open my mouth, but I don't know what to say. Not that I have nothing to say; I have too much to say.

“You almost died” Callin says.

I don't answer; I just look at her.

She looks a bit bruised, beat up. There are a few healing cuts on her face, and one of her wrists is in a cast.

And there are bags under her eyes.

As if she hasn't been sleeping.

Waiting for me to wake up.

Or maybe she just can't close her eyes.

Callin notices my eyes on her, probably sees the worry I'm trying to hide.

“After she shot you, the police showed” she says softly. “Lavender . . . she grabbed me. But it's alright. I'm okay now.”

“Callin” I say, my voice hoarse from disuse.

“I promise, Louis, I'm okay” she says. “I'm so . . . so glad you're awake.”

And then a whole army of doctors and nurses enters the room, checking machines, asking me questions.

I have my own question.

What happened while I was out?

-

Callin

I want to scream, as Louis crumples to the floor.

I want to run at Lavender and . . . I don't even know.