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“You stayed?” I ask, and he leans down, brushing his lips against mine.
“How are you feeling, sweetheart?” my mom says from next to me, and I jump, not realizing she was there. Turning my head, I smile as I see my parents sitting at the side of the bed.
“I’m okay,” I lie. My leg is throbbing, and I know the pain meds are wearing off, but I don’t want anyone to worry. “Have they said when I can go home?” I’m desperate to get out of here and back to Sawyer’s. I’m more than ready for this whole nightmare to be over.
“No one’s said, but you’ve been shot. I think they’ll want you to stay overnight,” my mom says. “They need to make sure there’s no infection.”
“I want to go home.”
“I know, sweetheart.” She reaches for my hand and gives it a gentle squeeze. “We’ll go and see if we can find a doctor. See what their plans are for you. Jess and Brooke want to see you.” My dad bends down and kisses my cheek, and I watch as they leave, closing the door behind them.
Turning to Sawyer, I frown. “Brooke is here?”
“Yeah, Logan brought her and Jess.”
“No, no, no! It’s her bachelorette party. She shouldn’t be here.”
“Hallie, she doesn’t care about her bachelorette party. She cares you got hurt,” Sawyer insists.
“But I ruined her bachelorette party.”
“No, you did not,” Brooke exclaims as she walks through the now-open door and crosses the room, pulling me in for a hug. “How can you think I care about a silly bachelorette party when some psycho kidnapped and shot you!” She releases me from her hug and sits in one of the chairs my parents vacated.
“But—”
“No buts. You’re alive. That’s all I care about.”
“Told you.” Sawyer smirks, and I smack his chest.
I smile at Brooke. “Well, for what it’s worth, I’m sorry.” She waves me off, and I turn back to Sawyer, seeing Jess in the doorway.
“Hallie,” she whispers before bursting into tears.
Sawyer jumps up and takes her hand, bringing her to me.
“Hey, I’m okay,” I assure. She sits on the edge of the bed, and I hug her.
“You’re really okay? I couldn’t believe it when I saw Nick on the CCTV. You must have been so scared.”
“I’m really okay. I promise. You and Brooke should go back to the cabin and carry on with the party. I feel bad you’re missing it.”
She shakes her head. “I think I might go home. Sorry,” Jess says sheepishly, her eyes flicking to Brooke.
“It’s fine, Jess. I totally understand,” Brooke tells her sympathetically.
“Are you okay to drive back?” Sawyer asks, knowing Jess and I drove up together.
“Grayson’s brother is driving him up to the cabin. He’s going to meet me there and drive my car back. Logan said he’d take me back to the cabin when I was ready. I had to check you were okay first.” She takes my hand and squeezes it. “Will you call me when you get back home?” I nod, and she pulls me into a hug.
“I’ll go and find Logan.” She stands up to leave, and I grab her arm.
“Wait, Jess.” I turn to Brooke. “Go back with them, Brooke, please. Go and enjoy your bachelorette party.” I can see the indecision in her eyes, and I tell a little white lie to encourage her to leave. “I’m shattered and due more pain meds soon. I’ll likely be asleep anyway, and Sawyer is here with me.”
“Okay… but are you sure?”
“I’m sure.”
“Sawyer, call me if you need anything, okay?” Brooke instructs, pulling me into a hug.
