Critical condition

Chapter 4- Critical Condition

Elena

I didn’t wait for Nathan to change his mind. I didn’t wait for him to say anything else. I just turned and ran.

My heart pounded as I stumbled back into the house, my vision blurring with tears. The moment the door clicked behind me, I leaned against it, trying to catch my breath, trying to swallow the pain burning at the back of my throat.

But peace wasn’t waiting for me inside.

Cass was sprawled on the couch like a queen in her domain, flipping through a fashion magazine like nothing in the world mattered. As soon as her eyes lifted and landed on me, her lip curled with mockery.

“Well, well,” she said, standing up and crossing her arms. “Look who just got home after being a whore. You couldn’t get Jasper, so now you’re chasing Nathan? You really don’t know when to stop, do you?”

I blinked in disbelief. “What?”

“You heard me,” she sneered. “You’re pathetic, Elena. Hopping from one Cain to the next like a desperate little parasite. You think I don’t see what you’re doing?”

“I’m not doing anything,” I shot back, my voice hoarse. “Nathan and I.........”

“Oh, please spare me,” Cass scoffed, rolling her eyes. “You think using Nathan will bring Jasper running back to you? It won’t work. Jasper doesn’t care about you anymore. You’re just a bitter ex who can’t let go.”

I took a deep breath, my hands clenching at my sides. “Jasper never cared, Cass. He used me and he’s using you too. You’re just too blind to see it.”

She laughed letting out a cold and hollow sound. “You’re jealous, just admit it. You can’t stand that he left you for me.”

“No,” I said firmly. “I can’t stand that you think he actually loves you. Jasper wants your inheritance. Your father’s empire. Once he gets what he wants, he’ll toss you aside like yesterday’s trash.”

Cass’s face twisted with rage. “You’re delusional!” she screamed. “Just admit you’re bitter, hmmm, admit that you’re hurting because he dumped you for me!”

“I’m done with this,” I muttered, brushing past her. “Believe whatever helps you sleep at night. I have more important things to deal with.”

I stormed into my room and slammed the door behind me. My breath came in shallow bursts as I leaned against the door, the weight of everything pressing down on me. Nathan’s rejection, Cass’s venom, the overwhelming loneliness clawing at my chest.

I sank onto the bed and buried my face in the pillow, letting the sobs come. The pain cut deep, deeper than I thought possible. I’d been betrayed and used, again. I mean, I knew it was a pretend date but cutting things off that way is nothing but inhumanity and no matter how strong I pretended to be, nights like this made it impossible to hold myself together.

I cried myself to sleep, my pillow damp beneath my cheek.

......................................................................

The shrill ring of my phone tore through the silence the next morning. I sat up groggily, my throat raw and my eyes puffy. The screen displayed the hospital’s number and immediately, dread twisted in my gut.

“Hello?”

“Miss Elena Rivers?” a nurse’s voice said urgently. “You need to come to the hospital immediately. Your mother’s condition has taken a turn. It’s critical.”

My heart dropped.

“ What do you mean Critical....... hmm what happened to my mom........... You know what....... I’m coming, you all should save my mom” I cried, already out of bed and reaching for my jeans.

The ride to the hospital was a blur. I barely remembered calling a cab or the way the city flew past the window. I just kept seeing my mother’s face trying to remember the last time she smiled at me and the way her hand felt in mine, I was just five.

When I arrived, the hospital was buzzing with urgency. Nurses moved briskly. Machines beeped ominously. I rushed to the front desk, breathless.

“Elena Rivers. I’m here to see my mother.”

They directed me to the ICU. I stood outside and through the glass wall, I watched the doctors surround her, their faces masked, their hands swift as they worked. I couldn’t breathe.

I pressed my palms to the cold glass. “Please,” I whispered. “Please don’t take her from me.”

After what felt like hours, a doctor emerged. He pulled off his gloves and approached me with a neutral expression.

“She’s stable,” he said. “But she’s still in a coma, it looks like she is trying to fight and resist death.”

I blinked. “But… she’s out of danger?”

“For now. We’ve done all we can. The rest is up to her.”

I was allowed inside. My mother looked so small, so pale, like a sleeping ghost. I sat beside her, took her frail hand in mine and let the tears fall.

“Mom…” I whispered. “I’ve missed you so much. I have missed your hugs, your kisses, your pancakes and all the love you showed me. I know I don’t always say it, but I need you. I need you to fight. The way you always have and I want you to know that your Lena is right here, waiting for you.”

I kissed her hand gently, holding it against my cheek for a long moment.

Then I stepped out, wiping my eyes. As I turned down the hallway, I noticed chaos near one of the emergency rooms. Nurses rushed in and out, blood staining their gloves.

I caught one by the arm. “What’s going on?”

“A girl’s been in an accident. She’s B negative and needs an immediate transfusion.”

“I’m O negative,” I said quickly. “I’ll donate.”

The nurse blinked. “Are you sure?”

“Yes. Take me there now.”

Within minutes, I was lying on a hospital cot, the needle in my arm, blood slowly flowing into the bag. I focused on my breathing, thinking about the girl whose life now hung in the balance.

When it was done, the blood was taken to the theatre and I waited there for a positive response. After a while, the doctor came in and smiled softly.

“You saved her life and if you hadn’t given blood, we might have lost her.”

“Ohhh..... thank goodness" I breathed a sigh of relief

" I just did what anyone would do,” I said. “Will she be alright?”

“She’s out of immediate danger. You did well.”

"OK, then I will take my leave"

"Sure, thanks once again"

I stood slowly, still lightheaded but content. A small smile formed on my lips as I walked toward the exit, the weight in my chest feeling a little lighter.

But as I stepped into the hallway, I froze.

He was there.

Nathan.