“No,” I simplyanswered.
“I’ll give you something for the pain, okay, child?” Morgan said as he gently sat me back down on thebed.
“You don’t have to,” I said, not wanting to pass up any moment I could use to call Elijah—as long as my phone worked. I hoped it was charged enough to still make acall.
“I will,” he replied. “It’s my job to take care of you. I can’t have you tired and sore while I enjoy your company.” With that, he walked out, leaving the door wide open. I quickly removed the phone from my sock, hiding it under the mattress by my head with shaky hands. I managed to lie down on my side before he came back in, carrying asyringe.
“It’ll help, my child,” he said, injecting it into my shoulder. “Now, sleep. I have plans for when you wake.” With a kiss to my lips, which I didn’t respond to, he left, gently closing the squeaky door behind him. I was asleep before it clickedshut.
* * *
Elijah
The next time I woke up, it was light outside and I groaned as I tried to move. I was uncomfortable all over. Not just painful, but achy. It was quiet; the beeping of the heart machine was the only sound to beheard.
My eyes were caked closed, because I’d been forced to sleep by drugs. I hated drugs for this very reason: it made it hard to think; hard to focus. Giving up on trying to force my eyes open, I let my head relax back against the pillow. I wanted my own bed, my house, and mygirls.
I was calmer, and I forced myself to stay that way. I didn’t want to be sedated again. I had to get out. I had to find Dawn. Taking a deep breath, I listened around me, hoping something could get my mind off my worries andfears.
I heard breathing from the chair next to the bed and figured it was my mom. She would stay here until I was released, most likely, and then either be at my house or trying to get me to go hers. I just wanted to be left alone, or be teaming up with Kaleb to find mygirl.
A snore brought me out of my thoughts, and I couldn’t help but smile a little. I knew that snore. Turning my head and forcing my eyes open, I saw Kaleb sitting there, legs spread out and head leaning against the back of the chair. I had to wonder how long he’d been here, and how long I’d beenasleep.
There was a light tap on the door before it was pushed open, revealing a nurse. I watched her, not really having anything to say. I wanted to go home, and I’d do just about anything so Icould.
“Good morning,” she greeted quietly, as she checked the monitors and my chart at the end of the bed. She wore dull blue scrubs. Her black hair was piled high on her head in a messy bun. Her face was rounded and clear of blemishes. She would have been the type I’d have gone for in the past, but since finding Dawn, I didn't want to think aboutanother.
“Mornin’,” I replied, my voice quiet andhoarse.
“How are you feeling?” she asked, looking me over with light grayeyes.
“Just dandy,” I managed to get out. I felt like I’d been hit by a semi. Every nerve was tainted withpain.
“I’ll get you more pain reliever,” she smiled kindly, but quietly, as to not wake my guest up. “The doctor should be inshortly.”
She left, leaving the door open before returning just a minute later with water and a little white cup containing painmeds.
“Here you go,” she said sweetly, looking meover.
“Thanks,” I responded before downing them, not caring what they were. I just wanted to feel un-dead, if possible. I sure hoped Dawn was better off, wherever she may be. I had no idea how she’d been able to live with this sort of pain day after day at thatprison.
“The pain meds should kick in shortly, and most likely make you groggy, but if you need anything, push the call button, alright?” she said, turning to leave. I simply nodded, too tired and sore torespond.
I laid my head back down against the pillow, letting my eyes close, even though I knew sleep was the furthest thing from my mind. I heard Kaleb move but I kept my eyes closed. He sighed and movedagain.
“Damn chair,” he grumbled out, shifting again. I couldn’t help but laugh as I slowly opened my eyes. I could feel the drugs taking effect, my body becoming lighter. “Elijah?” heasked.
“Yeah,” I said, turning my head towards him. He looked tired, like he hadn’t gotten a wink of sleep. “They gave me drugs.” I smiled athim.
“I can tell,” he laughed. “I told the doctor to make sure they didn’t give you anything but Advil, but apparently they didn’t listen.” A pause. “How are youfeeling?”
“Like I want to fly,” I mumbled out, closing my eyes again. Could I fly?Wherecould Ifly?
“Oh, Elijah,” Kaleb mumbled. “I’ll be right back. Stay,” he said, giving me a look I wouldn’t ever disobey. Did he really think I would move from this bed? He left and I closed my eyes, thinking about flying. I wondered if I could grow wings. Could I fly to my Dawn, my pretty Dawn, who was not here with me? Where was she? I faintly heard the heart monitor pick up speed as my panic increased yetagain.
“Dawn!” I yelled, hoping, praying for her to respond. I had to find her. “Dawn!?”
“Elijah,” I heard Kaleb say, and a pressure against my face from his palm. “You have to calm down. They can’t sedate youagain.”
