Shadow Keepers (Unedited)

Nine: Broken Bones, Warnings, and Painful Pasts

Chapter Nine: Broken Bones, Warnings, and Painful Pasts

          So in all truth my leg was actually broken, but seeing as I heal faster than you do and hate to be lying in bed all day doing nothing, Angel told them that it was a minor injury. Plus I’ve had years of practice on hiding my pain, so I pushed all the pain aside and put on my mask of everything-is –alright-it-doesn’t-even-hurt. I gave the keys of the bike to Matt because I, of course, couldn’t drive. Everyone was still saying good bye but Angel told me to go sit in the car so I wouldn’t cause anymore ‘damage’ to my leg. Peter was there and opened the door for me. He looked terrible.

“Ya know if you worry so much your hair will turn white.” I said teasingly. He just looked up, his eyes misty with tears.

“Ash could have broken your leg. He could have paralyzed you or worse.” He choked out, a few tears found their way down his face. I limped up to him and wiped the tears away.

“Peter.” I say making him look me in the eye. “I want you to see something.” I had my jacket on because it was getting a little chilly, so I took it off and I held out my right hand, palm up. He looked down and then he reached out to trace the line my scar left. My scar was fading but still clearly visible. Peter looked up at me.

“Car wreck, two years ago, In New York.” I said answering his unasked question. He traced the line up my arm to my t-shirt’s sleeve.

 “How long is it?” he asked in a whisper. I half-heartily scoffed.

“It goes from my right middle finger to my shoulder, across my back and stops half way down my left thigh.” I say a little uncomfortable. I know that even though I can’t die, it still hurt, and no one else knew I couldn’t die, so it was scary for them.

I shake off my temporary melancholy state and smile at him.

 “So you see, I’ve been through worse scraps than this.” I joke while indicating to my current state of pain. I get a smile in return.

“Yeah, I guess so.” Peter says and then leans towards me and gives me a quick kiss, before ushering me into the car. I open the window and he leans in.

 “So how long ‘til it’s healed?” Peter asks nonchalantly.

“Hmmm,” I put a finger on my chin, overdramatically, thinking of the answer. He just chuckles.

“Why?” I ask narrowing my eyes at his still putting on a show.

“I want to know how many days I have to call off work so I can visit you.” Peter says leaning in closer. I giggle, like a little school girl, and peck the tip of his nose.

“It won’t be long. When we get home I’ll put a brace and ice on my ankle, and some ice on my bruises. So, there’s a good chance I’ll be up and running tomorrow.” I giggle and Peter chuckles.

Angel and Penny finally get in the car, and I say my good-byes from the window. I thank everyone for all the ‘Get Well’ whishes and we start the journey back home. As soon as the house is out of my sight, I let my mask fall and the pain comes rushing back in with a vengeance. I cry out and double over from excruciating pain. My healing ability has already started to mend the bone but, it won’t be until tomorrow morning that the pain will subside. You see, I can feel the bone being pushed back into place and then secured. The pain is making me weak, I have trouble breathing and I can’t make coherent thoughts. At the first stop Angel whirls’ around and jabs a needle into my neck. I can feel the medication flood my system like ice. Soon I can feel it edging me closer to the dark abyss of unconsciousness. I’m too weak to fight it so I welcome the nothingness.