From the Ashes (Possessed 2.50)

I sit in an ambulance on the day I finally feel like my life could come together, that I could be free of my past only to be praying that the reason, the man who made me feel these things, fights for his life.

My world is falling apart, and I’m helpless to stop it.

Ashley

When we arrive at the hospital, we’re immediately met with a whole medical team of doctors and nurses. Declan is rushed away from me before I know what is happening. A nurse leads me to a waiting room on the surgical floor and informs me that someone will be in shortly to update me on his condition.

That was two hours ago.

Two of hours of enough fear to suffocate anyone near me.

Two hours of endless waiting.

Two hours of not knowing what was happening.

Two hours of being alone.

Maybe this is my punishment. Maybe it wasn’t going to jail after all. I’m to suffer alone.

It’s such a selfish thought. I know it even as I think it. Except, what if it’s true?

Landon said he was calling my parents, and I can’t begin to wonder what is taking them so long. After our talk this morning, I felt like we were finally moving forward, putting the past behind us…So why do I feel abandoned?

Sitting on the couch, I lean my head back, wanting to close my eyes for a moment. To rest my tired brain. Before I know it, my exhaustion sweeps me under.

The creak of the door opening pulls me from my sleep as I jump up to see Landon and my dad entering. They both have grim looks on their faces and fear strikes me hard. “No,” I gasped, shaking my head back and forth emphatically.

“He’s still in surgery,” Landon is quick to reassure. Relief swamps me so intensely I sag back into the chair.

“What time is it?” I ask, running my hands up and down my face.

Looking at his watch, Dad tells me, “Just after midnight.”

“What!” I’ve been here for over four hours? “I need to talk to a nurse or doctor or someone.” I insist.

“A nurse will be here in a few minutes,” Landon says calmly again.

“That’s what they said four hours ago,” I retort snarkily, more than angry that I haven’t been told anything on his condition.

“Does he have family we should be calling?” Dad asks.

“Just Zach.”

“I’ll call him,” Landon says walking away, leaving Dad and me alone. It’s awkward, and it shouldn’t be. I’ve never spent a moment like this in my parents’ company. Well, aside from when my life blew up in everyone’s faces.

“You really like him, huh?” He looks to me expectantly.

“I more than like. I think I could love him.”

Nothing else is said as he pulls me into his arms for the sincerest, most comforting embrace I’ve ever felt from him. I finally feel like a daughter and not a burden.

“Thanks for coming, Dad,” I whisper into his shoulder.

“I’ll always come, Ashley. Always.” He promises, and I believe him. “Your mother wanted to be here, but we thought it best she stays with Cecilia to help keep her calm.”

“Ms. Powers?” A nurse finally comes in, preventing me from answering.

Wiping the tears from my face, I plead, “Yes?”