Naked (Wattys 2022)

Part 24

Kais POV

I slid down the wall with my head in hand, unable to piece together what happened.

I remembered everything vividly. Eli lost himself when Calhoun died. He was no longer present and I knew then and there that it was going to take a while for him to come to terms with the information.

What I didn't know was that Eli had gone through more things than anyone I knew. That this was his breaking point.

I stood at the side whilst Eli crumbled in his mother's arms. He wasn't crying. He just couldn't keep himself up anymore.

My hands were shaking unable to reach out to him. I was petrified that he'd pull away, leave me.

What I didn't know was how difficult it would be.

The day after I came to Elis home hoping i could see him. Make him feel better. He didn't want to see me.

I began coming daily at a certain time in order to tell him that he wasn't at fault because of what happened.

Some nights I cried silently on my own. I hoped and prayed that Eli wouldn't inflict pain on himself.

Some nights I wanted to leave his side. The demons within me were fighting a losing battle.

I liked him. More than I i should. Broken and broken doesn't really bode well together but alas.

Even though I barely slept. I came. Bearing gifts and bearing my heart.

But in the end. It wasn't enough. I wasnt enough.

***

I knew how Eli felt when he saw Calhoun now.

I couldn't hear anything as Elis arm was wrapped and cpr was given. I refused to stay behind. I made a commotion so they'd let me in.

As blood stained my hands and the rest of my shirt, my heart began pulsating.

I was scared.

Unwanted tears streamed down my cheeks and burned a trail towards my chin. All I could do was watch. Daniel held Emily in a tight grip as she bawled her eyes out.

My heart was torn into pieces at the scene, and everything just seemed to be moving in slow motion as if this was all just a dream.

A pulse was found soon after and yet I was crying louder then his mother. I was in pain. I'd been so low that this was my only outlet to expressing how I felt during this time.

Everything else? Was a blur. Mentally I was no longer present. I couldn't decipher whether I could continue.

***

Elis Pov

I woke up to a tube down my throat and began coughing the contents out. A nurse hurriedly removed it and stared at me with widened eyes.

I layed back down. Exhausted. She made sure the drip was correct and changed some things.

The nurse called the doctor immediately. As I turned to my right my eyes widened.

The doctor came in, did his testing and told me I'd be alright. He just had to run a few more tests and that I'd have to stay here a bit longer. He thought I wouldn't be able to come back. He even prepared Kai and my family members for the worst.

"I'll call your parents. I think they just arrived."

They left and I stared to my right again.

Kai? What was he doing here. I was too exhausted to make an exit. My heartbeat came down and I noticed something horrendous.

He looked as sick as I did.

My hand shivered and my lip trembled as I touched his worn out face. My tears fell on their own as I shakely touched his cheek.

Why would he stay? Why would he hurt himself like this. I moved closer to him not knowing what to do with myself anymore.

"Kai." I called out with a hoarse voice. And he didn't reply.

"Eli?" I looked to the door and saw a teary eyed Emily.

"Is Kai okay? I'm sorry mommy I'm so sorry." I broke down and Emily rushed towards me as I kept my head in my hands.

"My baby. This is not your fault okay? Please don't ever think that it was. I love you so much." her arms covered me.

Daniel didn't say much he cried as he held me close as well. After a few seconds I pushed them off a bit.

"Why does he look like this?" I asked as my bottom lip pouted as I tried to contain sadness.

"This is the first time he has slept in a long time. He refused to leave the hospital. His parents had to bring him clothing. He has been by your side. Ever since the day you were admitted. He swifched to online classes as well. Got all your materials sorted and even went to the art store for the projects you missed. "

Something inside me cracked further as I stared at his facial features. Why are you so good to me? I thought as I looked longingly at him.

He was no longer bright. He was down casted. His eyes were puffy and his full cheeks were now hollowed. He was paler and very skinny.

"You've been in here for two months. You were on a feeding tube. We thought you weren't going to make it. But Kai was adamant. He refused to take note of what we told him. He took meds to sleep. Don't worry he will wake up soon."

I clutched his shirt in mine and I realised how deeply my heart was broken.

Losing Calhoun. I didn't know how to deal with it. I hate it. I hate that he left me so quickly.

What I loathe more than that is myself.

I stared at Kai and realised how much I cracked his spirit.

"We will come back later." Daniel said and pulled Emily with him.

I layed my head against kais chest and appreciated his heartbeat. He was alive. His skin was warm.

He was here.

I felt movement and as kais eyes opened he instantly shed a tear.

"Eli."