Joined Paths

Chapter-3

Jack

It has been half an hour of me gaining consciousness and around a hundred people have come in and out of the room. 

After the doctor did his checkup I thought the question would be over but that's when the real questions started and I have been constantly answering them. First was dad along with Esther and then Laura and Zane and then some people from the office kept coming. I know they are all worried about me and I was glad that I had so many people who care about me but it was now getting tiring.

It was even getting more frustrating because no one was really telling me where Allena was. I just knew that she was fine and was discharged from the hospital last week. It's like no one wants to talk about her.

Another hour passed and the visits reduced but still, there was no sign of Allena. Did I really mess up so bad that she isn't going to visit me even when I am in the hospital? 

Finally when the visiting hours ended I called Robert in. 

"I want no more visitors, don't let anyone in now."

"But.." he tried to interrupt but I was done with being polite with people. The one person I cared the most about wasn't interested in seeing me even when I was so unwell. I didn't care if others think I am an asshole.

It hurts that she wasn't here but I don't completely blame her after how I treated her. I know she doesn't trust people easily but she trusted me, twice, and I left her both the time.

"I said no one, not even my family. I want to be alone," I said gravely and he nodded and left without any further argument.

I lied down on the bed and relax and stop thinking but I was getting more paranoid.

I couldn't help stop the constant battle going between my brain and heart. My heart wanted to go to her and do whatever it takes to win her back but my brain knows that I am not good enough for her, all I ever did was hurt her. Would it be better if I leave her?

My headache was back with full force and the throat was getting drier. In no time I was coughing loudly. I tried to reach for the water but with all the bandages and pipes attached to my hand, it was almost impossible to move. 

I was about to stretch when the gate opened and there came Allena running. She quickly poured a glass of water and helped me drink it while I was in complete shock about his presence.

"Are you okay?" her voice was so full of concern and her face flushed. Her eyes were red like she had just cried.

I just nodded, I couldn't stop the warm feeling which I felt just by being in her presence. She still cared was all that mattered.

The door opened again and this time this was Robert, it was like he came running from somewhere.

He came up to Allena, "I told you to wait outside, why don't you listen?" 

She replied moving toward the gate, "I was, it just I heard him coughing"

"I don't care about your excuses, I let you in every night to spend here even risking my job and one time I told you to not enter."

She was there every night with me was all I could think about. She cared about me even after whatever happened. How stupid was I to think that she wouldn't come? 

"I am really sorry" and they kept going on arguing as if I was not there in the room.

"Both of you shut up" I shouted astonishing both of them, "Robert you can leave two of us alone"

He just nodded and left, after the gate closed I looked at Allena who was still standing in the same spot looking around nervously. Now I noticed that she was wearing some weird black uniform.

"Will you keep standing there?" I asked. 

She finally looked at me, then walked and sat beside me quietly looking at her fingers avoiding eye contact.

I was about to speak when she looked up and her eyes were teary and I forgot what I was about to speak.

"I know you wanted to be alone and it's not Robert's fault. He strictly told me not to enter but when I heard you coughing I couldn't stop myself"

"no.." I tried to tell her but she stopped me.

"Let me finish, I am really sorry because of me, you..you.." she sobbed.

I took her in my arms and hugged her tightly till her crying slowed, "It was not your fault, never say that again" I said stroking her hair.

I felt at peace. This is where I want to be for the rest of my life, close to her, and now I know the answer to the question that was bothering me, no matter what she will always love me and I can never leave her. 

Her crying stopped but none of us moved away, it was a beautiful moment which we didn't want to end but it was broken by the opening of the gate again. She immediately jumped away from me and so quickly that I was also surprised. Why the hell are there so many interruptions?

To top it all Laura was standing there with a tray of food and I could feel that it's not going to have a good ending.

"What are you doing here? Didn't I tell you that he needs to rest?" Laura said putting food down on the table.

Seriously, what's happening? I was tired of people talking on my behalf in front of me like I wasn't even there.

"I just wanted to talk to him."

"Seriously he is in the hospital because of you, I will talk to Robert..."

"No you won't, please leave," I sighed. I am unable to understand why everything keeps on getting more confused. 

I looked up to see Allena walking towards the door, "Stop, I meant you Laura and please send Robert in." 

She looked shocked but left without another word but not without banging the door hard. Robert came inside and stood looking tensed.

"Robert, I don't care what I tell you or anyone else but Allena is always allowed to meet me, anytime she wants. She is my girlfriend and I expect you to make sure that everyone around here respects her," I said and looked at him, he gave me a meaningful smile and walked out and I was glad because generally, he is never happy about the girls I go out with so it was a first. I guess it's the Allena effect.

Then I looked at Allena who was looking at me shocked, this was part I was dreading.

"Allena, will you say something?"

"NO," she said and turned her head away.

"No, just no. I know you love me and I also love you then why are you moving away?"

"Because I don't trust myself with you."