Page 180 of Return Policy
“Here,” I say, jumping up and taking faltering steps toward him.
He introduces himself as Dr. Lowken and ushers me into the hallway, away from prying eyes. “Elijah has suffered a moderate head injury.”
A full ten seconds pass as I formulate a response. “Has he woken up yet?”
“Briefly. But we have him sedated to allow his body time to rest while the concussion subsides, while also ensuring he doesn’t accidentally hurt himself by waking up.”
This can’t be happening again.“How…” Letters stick to my tongue as I try to blend them together to create a cohesive sentence. I straighten my shoulders for a sense of composure when on the inside it feels like my bones are jelly. “How long till he wakes up?”
“Typically, we keep patients under for twenty-four to forty-eight hours. The outlook for your husband is promising.”My husband.“His brain activity seems to be fully functioning but at this point, it’s mostly a waiting game.”
“So he’ll be okay?”
“The outlook isverypromising.” His words mildly relieve my anxieties, but he doesn’t confirm anything for sure. I’ve watched enoughGrey’s Anatomyto know doctors can’t make promises… and patients who should easily recover can die.
“When can I see him?”
“We’re running a couple of tests, but you should be able to see him in the next few hours.”
“Okay, thank you,” I say weakly.
“If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.” He shakes my hand before leaving me in the hallway. My back slams against the wall, tears streaming down my face. I sink to the floor like a crumpled piece of paper, staring at the ugly pastel wallpaper across from me as my mind spirals straight into the black hole of worst-case scenarios.
I’m not sure how much time has passed when a large frame sits next to me. An arm slides around my shoulders, pulling me in, and I press my head to their chest.
“He’s gonna be okay, Soph,” Theo’s warm voice says.
“How can you be sure?” I croak out as tears spill from my eyes.
“Because Elijah’s a tough motherfucker.” He releases a breathy laugh. “Even if he doesn’t let anyone see the stuff he’s dealing with. He’s gotten through the last year. He’s strong enough to get through this too.”
I furrow my brows up at him. “You knew about Elijah’s family?”
“E’s my best friend. We live together. He never talked about it with me, but yeah, I knew about his dad.”
“I should call Elijah’s mom. Let her know I’m gonna get to see him.”
Coach Porter’s been giving her updates too, but I think it makes her feel better hearing from people who are close to Elijah.
“Do you want me to do it?” Theo offers. I think about how hard it was to keep my composure last time I talked to Jenna.
“Would you?” I ask weakly.I don’t think I can hear her pained voice on the other side of the phone again.
“Of course,” he says, helping me off the floor.
I tell him everything the doctor told me and give him Jenna’s number, and he excuses himself to go make the call.
My eyes flutter shut, and I take deep, calming breaths. When I open them again, the room spins around me as Seth’s eyes connect with mine. His lips curve up into a devious smile, and I step backward. The air expels from my lungs when I slam against the wall.
“You’re not allowed to be here,” I say calmly as my insides rattle with fear—rage—pure and utter fucking hatred.
He steps closer, narrowing his dark, dangerous eyes at me, and I stop breathing. “I told you not to fuck with me, Sophia.”
My back is flat against the wall as he reaches me. I want to scream. I want to run, but I’m frozen still. “You’re not allowed to be within a hundred feet of me.”
“Come on, don’t be like that.” A shiver runs down my spine as he towers over me. “You saw what I’m capable of. Next time I’ll make sure he doesn’t wake up.”
Every cell in my body vibrates with disgust for a man I used to love. Somehow I think that just adds gasoline to the furious fire.
