Relentless

Chapter 61

Juliet

"That was awful." I say to Maris as we walk downstairs to the lobby.

"I thought you wanted to see him."

"I did. I still do, but leaving like that. You didn't have to walk out on him and see that look on his face."

"You'll be able to see him again in a couple of months. Did you tell him that?"

"No. I told him that I have concerts and interviews to do and that if I cancel them the press will start digging, but I didn't tell him how long I would be gone."

"Oh geez, Juliet."

"That would've made him even more upset!"

"It's April, Juliet. You're not going to see him again until, at least, August."

"I know." I say as we exit the hospital. Josh pulled our car to the front of the building so we can get to it easier. As we get in, I release a deep sigh and run a hand through my hair. "I'm such a bitch."

"Why?" Josh asks, looking back at us.

"Nothing." Maris's says. She looks at me with sympathetic eyes and it takes all of me not to lose it.

He talked to me.

He held me.

He kissed me.

He told me he loved me.

What did I do?

I left him.

Again.

Two Weeks Later

One concert down, two more to go.

Sitting in my dressing room after my first show in Florida, I take off my makeup and get into comfortable clothes. Sitting back in the chair, I see my phone light up. Grabbing it, I see it's Ashton's contact. I haven't spoken to him since I left the hospital. I wonder if he's alright.

"Hey." I answer the call only to hear a female respond.

"Hi, Juliet, it's Ashton's Mom."

"Hi, Dr. McAllister. How's he doing?"

And why isn't he the one calling me?

"Well, I'd like to tell you that he's doing better, but his condition hasn't changed. I think your visit a few weeks ago helped him. We saw a little improvement, but his doctor isn't sure if that's because he woke up from the coma or if it's because he saw you. Do you think you can stop by?" She asks.

"Jenny, I, um..." I think for a second so I can give her a good explanation, but nothing comes to mind. Why can't I just talk to Ashton? "Can I talk to him?"

"I'll see if he's awake."

"Why do you have his phone?"

"His doctor recommended that I, quote unquote, confiscate his cellular device due to disrespect and vulgar language."

"But he's twenty three."

"I know. His doctor is a jerk. I'm only holding onto his phone for an hour. Hang on one second." She says. I wait and then hear her get back on the phone. "Sorry, Juliet, he's sleeping right now. If you want to..." I hear mumbling in the background and sit up straight. "Never mind. Here he is." There is a rustling of the phone before I hear the soothing voice that can easily put me to sleep.

"Hey." He says, trying to sound peppy even though he is probably exhausted.

"Hi." I say, calmly. "I'm sorry I woke you."