23 - Stay With Me

JUNE’S POV

My eyes fluttered open to the bright lights of a hospital room.

My head hurt and there were marks on my skin.

I tried to get up but my headache stopped me.

There was a figure in front of me, a male figure. I rubbed my eyes to clear my vision. Brown hair and blue eyes, it was Adrien.

“What’s going on?” I managed to say.

His head immediately shot up as he rushed towards me.

“You stayed.” I said as he reached my side.

“Obviously.” He said, looking almost offended.

“How are you feeling? Are you okay?” He asked, his hands cupping my face.

“I don’t know, my head hurts.” I responded.

“I’ll get the doctor, just hold on okay?” He said warmly before he stepped out.

A wave of nausea hit me.

I closed my eyes and all my memories came flooding back.

Lori’s words. People’s eyes.

Running away and fainting.

I couldn’t tell what was hurting more, my head or my pride.

Just then, a doctor walked in.

“Miss Carter.” She started.

“Your breathing is normal again,” the doctor explained gently.

I stared down at the hospital blanket in silence.

“You experienced a panic attack.”

“I passed out?” I asked.

“Yes, briefly,” she reassured. “Your body was overwhelmed.”

“June, do you have a history with anxiety?” She asked with a small smile, concern evident on her face.

“I don’t know.” I answered, my fingers curling the bed sheet.

She rested her palm on my hand, “I think you should fill out a form, the nurse will give it to you.”

“It’s nothing to be ashamed of June, you can get all the help you need.” Her expression was so soft.

Help.

The word alone made my chest tighten again.

I didn’t want medication.

I didn’t want to become someone who needed fixing.

“Don’t forget to fill the form. You’ll be out of here soon.” She said before leaving, allowing Adrien to enter the room.

My eyes stung with tears.

“I’m so sorry you had to go through all that trouble.” I blurted out once the doctor left the room, leaving Adrien and I alone.

“What? It wasn’t any trouble. I should be the one apologizing.” He responded and sat by my side.

“I’m sorry you had to experience all of that.” He started, closing his eyes as if what I went through pained him physically.

“I was the one who invited you. I’m sorry I wasn’t there early enough.” He added.

“I’m so fucking sorry, Jay.” He said. My hands reached for his face.

“It’s okay. It’s not your fault.” I replied warmly. Tears slipped down my face.

His forehead rested on mine and I closed my eyes. His fingers wiped my tears.

“You’re safe.” He whispered.

“Your head’s heavy.” I said.

“Someone’s been forcing politics into it.” He replied and I could tell he was smiling.

I opened my eyes. We were so close.

As if mirroring his reaction, my eyes dropped to his lips. They were inches away from mine.

Like a magnetic pull, he moved closer till I could feel his breath on my lips.

He almost pulled away but my lips already met his.

A beat passed then he kissed me back.

It was gentle, like he was being careful.

When I started enjoying it, alarm bells started ringing in my head.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to-” I said as I pulled away.

“Don’t apologize.” He said firmly and held my hands.

“June!” My mum suddenly walked in with Jules and Savannah.

Jules paused as she scanned the room. I know she’d ask about it later.

Adrien used that opportunity to leave.

“I rushed down here as soon as Jules called, how are you feeling??” My mum fussed over me.

“Mum I’m fine now, okay?” I tried to calm her down, noticing the worry on her face.

She hugged me tight.

“They told me what happened.” She started, pulling away. “I’m so sorry, when did it start?” She said, her eyes shining with tears.

“I don’t know.” I choked out, emotions coating my words.

“The doctor says you have a form to fill. I’m here for you, okay?” My mum assured me.

I let my tears fall.

“Shh, it’s okay.” She rubbed my back. Jules joined in and comforted me.

“Where’s the young man who was with you?” My mum asked when I stopped crying.

“Oh, I’ll get him!” Jules said, I could hear the excitement in her tone.

“Who was he?” Mum said teasingly.

I let out an inward groan, not her too.

“I saw how he held you, is he your boyfriend?” She asked, smiling.

“Well, something like that.” I told her.

“Now I’m offended, you have a boyfriend and didn’t tell me?” She smiled.

I hated lying to my mum. I told her about our relationship, hiding my real intentions.

“Wow, be careful June. I don’t think it’s a good idea.” She advised me.

“I know.” I responded.

Adrien walked in with Jules.

“Hello, good evening Mrs Carter.” He greeted my mum with a smile.

“Hi dear, thank you for staying with my June.” She hugged him.

I could see the surprise on his face before he hugged her back, “it’s no problem.” He said.

“Thank you for holding her too.” She winked at him.

Oh my days.

Adrien looked a bit embarrassed yet smiled back.

“I have to go.” Adrien said and looked at me, mouthing “I’ll call you”

Soon, I was filling the form and got discharged after they gave me something mild for the head pain.

Jules called her driver to take us home, she followed.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you.” Jules told me.

“It’s okay, it’s not your fault.” I said.

“I know, but I should’ve-” she wanted to continue but I stopped her.

“It’s okay, I’m okay.” I assured her.

“Everyone was at the hospital. Me, Savannah, Theo, Max and Adrien.” She mentioned.

It was weird to know they all witnessed my breakdown but yet comforting that they cared, for some reason.

“I had to go pick up your mum. The rest went to clear out the party and Adrien.” She looked at me.

“Refused to leave your side.” She completed, giving me a teasing smile.

“Oh,” I managed to say.

“Mm, I won’t probe. For now.” She said.

“Did you know we took off your bra?” She mentioned.

I was suddenly aware of how free my chest felt.

“Your reaction is priceless.” She began laughing at my expression.

“Don’t worry, they didn’t see anything. I didn't even see either.” She assured me.

“Get some rest, okay?” Jules kissed my cheek as we left the car.

My mum asked me to shower and get some sleep.

Sleep refused to kiss my eyes. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Adrien kissing me.

I thought back to everything that happened at the hospital.

To the kiss.

My hands touched my lips unconsciously.

I remembered how close he was, how he almost pulled away but I stopped him.

Wait.

Oh my God.

I kissed him first.

I buried my face into a pillow with a groan.