Chapter 36

I stared at the teenage boy as he strangled the doctor who told him that his dad had died. His mom was trying to break them free when the doctor pushed the boy from him. I felt like I was on some kind of drug unable to move or think. The scene that was unfolding before me was a common truth that doctors had to deal with almost daily. This was the horror that these white walls kept hidden from the outside world.

I heard heavy footsteps that seemed like a crowd of people were coming. I saw Leo running to me followed by Killian's mom and dad, Daniel, Jason, and Nicole. I was sure my bloody hands and my white blouse that was stained by Killian's blood made them terrified. It was a horrible sight to see, your loved ones blood on someone's cloth.

What happened to him? Is he okay? How injured is he? Will he be okay? Will the surgery take long? How did he get into the accident? Did the doctors say anything? They fired question after question worried to death that Killian wouldn't make it. The questions were all for me to answer but I could even barely function.

“I don't know anything! Nobody has said a word about how he is doing but he's been in surgery for two hours! I wish someone would tell me something...” I yelled my tears streaming down my face.

“Come on, Lia. Stand up and wash your hands,” said Leo helping me stand on my feet.

“I need to see Killian first, I need to see him first,” I refused, shaking my head to Leo's request to rid myself of Killian's blood.

I couldn't get myself to do anything, except protest Leo's request. I needed to know that it was my fault that Killian got into this accident in the first place. I did this to Killian and his blood was a clear reminder of my doing. Everybody sat down, each in their own mind, waiting in anticipation for anyone to tell them anything. Killian's dad approached me as I was still leaning on Leo for support.

“You should listen to him, you should wash off that blood. It's making everyone uncomfortable," he ordered in a calm voice for a person whose son was in surgery, "and would you bring her a change of clothes? We will be right here if she needs anything,” said Killian's dad, looking at Leo, their rivalry forgotten.

“I would appreciate that thank you,” said Leo thanking Mr. Grayson.

“Rivals or not, there are things we must do as humans. We should help each other in times of despair,” said Killian's dad tapping Leo on the shoulder, a possible sign of peace between the rival companies.

Nicole came forward asking Leo if she could go with him, she was feeling suffocated by these hospital walls. Losing her parents in a car crash has left her traumatized about anything related to car accidents and hospitals. Being her best friend once I understood how she must be feeling. She went along with Leo as I dragged my feet towards the nearest restroom.

I got into the restroom and stood by the sink that had a mirror. My cloth was all ruined and my bloody hands scared me the most, this wasn't a dream. I opened the tap putting my blood-covered hand under the water. I rubbed my hands together aggressively, getting Killian's blood off my hands. I was feeling guilty, it was all my fault.

I must've been in the restroom for too long because Nicole already came to the restroom with a shopping bag in her hand. She urged me to change into the clothes she brought me, which consisted of a grey cardigan, a black tank top, and blue jeans. I got into the bathroom stall changing into the new clothes quickly. I've wasted too much time trying to get Killian's blood off my hands.

“How did this happen, Eliana? How did Killian get hit by a car?” asked Nicole finally letting her curious mind loose.

“We were talking in the office and he showed me pictures of Leo and me saying I shared information about the project but I run away from there instead of talking to him like a proper adult...” I answered regret eating away my insides.

“Well did you? Share information about the project?” questioned Nicole, wanting to confirm if she could trust me.

“Absolutely not! I've been working on the project like him. I wouldn't dare ruin it. He got played, that's what happened,” I replied, denying any of the accusations Nicole threw my way.

“This person that leaked about the project, I think you should find out about them sooner, they pose a great threat,” said Nicole, getting out of the restroom with me following suit.

“After Killian wakes up, that will be my first job,” I replied, assuring Nicole that I wouldn't let whoever did that escape easily.

We got to where the rest of the family was, to find them standing in a small circle. Mr. and Mrs. Grayson were talking to the doctor, who was talking in a serious tone. It looked like the surgery went successfully as I saw the parents' faces light up, but they get solemn in a matter of minutes as the doctor kept talking before finally leaving the family alone to talk among themselves.

“What did the doctor say? Is Kilian okay?” I asked eager to know what happened.

“The surgery went successfully. But...” answered Mrs. Grayson, hesitating.

“But?” I questioned my voice shaking from the fear of receiving any more bad news.

“Killian might be in a coma. The doctor said to prepare for the worst, he may never wake up.”