Page (Mitt Romney x OC)

Chapter 13

Later, I was told that I hadn't recognized most of the people around me. I'd shown every sign of being in shock, and was taken to the nearest hospital to make sure I'd be safe after the fact.

I woke up in that hospital disoriented and confused. My head was spinning, my tongue felt heavy. I closed my eyes- no. I was back on the pavement, I couldn't remember anything about it except incoherent shouts, the rough pavement under my knees and the barrel of a gun shoved into the back of my head.

"You wanted to play tough. You didn't talk when I was nice, now talk. I have no problems blowing your brains out."

A nurse grabbed my shoulders but I could barely feel it, her voice white noise in my ears.

"Put the gun down! Put it down!"

"I'm fucking done with you!"

It wasn't until the nurse called my name repeatedly did my eyes fly open, and my sight cleared. Breathing heavily, I looked up at her. She cautiously moved away. I looked around. I was in a hospital bed, the gown hanging off of my skinny frame. The walls were white-washed and I felt small, insignificant although people were trickling into the small room. A doctor, another nurse, faces I didn't know.

"He said call him when he wakes up," the nurse said in a low voice to the doctor, who nodded, dismissing the second nurse. The doctor informed me of where I was, why I was there, and what would happen next. I was in a hospital, to ensure my safety, and I'd see a psychologist in a few minutes.

"Call who when I wake up?" I asked, voice rough with disuse. I looked up at the doctor, feeling numb.

"One Mitt Romney," he said, and I shook my head and put my head down, raking a hand through my tangled hair. It was getting too long. I should get a haircut.

The doctor stayed for a little bit longer, then left me with my thoughts in a white-walled room. The psychologist came in and asked me a few questions, namely, did I know the woman who held me at gunpoint (yes), how was I feeling (physically, a little sore, mentally, alright, considering what happened). I was confirmed for release a few hours later.

They gave me my clothes from the night before, and I caught the breeze through my window as I dressed. I'd been wearing a grey henley before, so I put it back on and slid into my black jeans. I watched the breeze move the branches of the leafless trees in the hospital courtyard.

A hand on my shoulder startled me out of my reverie, it's Senator Romney. He looked like he hadn't slept, wearing the same white button-down shirt as the night before. His eyes looked tired, but he smiled a little as I turned to face him.

"You didn't have to," I said. "I... could have gotten someone to-"

He shook his head. "It's the least I could do, after all of this."

"Well-" I took a breath. "None of this is your fault, if that's what you're thinking." Romney's smile turned sardonic.

"Of course not," but I didn't exactly buy it. The silence was heavy. I broke it by standing, smiling brightly. "You remember where my house is?" I asked.

"I know enough," he grinned, and I snorted.

"I'll give you directions," I said. He checked me out of the hospital and we got into his car. It was too quiet, so I flicked on the radio.

"This song!" I squealed as i hear the opening notes of the piano. "My heart's a stereo, it beats for you so listen close, hear my thoughts in every note," I sang along. I needed to hear something familiar. "Make me your radio, and turn me up when you feel low, this melody was meant for you, so sing along to my stereo."