Chapter 38

Chapter 38
The noise of machines and the odor of antiseptic indicated that I was in the hospital. I quickly opened my eyes, and the first person I noticed was Harvey, walking back and forth, appearing extremely anxious.

I surveyed my surroundings, verifying that I was indeed in a hospital. I even had IVs attached to me—and that's when I yelled.

"Lex, thank goodness you’re awake. I was very worried.” Harvey hurried forward, relief evident on his expression.

“Please remove this from me,” I begged, wishing to shut my eyes as I sensed the needle in my vein.

"The doctor said you needed water. You've been under a lot of stress," he murmured as he sat on the bed and tucked my hair behind my ear. "You know, for a nurse, you should know how important this is."

"I don’t care. I want it off my arm. It makes me anxious."

"Okay, I'll get the doctor. He said you'll be fine though." Harvey seemed really concerned. "Oh God, we were so worried."

"Is Elliot here?" I enquired, not sounding pleased to hear his name.

"No."

"Jake?"

“No. Jake had class but promised to come over later. I am talking about Dylan.”

"Dylan?" It surprised me. "You called Dylan?"

"He called me. He found you. Lex, if he hadn't been in the right place at the right moment, we might have lost you."

"Oh… what was he doing there?"

"His brother lives there. I heard they own those apartments, so maybe he has one too." Harvey was not being sarcastic. I nodded, not sure my life was worth living now. Part of me wished he hadn't found me.

"Your car, I–"

"I've reported it missing. It looks like a lady drove it, but she did not seem to be stealing it. She appeared distressed, so the cops said it would be easy to find."

"I'm sorry.”

"It's okay, Lex…" He stretched for my hand, lightly stroking it. "I tried calling your dad."

"You did what?”

“I was worried. Your father needed to know. Oh, and Sandra was not answering my calls."

"I see. What did my dad say?" I asked, expecting the worst.

"Nothing. He just asked me to take care of you.”

"Don't lie to me."

"Oh, yeah, he hung up. I'm sorry, Lex. I understand how it feels to be abandoned by your family." Harvey massaged the back of my hand again. I gulped hard and blinked my tears away.

Just then, the door opened. A doctor and Dylan entered the room. The doctor said that I was under too much stress, therefore my body shut down. I was fine but could use at least two days off.

"Depression is real and can kill, especially among young adults balancing college and work. You must learn to manage your time and understand that it is okay not to complete every assignment," the doctor suggested. I nodded, though college and work were not the issue here. It was my love life.

I was beginning to see that if I kept going on like this, I would lose my life.

The doctor withdrew the IVs and told me I was free to go. Harvey and Dylan helped me get into a wheelchair and pushed me out.

We got into Dylan's car, and once everyone was inside, he drove us back to our apartment. I wanted to ask if Elliot knew what happened to me, but I stopped myself, remembering the last words he said to me.

We were done… But my heart still ached.

Back at home, Harvey treated me like a child, while Dylan sat outside and claimed to be smoking.

"So, I completed all of your other assignments. Do you want help with new ones?" Harvey enquired, bringing me a glass of water before sinking into the sofa alongside me.

"Harvey, we don't even do the same course."

"But I'm smart, and we have the internet."

"I appreciate it. Harvey, I sincerely apologise for everything. You are a good friend.”

“Alex. I'm sorry, too." He reached into his pocket and took out my phone.

"You fixed it?" I asked, putting the glass down.

"It was never broken." He confessed guiltily. I smiled regretfully, knowing he was just trying to protect me, and I was being stubborn. Look where that got me now.

I almost unlocked my phone, but then I remembered Ray's calls—and probably Layla's threats so I put it away.

"Can we watch a movie?" I asked, feeling terrible for constantly postponing hanging with him.

"Um, I didn't tell you something." I turned to face him. "Phoebe is still around town. I'm meant to be at the party, but–”

"Oh totally, you should go."

"What? Are you certain? I mean, you are still recovering, and who can trust Dylan? I do not think I can leave you alone."

"I'm fine. I'll text Sandra to come look over me. And I'd like it if you took Dylan with you." I couldn't bear a face that reminded me of Elliot. "What's the worst that can happen? I'm home now."

"I mean, what if you decide to go and you know…"

"If I decide to go, even if you're here, you won't stop me."

"True, but I'll at least come with you and punch him together this time."

I faintly smiled, "I'm fine. Go on. It's Phoebe's first time at LA's Flat Boys party, and you know how crazy those can get.”

"Yeah, they might drug her.”

"I promise you, I'm fine. Let me text Sandra. I am sure she will come." I picked up my phone and pretended to text.

“Okay, I'll go put on a hoodie. But if something happens, please text me."

"I will." He stood and headed inside the bedroom. I watched him until he vanished then I turned and was startled to see Dylan standing by the entrance, staring at me. "Dylan," I said his name calming myself.

"Does the smell of cigarettes disturb you?"

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"I can't stay a minute without a joint, you know." He shrugged, appearing calm but with a pity face. Since when is he nice to me? I didn't want him to feel sorry for me, especially since his brother was to blame for my agony.

"I heard you're the one who found me," I murmured, turning away. "Thank you."

"Not a problem. You've done that for me before." He spoke as if it were no big deal.

"I—"

"Did you take your medicine?" He interrupted me with a question. I looked at him. He was looking aside, attempting to hide his face.

"Yeah, thanks.”

"I am ready now. Lex, are you positive you'll be okay?"

"One hundred percent. Now it's already eight. Hurry up." I adjusted his hoodie hands. He bent down, kissed my head, and asked Dylan for a ride.

Dylan was ready to offer his car, stating he wasn't in the mood to go out—unusual for a party badboy like him, Harvey convinced him that Sandra was on her way, and I wanted some alone time. That's when Dylan agreed.

"Don't hesitate to call me if anything goes wrong." Harvey expressed concern. I nodded, I relaxed after they closed the door, disappearing.

I almost relaxed but was startled by a knock. I walked to the door, thinking they had forgotten something, but when I opened it, Ray was there, drunk.

"Is this where my fake girlfriend lives?" He slurred.

“Ray, what are you—shit!" I cursed as he stumbled into me. I struggled, but eventually got him onto the sofa.

"I've been calling her, but she's not picking up." He muttered drunkenly. "I have fallen in love. One night and she swept me off my feet...” He held my hand. "Alexis… her name is Alexis." Then he passed out.

Pfft. Elliot and Harvey said the same, I wasn't falling for this again.