Strong hands came to rest on his shoulders, making Sebastian start. He straightened and looked back to see Henry standing behind him. Sebastian blinked then rubbed his eyes, not sure if he was seeing correctly. " Henry?" he croaked.
Henry squeezed his shoulders. He wasn't looking at Sebastian though. He was looking at Raelynn, his expression sad.
" What...what are you doing here?" Sebastian asked in confusion.
" Jared called me," Henry replied quietly, still looking over Raelynn's battered form.
" How'd he get your number?" Sebastian asked.
" I'm your emergency contact," Henry said, finally turning his gaze to Sebastian.
Sebastian nodded in understanding. Jared must have had Henry's number stored in his phone for emergencies. Sebastian couldn't thank Jared enough for today. The man was truly a great person. Sebastian was beginning to consider him a friend also.
" Visiting hours are over Sebastian, it's time to go," Henry murmured apologetically.
Sebastian sighed heavily. He wasn't ready to leave. Sebastian leaned over and kissed Raelynn's forehead. " I'll come see you as soon as I can, sweet cheeks. Promise me you'll fight to stay alive," Sebastian whispered to her, praying that she could hear him.
Sebastian gathered up all the strength he could muster and turned away. Henry put his arm around Sebastian's shoulders and led him from the room. As they passed the waiting room, Raelynn's family was in the process of leaving too. Sebastian went to Jared and hugged him. Jared made a surprised noise but hugged Sebastian back.
" Thank you, Jared," Sebastian whispered.
Jared patted his back. " You're welcome, Sebastian."
Sebastian pulled back, giving him a tight smile before turning to leave.
" Sebastian," Jared called.
Sebastian turned back and looked at Jared expectantly.
" Raelynn's parents put you on the visitors list. You can come see Raelynn whenever you want," Jared said softly.
Sebastian sucked in a sharp breath, his eyes widened slightly. Sebastian's gaze swung over to Raelynn's parents, who were standing together a little behind Jared. They both gave him a small but warm smile. Sebastian didn't know what to say. He was shocked. He was extremely grateful. And being the pussy he was, he burst into tears. He went to her parents and hugged them both at the same time, whispering ‘Thank you’ over and over. They hugged him back. Raelynn's mom started crying because he was crying. He didn't even know their names, but he didn't really care at the moment. They had just done the best thing ever for him. And he planned on taking advantage of their gift. He was going to be here everyday for Raelynn. He would will her to get better. He wouldn't give up without a fight. He had just gotten her back and they hadn't had enough time together. He wanted more and dammit, he was going to get it! Raelynn had somehow become his world and he would not let his world come crashing down a second time.
Chapter 12
Raelynn wanted out of the darkness. She had no idea where she was or what had happened. She couldn't remember anything. She had no idea how long she had been here. She could hear voices every now and then. But she couldn’t decipher whose voices they were. There were some male voices and some female voices. One male voice stood out but she couldn’t come up with his name. She knew he was important to her though. Whenever she heard him he told her to fight, that he needed her, that he missed her. Raelynn yearned to repeat the words to him.
Raelynn felt the darkness slowly fading. She could hear that male voice again. He was talking to her. Raelynn fought to listen to what he was saying. She wanted to know what he was saying. The darkness receded a little more. The man laughed. The kind of laugh that Raelynn knew was rare and special coming from this man. There was a light fog around Raelynn now.
"...He's getting so big. Anyway, I was thinking about getting another tattoo, maybe your face on the side of my neck?" the voice chuckled. "...I'm just joking. Well partially, I do want another tattoo. Maybe something else like St. Michael..."
Raelynn could feel her body again. She could feel a hand on her thigh, gently rubbing. She drug her eyes open as much as she could. It was only a crack, she could see only a sliver of light but nothing solid. She turned her head towards the voice, which had abruptly cut off. Raelynn let out a breathy moan, she didn't want him to stop talking!
" Raelynn?" the voice asked hesitantly.
Raelynn licked her dry lips and tried to speak, but nothing came out.
" Holy shit! Hold on, baby! let me get a nurse," the voice said excitedly.
Raelynn heard him move. A beep sounded, then a disembodied female voice spoke. " Can I help you?"