When I Met You

Chapter 3 (Damien's POV)

Her body flew into the air and landed on my windscreen, creating an intricate pattern of webs and blood. My ears were ringing, and I couldn't hear anything else.

I had just hit someone.

I tore my seatbelt off and rushed out. Her body was now on the ground, a small pool of blood encircling her head. I knelt beside her, placing her head on my laps. ‘Hey!’ I shouted. ‘Wake up!’ Her eyes remained closed. In a panic, I grabbed her shoulders, shaking them vigorously before I noticed the red stain on her side. I removed my shirt and tied it around her. It looked weak, but I was afraid it would hurt her even more if I tightened it.

Was she dead? I froze. Suddenly, arrays of headlines flashed in my mind. I could see and feel the shutters of cameras, the noise, everyone eager to see the murderer. I could see my mother turning her back on me, as I was placed in handcuffs. If I just left her here, nobody would know. None of that would happen. I slapped myself.

What was wrong with me? When did I become such a monster? I couldn't just let an innocent woman die here because I was scared. To hell with the company, to hell with anyone. I would face the consequences of my actions, just as long as she survived.

‘Help” I screamed, but no one was around, just us and the calm throb of the night. ‘Her pulse!’ my mind screamed and immediately, I pressed my fingers to her hand and felt it, an instant gush of relief flooding me, but it was short-lived. I had to get her to a hospital.

I carried her up, my biceps burning with each step. My hand paused at the door and I took in the sight of the car. The hood and the bumper were crushed. Black oil spilled to the ground. The radiator hissed, white fumes coming out. I looked back at her pale face, was this really our only option? I shook the thought of my head, slammed the door open and laid her carefully on the cushion.

I smashed the ignition, and an excruciatingly loud sound came out. Smoke came out from the hood, blurring the view, but I still pushed through and the car started moving. It was slow, and I pressed the accelerator as many times as possible but nothing happened.

Thankfully, Piedmont Hospital was only minutes away. I drove into the parking lot, not bothering to park. I scooped the woman into my arms and ran inside shouting for a doctor. Two nurses rushed to my side, panic flashing across their eyes as they saw her.

“What happened?” one asked, the other running to get what was probably a stretcher.

“She was-” I hesitated, “She was hit by my car”. An expression flashed on the nurse’s face but she remained quiet. In a blink of an eye, the stretcher appeared in front of us, followed by a team of medics.

“We'll take it from here,” she said calmly, but I didn't miss the hint of disgust. I knew she could smell the alcohol off me. I could feel the judgemental stares. My heart was about to burst out of my chest. What if I was too late? I watched them roll her and my legs gave way. Tears streamed out of my eyes. My throat constricted, and I was transported to a blank canvas where it was just me and her bloody carcass.

A hand landed on my shoulders, bringing me out of my head. It was firm. I lifted my head to see a familiar old man in a white coat. He had a sympathetic look on his face, an arm stretched towards me.

“Let's go,” he said quietly. “Dr I-I didn't mean to- she was-” He shook his head. “I know, it's okay, she's going to be okay.” His voice was calming and for a minute, the tears stopped. “Let's get you cleaned up”

I was huddled up in a corner of Dr Ash’s office, wearing a clean pair of scrubs, a steaming cup of coffee which I hadn't touched in front of me. He had not asked any questions since we got here. I appreciated it. Dr Ash had always been kind to me. As a child, he had treated me silently, never questioning the wounds and bruises on my body. He always had that look of pity on his face, but he remained loyal to my father.

“How- How is she?” My voice came out small. I fidgeted with my fingers avoiding looking at the doctor. Dr Ash looked up from his papers and beamed. “She's stable now, just some minor injuries; a fracture and a few broken ribs.” He said it as if it was nothing, but I knew better.

“A fracture!?” I heaved a sigh of relief, but it was short lived. “Can I- Can I see her?”

His smile grew wider. “Are you sure you're ready? You can take as much time as you want; she's not going anywhere.” I was far from ready but I needed to see her for myself. I believed the doctor but I needed to confirm , more so for myself. “I'm ready.”

She looked so small and frail in the white gown. Her eyes were closed, pipes attached to her body and a cast wrapped around her left leg. It was a punch to my gut. I looked away, the pain in my chest was unbearable.

“Do you want to come in?” the doctor asked. I tried to take a step but my legs remained in place. He understood, giving me a sympathetic smile and a pat on the shoulder. “Another time then.” I nodded, forcing myself to look back at her one last time. The image followed me everywhere.