Studying The Star Crossed Lovers

❧ Chapter 17 ☙

What cannot be saved when fate takes, patience her injury a mockery makes

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It had been 20 minutes since Claire had stabbed herself. She was in an ambulance. Her mother was sobbing in the corner while two paramedics did their best to keep her alive.

It had been 30 minutes since Claire had stabbed herself. The ambulance had just pulled into the hospital and Claire was wheeled off. Claire's mother had been dragged away from Claire and was begin comforted by a nurse.

It had been 35 minutes since Claire had stabbed herself. Micheal Whiting was told by his secretary that his daughter was in hospital.

It had been 40 minutes since Claire had stabbed herself. Annie had just received a call from one of the maids that Claire was in hospital.

It had been 45 minutes since Claire had stabbed herself. The first member of the Dancy family had been informed that Claire had stabbed herself. Claire's body temperature was dropping and doctors were becoming worried.

It had been 55 minutes since Claire had stabbed herself. Micheal Whiting rushed into the hospital. He slammed his fist down onto the nurse station while demanding some information. Diane Whiting rushed to her husband's side while another round of sobs escaped her mouth.

It had been one hour since Claire had stabbed herself. Annie arrived at the hospital and she was scooped up into a hug by Diane. Claire's body temperature had become stable and the doctors had determined there was no internal bleeding.

It had been one hour and 10 minutes since Claire had stabbed herself. James had finally been told that Claire Whiting was in hospital. He was immediately worried for his girlfriend's health but tried to play off his fears as pity for the poor girl.

It had been one hour and 30 minutes since Claire had stabbed herself. Despite Claire being unconscious her parents were allowed in to watch over the girl as she lay there. The doctors told them that she would make a full recovery but they were still distraught.

James Dancy should have told his father no. James Dancy should have sided with his mother. James Dancy shouldn't have grabbed his jacket and he shouldn't have hopped in the back of his father's car with half the Dancy Gang.

"Don't do it, Brian." Shouted James' mother as Brian Dancy got in the driver's seat.

"Their daughter is in hospital. Have the goddamn respect to stay far away. Imagine if James' was in hospital. Would you want them there you asshole?" Continued the woman and the boys sitting in the car winced.

"She has a point, sir."

"Shut the fuck up unless you want a bullet in between your eyes." Snapped Brian as he began to back out of the garage.

"You idiot. They will shoot you the second they fucking see you. If James gets hurt I will kill you. I will put your hand in a juicer. I will destroy you, Brian."

A hammer was thrown at the car and despite the dent, Brian drove off. He knew if his son was hurt his wife would kill him. It was a well-known fact in their community that the woman was deadly when she had to be.

When James' Aunt was killed it had taken a week for the murderer to be hunted down. His death was not slow. Rumour had it that man was still alive when the police found him but they killed him out of pity. Apparently he had begged for it.

"I heard she got shot by her friend's ex."

"She was stabbed. Also, Henry wouldn't do that. He had always like Claire."

While casual conversation was made about what had happened to Claire, James felt sick with worry.

He knew he should have stayed at home. He knew he wouldn't be allowed near her. He wanted to be there though. He wanted to know what was happening to her.

"Pull the car over."

"Why?"

"Just pull the bloody car over."

Brian pulled over and the second the car slowed James jumped out. He bent over and threw up on the side of the road.

Once his guts were emptied he wiped his mouth and hoped back into the car.

"What was that about?"

"Was just thinking about the mess Mum will make when she get her hands on you." Joked James and the car burst out laughing while Brian hit his son over the head with a smirk on his face.

"She's a fucking bitch but God I love that woman."

When the car pulled into the hospital James quickly sent Annie a text, a warning. About the nightmare that was about to ensue.

When the first member of the Whiting Family saw Brian a gun was pulled. In response two more were pulled right back on the man.

"What are you doing here Dancy?"

"We just want to make sure the girl is alright? She has always been a pretty thing. Would hate for that to go wasted."

James didn't care when punches began to get thrown. He didn't give a shit when a gunshot went off. He used the chaos as an opportunity to slip through the door of the hospital and into an elevator up somewhere.

James didn't do anything about the fighting outside.

The fighting wasn't stopped by the hospital security. The fighting wasn't stopped by Diane Whiting who sobbed while watching her husband get hit in the face while her daughter lay in a hospital bed.

It was Annie. She stopped the fighting. She shot someone. She didn't know who. He was fine as it was only in the foot and they were at a hospital.

"Fight when Claire is better. Until then you can all sit in the waiting room and be fucking quiet." Snapped Annie.

So there they were. Two rival gangs sat in a hospital waiting room. Three of their own in hospital.

It was then that a nurse came out asking for the family of Claire Whiting.

"Claire has woken up. She is quite delirious but she is asking for Annie and James. Do you know who they are?" Everyone turned their heads to where James was sat on the other side of the waiting room. His hoodie was pulled over his eyes with a somber look on his face and a cup of water held tightly in his hand.