“You foolish,foolishgirl.”
She started to sob as the reality of what was happening hit her.
“I’ll take you to the hospital,” I said. Her eyes widened in fear.
“No, no, I’m fine, I’m awake,imfine,” she slurred.
“Okay, breathe, sweetie. Nice and slow. Breathe for me.” I leaned in, holding her gaze, and cupped her moist, cold cheeks, mimicking deep breaths. She followed my lead, watching me closely.
“I’ll take you to the hospital, BUT,” I added before she started to protest, “I won’t tell anyone. At least not tonight, okay?”
I could see her fighting me in her mind, but there was no point. Finally, she closed her eyes and nodded. I let out a small breath of relief.
Hazel winced as she pulled the EpiPen from her leg. Luckily, I had everything I needed with me. And even better was the fact that at least five cabs were parked by the restaurant waiting for drunk clients.
Gently, I lifted her into my arms. Her cold, soft skin made me want to absorb her into my veins just to make her warm. Her eternal sunshine was hidden somewhere deep inside that smallbody I was carrying, and I would have done anything to keep her light from spilling out.
In our group chat, I typed a quick message with short, vague sentences. Basic information would have to suffice for now. Hazel was sitting in my lap, her face hidden in my neck. Short, weak breaths tingled against my neck. I was happy to have her in my arms again, I just hated the circumstances of it. I brushed her hair back, pressing my cheek to her temple.
Oh, Hazel. What have you done to me?
“It would have passed,” she said weakly, her voice barely more than a breath. “I would’ve been fine later.”
“I know, sweetie.” I kissed her forehead, tightening my hold. “I just want you to be fine now,” I whispered, and Hazel sighed, her hand slipping around my body as she sank into me, like I was the only solid thing left in the world.
22
Hazel
It was the middle of the night when we stepped into the house. It was dark, empty, and silent. I let out a breath of relief.
“They’re probably still celebrating.” Luke read my mind, holding me firmly against him. Even though I refused to let him carry me from the car, I had to admit he was very comfy. It was bad enough I had plastered myself against him in the cab on our way to the hospital. His scent instantly brought me back to his strong chest, his hands on me, his breath warming my skin. I closed my eyes, which made me dizzy again. Luke tightened his grip and, before I knew it, I was being carried to the sofa.
“Imfine,” I muttered under my breath.
“Just like you were fine during your anaphylactic shock?” he said sharply, but quickly added, “Sorry.”
I lowered my gaze, ashamed that he had to spend his time and money rushing me to the hospital when he could’ve celebrated with his friends. “I’ll pay you back,” I mumbled, avoiding his eyes.
He lowered his face to mine, cupping my cheek. “Stop, Hazel,” he said in the softest voice I’ve ever heard anyone use. I looked up and was met with a small, encouraging smile.
They made us wait in the hospital for a couple of hours for observation, which I insisted was unnecessary, but Luke threatened to tell everyone where we were and bring them to the hospital if I refused. My grumbles only amused him.
Luke was still holding his warm hand on my cheek, and I wished it could be carved into those plaster-like statues so I could lean into it whenever I felt sad in the future. He brushedhis thumb casually before taking both my hands in his. “Come,” he said, helping me to my feet.
Slowly, we climbed the stairs and walked into our room. He sat me on the bed, gently removing my high heels. I watched his every movement carefully, imprinting these small moments into my mind. Occasionally, he looked up and smiled when he saw me ogling him.
I touched my hair, trying to remove the hundred pins Summer had put into my hair, and felt a sticky mess. “Damn it,” I said quietly, yet still catching Luke’s attention.
“What’s wrong?”
“Norah put a gallon of hairspray in my hair and now it could hold up a whole family of pigeons.” Luke smiled, then got up and went to the bathroom. I felt the absence of his touch instantly. Luckily, he was gone for only a minute.
“Where are your pajamas or something that you... wear?” his gaze dropping slightly at the last word.
“I’m not sure,” I sighed, exhausted.
“Okay, hold on.” He disappeared again and returned with a massive t-shirt. Probably his. I held it in front of me and looked at Luke skeptically.
