ELEVEN
1610 Words
Lizzie’s POV
The words hit me like a jolt of electricity.
“Awake? He’s—he’s awake?”
Mum nodded, tears streaming down her face.
A shaky smile formed on her lips.
“Yes, he’s conscious. He’s awake.”
I pushed through the nurses to reach Dad’s bedside. His eyes were open, blinking slowly as if adjusting to the light.
His gaze was unfocused but alive.
“Dad,” I whispered.
“Dad, it’s me, Lizzie.”
His eyes shifted slightly, struggling to focus on me. His mouth moved, but no sound came out. I could see the effort it took for him to even try.
“John, can you hear us?” Mum asked, clutching his hand tightly.
“It’s Liana. You’re in the hospital, but you’re safe. We’re here.”
He blinked again.
His hand twitched weakly in Mum’s grip, and his lips moved again, forming a soundless word.
“He’s trying to speak,” one of the nurses said.
“He’s still very weak, but it’s a good sign. He’s responding.”
I felt a sob choke up in my throat.
“Dad, we’re right here. Just rest, okay? You’re going to be okay.”
Reed had followed me into the room, standing a few steps behind.
His earlier harshness was replaced with a softer expression but I couldn’t focus on him now.
All my attention was on Dad, on the miracle of seeing his eyes open, of knowing he was still with us.
The nurses continued to check his vitals, their hands adjusting his IV and monitoring the machines. Mum and I stayed close, our hands clutching his.
“Thank you,” I heard Mum whisper to Reed.
“Thank you for being here.”
He nodded, his eyes never leaving Dad.
“I’m glad he’s okay.”
I glanced back at Reed and Despite everything, I was grateful he was here.
Grateful for his support, even if it was tangled with so many other emotions.
For now, all that mattered was Dad. The rest could wait.
A couple of hours later, Dad’s condition had stabilized. He managed to eat a little, and although Mum was worried that he couldn’t speak yet, the doctor assured us that it would take time for him to heal.
As night covered, Reed stood up from the corner where he had been sitting quietly.
“Liana, we should retire for the night,” he said.
“I’ll take Bits with me.”
I glanced up at him for a moment.
“I’m fine, thank you,” I stated firmly, crossing my arms in front of me.
Mum noticed my hesitation and gently placed a hand on my shoulder.
“Lizzie, honey, maybe it’s best if you go with Reed. You’ve been through a lot today. I’ll stay here with your father.”
I shook my head, I did not want to leave Dad’s side.
“I don’t want to leave you alone, Mum.”
She smiled reassuringly.
“I won’t be alone. There are nurses and doctors here, and I’ll be fine. Your dad needs rest, and so do you.”
“But…”
“Lizzie,” Mum interrupted gently.
“Please. Go with Reed. I promise I’ll call you if anything changes. You need to rest too.”
I hesitated, looking at Dad, who was now sleeping peacefully, I reluctantly nodded.
“Okay,” I murmured.
“But I want updates, Mum. Promise me.”
She nodded, squeezing my shoulder.
“I promise. Now go, and try to get some sleep. You’ve earned it.”
I glanced at Reed, who was watching with a guarded expression.
“Fine,” I said to him.
He nodded once.
“Let’s go.”
I trusted Mum to take care of Dad, but being around Reed was another matter entirely.
I didn’t trust myself around him.
After kissing my parents goodbye, I reluctantly let Reed lead the way. As we walked through the hospital hallway, I made a conscious effort to keep my distance.
When we reached the parking lot, my curiosity got the better of me and I couldn’t help but ask,
“How did you get a car in Michigan?” I eyed the sleek white Audi parked before me.
“I rented it. Now get in,” Reed ordered, opening the car door and gesturing for me to enter.
“You don’t have to be a jerk,” I muttered under my breath as I climbed into the passenger seat.
Before I realized, Reed leaned in closer and my breath hitched.
“Watch your attitude, Bits.” he said firmly, before shutting the door and moving around to the driver’s side.
I sighed.
Sinking into the seat, I fastened my seatbelt and stared out of the window.
The drive was unusually slow and quiet, unlike every Norma day.
But today wasn't any ordinary day.
I sank deeper into my seat, trying to block out the awkward silence.
Finally, Reed spoke up.
"Taylor Swift?" he asked casually.
I eyed him for a moment.
He kept his eyes focused on the road ahead, seemingly indifferent.
I shifted in my seat, facing him more directly.
"Did you get Drey out yet?" I asked him.
Reed sighed, briefly glancing at me before returning his attention to the road.
"I've sent word for his release," he stated tersely.
"Thanks," I replied quietly.
"Thanks?" Reed echoed.
"For what exactly, Bits?"
I hesitated.
"For not making it more difficult," I admitted.
He nodded curtly, turning on the radio.
The ride remained silent until we pulled up at Reed’s condo.
He had a condo in Michigan? My
jaw dropped at the sleek, modern interior once we stepped inside.
The place was expansive, with floor-to-ceiling windows showing off the city skyline.
Reed strode confidently into the kitchen, and I followed, trying to take in the impressive space.
“So, you have a condo?” I asked, casually leaning against the kitchen counter.
Reed opened the fridge and pulled out a jug of water, glancing at me with a smirk.
“I have condos everywhere,” he said, pouring himself a glass.
I rolled my eyes.
“Do you always have to be so full of yourself?” I groaned loudly.
He shrugged, taking a sip of water.
“I didn’t get to where I am by being humble, Bits,” he replied.
I huffed, shaking my head.
“You’re unbelievable,” I muttered, pushing off the counter and heading towards the living area.
Reed watched me go.
“You might find I’m not so bad once you get to know me.”
“Don’t count on it,” I shot back, not bothering to turn around as I wandered further into the condo.
The sitting room looked way too inviting to pass up, and I sank into the plush couch, scrolling through my phone to distract myself.
Time must have passed when the doorbell rang, and Reed emerged shirtless from another room, heading for the door.
I did my best to ignore his chiseled presence, focusing on my phone.
“I ordered dinner,” Reed announced, holding up two plastic bags as he returned.
“Good timing then,” I muttered, getting off the couch and joining him at the kitchen counter.
We settled onto stools, unwrapping our dinners.
To my surprise, I had Ratatouille Sheet Pan Dinner with Sausage.
Reed, on the other hand, had something that looked far less mouthwatering, some kind of bland salad.
I couldn’t resist a smirk.
“Ratatouille? Really? That’s kind of fancy for takeout.”
Reed glanced at my plate and then back at his own, popping an eyebrow.
“You’d be surprised what you can get delivered around here.”
“Or maybe you just have a knack for finding the good stuff,” I quipped, taking a bite of my food.
He watched me for a moment.
“Maybe I do.”
I rolled my eyes, but secretly, I appreciated the effort.
We ate in relative silence until Reed's phone rang. We exchanged a brief look before he answered, putting the phone to his ear.
I listened as he hummed in response a few times before speaking,
"I’ll be there by tomorrow, Irene."
The mention of her name sent a pang of jealousy through me, and I kept my eyes firmly on my plate.
After saying his goodnight to her and ending the call, I looked up at him.
“So, you’re leaving?” I asked, my words coming out more vulnerable than I intended.
“Yes, Bits. After dropping you off and checking in with your dad,” he answered evenly.
“She doesn’t sound very pleasing,” I said aloud.
Reed popped a thick eyebrow at me.
“Why’d you say that?”
I shrugged casually, stabbing at my food.
“Is she?” I asked.
His eyes grew distant.
“That’s none of your business, Bits.”
I nodded, focusing on my dinner.
The call had soured my appetite, but I kept eating, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of seeing how much his words affected me.
I ate until I couldn’t anymore, pushing my plate aside and getting off the stool.
I stalked towards Reed.
My fingers grazed his stubble as I pulled his face to the side, daring him to stop me. But he didn’t, which only stroked my ego further.
My eyes lingered on his lips while his eyes stayed fixed on mine. I tilted my head, planting a wet kiss on his cheek.
“Goodnight,” I whispered.
Then, without waiting for a response, I turned and wandered away.
- Writer
