That sounds really bad.If only I said the safe word sooner, he wouldn't have reached this horrible state.
“I’m his girlfriend, but his brother’s on the way,” I manage, biting my lip hard enough to taste blood.
“When he arrives, please ask him to stop by the nurse’s station to sign the paperwork.”
“Of course.Thank you.”I gulp down, reassuring myself that everything will be okay.My knees nearly give out.Safe.He’s safe.
The doctor gives a kind smile and leaves.Jessy and I follow the nurses as they wheel Laird upstairs.They check machines, adjust IVs.
They give some instructions and ask Jessy a few questions.I can't keep up with their conversation, not with Laird still lay in bed like that.Everything hums and beeps softly, almost too steady.I sit in the chair beside the bed, staring at his still hand.
Jessy’s voice floats from the corner, talking to Golden through his phone.He shuts the call then walks towards me.“Fenella, you’re staying here tonight?”His hand rubs my shoulder, bringing me back to reality check.
“Yeah.You should go home and rest,” I say, my voice rough.
“Sure, but only after you clean up a little.”
“No one’s gonna see me anyway.”I roll my eyes upward.
“At least Laird will when he wakes up.Girl, you look like a Halloween prop with all that blood on your face.”
I almost smile.“God, you might have a point.”
In the bathroom, I splash water over my face until my reflection blurs.Blood runs pink down the drain.My ponytail’s a mess.My eyes are red.I look like someone who’s been through hell and somehow walked out.Jessy was right.
I tidy my hair as much as I can and make sure my face is clean.Bruises add dark burgundy in some spots, but at least it's clean or wrapped in band aid.
When I come out, I freeze.A tall man with dark blond hair and green eyes stands by the bed.For a split second, my heart stops.I thought it’s Laird awake.But he wears glasses and has a softer jaw line.
“Lloyd?”I whisper.
He turns, eyes widening, scanning me from head to toe, like he’s taking inventory of my damage.
“Oh, hey, Fenella.How are you?”
“I’m better now.”My voice cracks as he hugs me and kisses my temple.I cling to his sleeve for a second longer than I should.
“I heard everything from the guy who called.Mind filling me in?I didn’t even know Laird was back in Boston,” Lloyd says, pulling out a chair for me.
“Uh, well…” I glance at Jessy, who’s frozen mid-blink.“This is Jessy, my friend.Jessy, this is Laird’s brother, Lloyd.”
“Nice to meet you!Wow, you look so much like him.Are you twins?”Jessy grins.
“No, I’m three years younger,” Lloyd replies, flat.
Jessy laughs.“Guess those handsome genes run deep.”
Lloyd doesn’t react.He eyes Jessy with suspicion.That serious face toward strangers hasn’t changed since his teenage years.The silence stretches until Jessy clears his throat.
“Okay, I’ll head home.I’ll bring you a change of clothes later, Fenella, when we switch shifts.”
I nod.“Thanks, Jess.”
When he leaves, the air feels heavier.Only the quiet rhythm of Laird’s breathing fills the room.
“I didn’t know you were back in Boston,” Lloyd says finally.“Did you and Laird come together?”
“No.I got here on Christmas Eve.Laird came later.”
