Secrets and Silhouettes

The hospital sleepover

As Mom spends most of Thursday with me at the hospital, her concern is palpable in every word she speaks.

"Honey, what happened?" she asks, her voice laced with worry. "When they said Allen did this, I told them they are wrong and that he would never,".

"I asked him to pretend to be my boyfriend so that the guys at school would leave me alone. So that I can focus on my grades," I explain, my words spilling out in a rush. "I thought he was gay and that he would be fine with it. But then Emmet... he came to our school. I first saw Emmet the night before school started, and I couldn't get him out of my mind."

Taking a moment to gather my thoughts, I continue, "I told Allen about it, and he said he would occupy my mind with other things to distract me from Emmet. I had a falling out with Emmet. I went to apologise to him, we got talking and I got to know him. He's a really nice and caring person. I started to have feelings for him. And then when I was at his place last night for the science project, he kissed me, Mom. It felt so right. I know I've never kissed a guy before, but I'm sure we should be together."

My emotions threaten to overwhelm me as I recount the terrifying encounter with Allen. "This morning, Allen said he and I should be in a real relationship. I told him I wanted to break the fake relationship off. He got upset, he followed me when I went to the mall and stopped me when I was done with my shopping. As I loaded it into the car, he shoved me into the car and drove off. He's jealous that I chose to... never mind. He's just off his rocker."

Mom sighs and takes my hand in hers, offering comfort in her touch. "And what happened in your hospital room?"

"Emily told me she saw everything," I reply, my voice trembling with emotion. "She explained to me what she saw. And she have been through so much in her life. He was going to hurt her. I had to protect her."

Mom nods, understanding the gravity of the situation. "We can talk a bit more later," she says gently, standing up from her chair. "I'll be back later. Get some rest," she adds, kissing my head before leaving the room.

****

I awoke from my nap to the gentle touch of someone stroking my cheek. Slowly, I opened my eyes to find Emmet standing beside my bed, his presence bringing a sense of comfort and relief.

"Hi, my Angel. How are you feeling?" he greeted me softly.

"Hey, a lot better now that you're here," I replied, managing a small smile.

He leaned in and kissed me tenderly before recounting his day. "I had the worst day. My science partner didn't show up to school, and the rumors circulating were hard to ignore."

My heart skipped a beat at the mention of rumors. "What stories?" I asked, suddenly sitting up in bed.

"You needn't worry about that. I set the record straight. The only thing you need to focus on now is getting better so you can get out of here," he reassured me.

"Can I ask you a favor?" I inquired, turning to Emmet with a hopeful look in my eyes.

"Anything," he replied without hesitation.

"My shopping bags, the ones that were in my car when the accident happened. Can you maybe go and find them and take them to your house?" I requested.

He raised an eyebrow inquisitively. "Why my place?"

"Well, first, I don't want my mom to find them, and second, that's where I intend to use them, so... why not?" I explained with a sheepish grin.

Before I could respond, a commotion erupted in the hallway outside my room. "Call security!" a nurse shouted.

Suddenly, Allen appeared in the doorway, sending a shiver down my spine. Instinctively, I reached for Emmet's hand, my voice trembling as I spoke. "Allen, I need you to leave, now. I don't want to see you or talk to you. Please, go away and leave me alone."

But Allen's response was chilling. His wicked smile sent shivers down my spine as he locked eyes with Emmet. "You're everywhere you're not wanted, do you know that?" he taunted.

Emmet remained calm, his voice steady as he replied, "I didn't hear her ask me to leave. If you don't want to be near me, you can leave like she requested."

Before Allen could react, security intervened, restraining him before he could cause harm. Emmet stayed by my side, refusing to leave me alone even as my mom arrived, frantic with worry.

"Ali, are you okay?" she asked, rushing to my side and squeezing my hand tightly.

"He didn't touch me, Mom. Emmet was here, and the security arrived quickly," I reassured her, still shaken from the encounter.

"Dad's on his way, and he's contacting the lawyers to see if we can get a restraining order. The doctor has signed your discharge papers. You can go home," Mom informed me, relief evident in her voice as she sought to take me away from the danger.

As Emmet prepared to leave, Mom addressed him with gratitude. "Emmet, thank you for being here and for saving her... again."

“It is my great honor to be here for her, Mrs Hall.” He nods and walks off.

"I told you he was a nice person," I said to my mom, a glimmer of reassurance in my eyes.

"He is, honey," she replied, offering a comforting smile.

As Mom slowly started to gather my things, Dad's voice rang out as he entered the room. "Darling," he said warmly, embracing Mom before coming to me. "I spoke with our lawyer, and he said we should be able to get a restraining order against Allen. It will take a day or two, but it will happen."

I lowered my head, feeling a weight of guilt settle upon me. "I'm so sorry I caused all this. I didn't want to burden you guys with my problems," I whispered.

"You're our child, we only have one of you," Dad reassured me, his voice filled with love. "You and your problems will never be a burden. We are here for you, always and forever."

Tears welled up in my eyes as I turned to my mom. "Thank you for everything you did for me today," I said gratefully. "I am truly blessed to have you as parents."

As Mom helped me to the bathroom to change into my clothes, Dad stayed in the room, his presence a comforting anchor amidst the chaos of my injuries. It was a mission to change, my right shoulder throbbing with deep tissue pain, and my right wrist reminding me of its dislocation with every movement.

The doctor's words echoed in my mind – I had likely tried to lessen the impact when Allen crashed into the tree. Now, my neck feels stiff, and a dull ache is beginning to spread around my eye, signaling the start of a bruise. My right side had borne the brunt of the impact, a constant reminder of the terrifying events that had unfolded.

As we walked out of the hospital, the bright sunlight hit me like a wave, momentarily blinding me. "So bright," I murmured, instinctively raising my hand to shield my eyes. Dad had pulled the car closer, sparing me from the discomfort of a long walk. "Thanks, Dad," I said, giving him a hug before settling into the back seat.

Anxiety gnawed at me as we drove home, Dad's cautious driving a stark contrast to his usual style. I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled over me like a heavy blanket.

When we arrived home, Adi and Eli were waiting eagerly. Despite their excitement, I didn't feel ready for visitors. "Mom, can you please tell them I'm not feeling up to visitors yet? Please," I requested as I stepped out of the car. Mom nodded understandingly and approached Adi and Eli, while Dad helped me make my way to the house, each step a reminder of the ordeal I had just endured.

My phone pinged, and I hesitated before checking the notification. To my surprise, it was a message from Emmet, accompanied by a picture. Relief washed over me as I saw that he had found my shopping bags. Without a second thought, I dialed his number.

"Was this my surprise?" he answered with curiosity evident in his voice.

"It was, well, still is, just for a later date," I replied, feeling my heart race with anticipation. "Would you have liked it?" I asked nervously, hoping for a positive response.

"No, my Angel. I would have f*****g loved it," he responded, his excitement palpable.

"I'm home now. I want to be with you, in your arms. Drinking coffee with Emily," I said wistfully.

"I want that too, but you have to rest up and get better," he replied, concern evident in his voice.

"I'm going to sleep until I can see you again," I said with determination.

"Sounds like a plan. I'll speak to you later," he said gently.

"Okay, bye," I said, reluctantly ending the call. As I drifted off to sleep, a sense of calm washed over me.

But my peace was shattered by the sound of a smashing window, jolting me awake.