Her Escape, His Safe Haven

Chapter 44- They Put That On The News?

Athena's POV

"She's awake." Charlie informed us with the widest smile I have ever seen before running back to the room.

Eli shot out of the bed ready to run to his sister, but turned to me. "I'm gonna grab a wheelchair. We are going to go see her." He smiled at me. I could still see the sadness in his eye, but I can also see the relief that his baby sister is awak. 

I nodded my head and he left the room. I used the time I was alone to try and clear my face of all evidence that I was crying. I slowly moved my legs over the edge of the bed trying to ignore the intense cramping in my abdomen. 

"Careful." Eli urged when he came back in with the chair. "I asked Dr. Porter if this was okay and he said as long as you aren't in too much pain, and you take it easy, then it's fine." I nodded and he helped me get situated in the chair. "Ready?"

"I've been ready for two weeks." I told him. He chuckled and the sound made me let out a short breath. I've missed that.

He wheeled me the short distance through the ICU doors and into Deliah's room. She was sitting up a bit, and talking to Charlie. She looks so much better than when I last saw her. Some of the wires were gone along with the tube that she had to be hooked up to.

"Hey." Eli spoke first. She snapped her head to us with a huge smile on her beautiful face. She looked over us and her smile faltered when she noticed me in the chair.

"What happened?" She asked worriedly. "Did he find you?" She asked frantically. My heart dropped.

"You knew?" I whispered in confusion. I never wanted her to know. She didn't need to worry about me like that.

"Yeah. I overheard you telling Eli about it. I knew you guys didn't want me to know, so I acted oblivious." She said shyly looking down at her hands in her lap.

"Oh. I'm sorry Deliah. I never wanted you to be burdened by this." I said honestly. Eli wheeled me right next to her, "And no, by the way. I haven't seen him since the dance studio incident." 

"I thought that was him." She whispered. "So what happened then?" She asked looking at me in the wheelchair.

"Don't worry about it. You're the one who's been in a coma for two weeks." I said with a small smile. My hand instinctively rested on my stomach. 

"Two weeks." She said shaking her head in disbelief. "That's crazy."

"Yeah you had us all worried." Eli spoke up from behind me. 

"Sit." I demanded pointing at the chair beside me. He nodded and planted his butt before grabbing my hand. I know he needs the support just as much as I do. As overjoyed as we are that Deliah is awake and okay, we are still devastated over our loss.

"Two weeks, and you still smell all boyish." Deliah grumbled causing us all the laugh.

Pain shot through me while I laughed, but I tried not to show it. I apparently didn't do a very good job, because Charlie cast me a very concerned glance. I shook my head as if to tell him not to worry about it. He looked hesitant but eventually gave me the slightest nod saying he'd let it go for now. 

"Whatever." Eli muttered good naturedly. 

"Okay, so dad already played the video for me, what else have I missed?" She asked.

"We haven't really left since the accident silly. Like we would leave you here alone." Eli scoffed with a smile.

"What did the doctor say?" I asked looking over at Charlie.