I try to lift my hand to touch him, but it’s heavy. All I can do is lie here and watch, listen to him cry. Why won’t I just wake up...
CHAPTER TWENTY TWO
ASHTON
“Why won’t she wake up doctor? It’s been days.”
“She’s had a traumatic experience, Mr Kennedy. It’s her brain’s way of healing. The bleeding on the brain has stopped, and we’re confident she’ll pull through and make a full recovery. She’ll wake up when she’s good and ready. Just be patient.”
The doctor places a comforting hand on my shoulder and squeezes it before walking towards the door. “Try talking to her, she’ll hear you. Let me know when she wakes. I’ll be here.” I nod at the good doctor and let him leave.
This is the first time I’ve been on my own with her in three days. There’s always been someone in the room. Toby, Landon, and even her boss has been by to see how she’s doing.
There’s been flowers sent to her room by some of the regulars at the bar. I just want, no, need her to wake up now - it’s been long enough. I need her to know how I feel about her. I can’t let her lie there without knowing my feelings for her because of not being brave enough.
I wonder if she can hear me?
“Acacia, can you hear me?”
“I need you to come back to me now, baby. I love you!” I wipe the tears away and lift her hand to my lips. I kiss her knuckles, watching for movement.
“Why were you in the car, I don’t understand. You were sleeping peacefully when I left, you were supposed to be in bed when I returned, not like this.” I stand up, leaning down to kiss her lips.
I hope my touch would be enough to wake her. I watch closely for the smallest movement, but there’s nothing. I groan in frustration and slump back into the chair, burying my face into my hands. I let the tears pour out, a mix of anger, frustration, and sadness.
I whisper at her as she lies peacefully in the bed, “Please wake up for me.”
I hear the door open from behind me, but I don’t look to see who it is; I’m frightened to take my eyes from her in case she wakes. I want to be the first one she sees when she opens those beautiful eyes of hers.
A hand rests on my shoulder.
“Hey, how is she, any change?” I recognize Toby’s voice before taking my eyes off of her. I shake my head, subdued.
“I just want her to wake up. I need to hear her voice again, Toby.”
“Why don’t you have a break? I’m not saying go home just get yourself a coffee or a bite to eat - you need to keep your strength up, Ash.
“Not gonna happen. I’m not leaving her, ever again. There’s a reason she got in that car, Toby. She was on the way to my house, she had to be. I can’t shake the feeling that I caused this in a way. I need to know she’s alright and then I need to tell her how much I love her.” I settle back down into my seat and watch her some more.
“Okay, I’ll be right back. I’ll get us something.” I don’t answer him, I know he’s gone when the door closes quietly.
I lay my cheek on top of her hand and close my eyes, thinking back to the last time we were happy, the last time we were together.
CHAPTER TWENTY THREE
ASHTON
It’s been five days.
Five whole days of Acacia being in the coma…
I can take no more, I just want her to wake up now. I need to see those gorgeous eyes and hear her sweet voice.
I gently stroke her hair. “Baby, I really need you to wake up now. You’ve slept for long enough. I need you back with me, by my side. I love you, Acacia.”
I kiss the back of her hand, raising my eyes to her face and still see no movement, no reaction. The door opens and in walks the doctor.
“Good morning, Mr Kennedy.”