Attraction

28.

Falling in love with Paul was the best part of my life, he showed me what love was—He taught me to smile, to really and truly smile.
No one knew this was going to happen to me. But I wish I had known, I wish I hadn't of opened my front door so suddenly. Perhaps I would see Paul in another life? Was that possible? Could I see him once more? Am I dead?

The darkness seems to wrap around my body like a blanket, I can hear things around me- faint voices that I can't make out and echos of sound but my eyes remain closed. I can feel the pain my stomach but now its began to fade, it begins to get lighter, will I see Paul again? The constant and continuous beeping sound suddenly snaps me from my thoughts. What on Earth is that? My ears focus in again on the sound that seems to gravitate me back to reality; the repeat of the same sound over and over again.

Beep

Beep

Beep

Beep

"I'm so sorry- I'm so so sorry, Willow." The whisper is soft, the warm voice is familiar and comforting. "Baby I'm so sorry. I couldn't protect you."

The warm hand gently squeezes my own making my breathing become uneven. What happened to me? Where am I? I can feel the soreness of my body which brings me back to reality. As my eyes slowly begin to open, everything is blurry for a moment— Paul sits beside the bed, I'm in a hospital room.

"Paul?" My voice is hoarse- "What's going on?"

Paul smiles softly, it's that same charming smile that makes my heart melt- his smile soon fades and the sad expression appears. He looks remorseful, yet angry with himself.

"You were attacked— in your apartment. Do you remember what happened?" His voice sounds so dejected.

Why should he be upset with himself? He didn't hurt me.Some of the memories come flooding back into my mind as I move to sit up, I sharply gasp in pain.
Dylan broke into my apartment, he stabbed me, and before I could do anything more... Everything had gone black.

"Are you alright? I can go get a nurse..." He asks.

Paul sounds so concerned, his eyes hold worry and sadness. He places his hand on my cheek as his thumb slowly caresses my skin, I lean into him.

"No, it's fine. I'm okay- really I am." I insist, Paul sighs and looks down at his lap.

"How long have I been out?" I question.

"Since last night." He answers me. It feels like I've been asleep for days.

"What time is it?" I ask, my eyes wander around the soft lit room. A small throbbing in my head begins as I frown from the pain.

"It's eight in the morning. Are you alright?" He worriedly responds.

"Yeah, my head just started hurting" I breath. Paul caresses my cheek once more.

"Just rest, love. I'm going to go get a nurse for you." He says. Paul presses his lips against my forehead and I close my eyes.

The sound of footsteps and the door closing can be heard as sleep covers my body like a warm blanket.
I close my eyes but it's hard to fall back asleep now that I'm awake, my throat feels so dry- I need some water. I sit up in bed slowly as I look around the dimly lit hospital room for a cup that I can fill with water. I don't see any.

My feet touch the cold floor as I slowly make my way to the bathroom sink, I turn on the faucet and drink from that- anything to quench my horrible thirst. That seems to suffice me, I frown softly as I look at my pale appearance- I carefully lift my hospital gown and I sharply gasp when my eyes land on the gauze pads where I know stitches lay on my stomach. I drop the gown and make my way back to the hospital bed just as Paul follows in behind the nurse who comes to my bedside.