that kind of love // m.p.

chapter 13

riley
I woke up, and opened my eyes halfway. It hurt to open my eyes all the way. I felt heavy, when I realized I had a breathing mask, and wires connected to me all around. Finger clips, for my pulse. IV's feeding me ounces of vitamins at a time, the breathing mask, doing the breathing for me. I felt awful.

Amanda came into the doorway, and closed the door behind her, walking towards me. She smiled and sat down in a chair.

Amanda: hey...how are you?

I groaned in pain, answering the question. She nodded. I couldn't speak, the mask made sure of that. It was hot in here, I was sweating. This is probably top three most horrible physical feelings for me. That's saying something.

Riley: mattia...

I mumbled through the mask. I sound like fucking darth vader.

Amanda: he woke up an hour ago. he's gonna make it.

I felt a sensation of relief.

Amanda: his room is the room behind you, his bed is up against this wall.

She said pointing to the wall behind me. I nodded slowly. I felt a hot tear stream down my cheek.

Riley: just a few hours ago I was doing face masks with my little sister and eating shake shack...how did i get here?

I was able to muster up. Amanda was about to speak, holding my hand, when...Carly came into my room.

Amanda: uhh mattias room is in that one.

Carly: oh- I know I just visited him. I just wanted to pay a visit to Riley.

She pulled out flowers from behind her, in a vase already. She took it upon herself to put it on the nightstand next to my bed. There's no way she's just this nice..I REFUSE to believe it.

Carly: thank you for what you did. Calling the ambulance, and making sure he was safe. This, obviously wasn't the ideal way to meet you, but here we are.

She bent over, giving me a light hug. Heartfelt though.

Carly: I really hope you get better.

And with that comment, she waved us a goodbye and left the room, closing the door behind her.

Amanda: I- there's no way-

Riley: why did I like that hug😐

She laughed at me, before shaking her head and continued to talk to me.

Riley: when do I get out?

I asked. Amanda sighed and answered my question.

Amanda: another day before they take off the heavy equipment. Then you get a breathing tube and not a mask!!

I smiled. Thank god.

Amanda: day by day they'll take stuff off and help your motor skills kick in. Then you go home.

I nodded slowly but.....why me?

Mattias POV:

Doctor: you'll be able to go home in 5 days of heavy treatment.

I nodded slowly. Understanding what he was saying.

Doctor: your friend might be in here a little longer.

I sat up straight.

Mattia: Riley?! Why??

Doctor: well, with you, we used shock therapy immediately after your incident, you responded, then we treated your fresh wound. With her, even though it was smaller, it was still pretty deep. Her not receiving treatment for over 4 hours? The bacteria spread to larger parts of her body. Luckily it wasn't to bad but it might take some time to recover.

Alejandro: she will be making it out though, correct?

Doctor: most certainly.

I nodded my head in understandment. I hope so...

— skip 4 hours —

Doctor: okay Polibio, you ready?

Mattia: Yup. Will it hurt?

Doctor: most likely, yes; but you have got to get better some how.

I nodded before grabbing the nurses shoulders, she helped me up, and gave me a cane. I used it, and my upper body strength to make it to the door. It hurt. Really bad. Alvaro was with me, making sure I got better. Everyone else was at work.

As we walked through the doorway, and into the hallway, I sucked in a breath, hissing in pain.

Doctor: hey, this is normal. your doing good.

I nodded before grabbing onto the railing. I walked step by step through the pain, breathing heavily. I walked past my room, and out of curiosity I looked at the room next to me.

I saw Riley. Usually I'd be happy to see her safe and alive but..she looked awful...and in pain. She was sleeping, but she had all these wires and IV's and a mask. I felt my heart jerk forward. I stopped and stared.

Nurse: Mr. Polibio come on-

Mattia: Riley..

Alvaro: Mattia-

Mattia: no, why does...why does Riley-

Alvaro: Mattia, Riley is fine-

Mattia: No she's not! She looks in pain!! W-why..Get that stuff off of her!

Doctor: Sir, she needs it t-

Mattia: She was only grazed! Why does she need that mask it's probably suffocating her!!

Alvaro: Mattia she needs it to breathe!!

Mattia: w-what?

I looked at the doctor and nurses.

Mattia: she can't even breathe on her own?!

Doctor: she's fine.

Mattia: NO SHES NOT STOP SAYING- Ah!

I winced in pain, grabbing my stomach.

Nurse: I think that's enough for today.

They started helping me back to my room.

Mattia: No! She's hurting! She can't breathe!

I was crying a little. The thought of Riley, the strongest person I know, not being able to breathe on her own?? I refused to believe it. There's no way. Shes been through far worse..

I was alone, in my room. I felt a tear stream down my face, the image of Riley not leaving my mind. I buried my face into my hands, crying.

i failed her..