Holden Steele's Ruin [Completed]

Chapter 39

"Did Tommy make that?" Holden's resonant voice jerked me from my mindless observation of the paper boat.

"Yeah," I said while fidgeting with the corner of a loose sticker "is he going to be okay?"

"He is."

Narrowed steel eyes riveted on the glistering white hospital tiles, his stubbled jaw twitched with tension. Faith might be described briefly as an illogical belief in the occurrence of the improbable. But what Holden portrayed wasn't faith, it was unmistakable assurance. Like he could determine the outcome of the situation.

"Maybe you should head back, he's going to be out for awhile," Knox quipped whilst he fleetingly gazed at the translucent blinds of the window. The almost unnoticeable tracing of the moon behind the clothe bringing forth the current time.

The hours had passed by inconspicuously, consisting of me blankly watching Tommy while sipping stale coffee. It was however, impossible to ignored the flagrant tension between Knox and Holden.

Through the cracks of the door I had heard tidbit of their frustrated arguing. It had undoubtedly peeked at my inquisition but I didn't pry. If they had gone to the length of talking outside the room, it was a private matter.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. I'll call you if anything changes" Knox persuaded an unmoving Holden. I diverted my eyes at their mental conversation, silently folding up the craft boat. Holden hardly nodded in compliance, his objection blindingly clear.

"His going to love that" Knox said while directing his thumb to the plain white origami swan on the side table, appreciation indented in his eyes. I mastered a genuine smile, shifting to stand next to Holden.

"Tell him I said thank you for the boat" I steadily managed to maintain my wavering smile as I glanced at the winding wires disappearing into the bland sheets.

"I will," Knox responded while his large strides gulped down the few steps towards us "thank you for coming, Tommy really wanted to be the one to show you the boat."

Stunned, I staggered unbalanced when he circled his blurry arm around me. The hug was respectful, none lingering and good-natured. His eyes radiated appreciative warmth as he shuffled towards an unblinking Holden.

"Look man, I appreciate everything you do for Tommy. We both do, but your no obligated to help us." Holden's lips disappeared into an incredibly thin line as his penetrating stare flitted to Tommy's bed.

"I know."

They seemingly shared a private conversation, a heated on at that. Neither of them bothering to conceal the severity of the wordless discussion, both stiff and resolute.

Knox was the fist to flatter, his deep sigh bouncing off the walls of the small room. He slumped his shoulders, defeat weaving into his features. Soon after, Holden noticeably lessened his defence. He nodded jerkily before opening the door, falling in step with me as we retracted down the noiseless hall.

The chilly night air cocooned me immediately I stepped past the revolving doors, a great contrast to the the steady warmth in Tommy's room. Nonetheless, I blinked past the dry wind to sight the weathered down truck.

Maintaining the quietude, I clambered up the high raising of the car, reclining against the leather seat. Holden's nimble fingers clenched along the worn out wheel as he stared at the far away distance.

"Stay. Stay over at my place tonight"

"Okay" I whispered, watching his skin on his neck ripple as he rived the engine. I studied how steadfastly he stared out at the darkness as we ripped through the concrete road. I had a feeling something was bothering him, something other than Tommy's condition. Intuition maybe?