In Pursuit Of ✔

Reunited

Henley was annoyed. An incessant beeping had wormed its way into her ear and wouldn't go away.

Henley's eyes cracked open. All she could see was white. She tried to remember what had happened. She couldn't. Everything went black again.

The beeping was back. This time, Henley forced her eyes wider, determined to see where she was. Taking in the surroundings, Henley realized everything wasn't white, just bright. She was in the hospital. Turning her stiff neck slowly, she saw her mother sitting in a chair next to Henley's bed, reading a book.

Henley went back to sleep.

The next time Henley came back to consciousness was different. Henley's mind was less groggy, and now she was determined to stay awake and get some answers about what had happened. Her memories were still a bit foggy.

This time, her father was sitting in the chair. His head rested on his hand and his eyes were closed.

"Dad?" Henley whispered. Her throat burned with the effort.

Her dad's head jerked up at the sound of his daughter's voice. "Henley!" he gasped, launching up from his chair to lean down by her bed.

Henley coughed as her dad brushed his hand across her forehead. "What happened?" she croaked.

"What do you remember?" he asked gently.

Henley tried to concentrate. "I was with the mercenaries," she said slowly. "They drugged me. You got away?"

Her dad nodded but didn't go into details. "What else?"

Henley thought hard. She remembered powerful wind against her face. "A helicopter. C.O.D.E.?"
"Yeah, that was C.O.D.E."

Henley's hand moved to her side. "I was shot." She could remember it now.

Her dad looked like he was holding back tears. "Yes, sweetheart, you were shot."

"I remember someone calling my name, who was that?"

He shook his head. "I don't know, I wasn't there. I just met you here at the hospital."

"How long have I been here?"

"You had surgery right when you came in. You've been in and out for about eight days."

Eight days. Henley felt her eyes start to burn. She squeezed them closed.

She felt her father's lips press to her forehead. "Rest now," he said, and Henley went back into the dark.

The next time she and consciousness met, Henley woke up with her memories clear. Meaning, she was desperate for answers.

Her eyes snapped open and saw several people in medical gear surrounding her. She tried to sit up, but the five people around her bed responded immediately and kept her down.

"What happened?" Henley asked desperately. "Did it work? What about the mercenaries? Please, I need to know. Where's Nick? I need to see Nick?"

"Henley, I need you to calm down," one of the nurses said, who was trying to stop her struggling. "I don't want to put you back under but if you don't relax, I'll have to."

But Henley couldn't have calmed down even if she wanted to. She was too agitated, asking the same questions over and over again. Then the medication hit her system, and she fell back asleep.