Chapter 1 Waking Up From Coma

Aria

What does it feel like waking up from a coma? It was not a question I have ever thought about or something I would want to experience. I have never been to the hospital or taken care of a sick person. But now, I sat on my hospital bed. The awful smell of the hospital going up my nose. It felt nauseating, and every breath seemed like hell. I felt tired, numb, and absolutely exhausted.

Waking up from a coma, I wasn’t aware of my surroundings or who I was; I was disassociating most times. I could hear the doctors speaking to me, my husband looking at me worriedly, but I just looked back at them blankly. All I wanted was to leave the hospital.

“How is she, Doctor?” My husband, Richard asked, rubbing his hands nervously.

“She’s stable and ready to be discharged,” Doctor James replied, smiling.

“Can she remember anything? She seems lost,” he replied, glancing at me. The doctor sighed.

“She has been in a coma for 5 months. It’s normal to disassociate a bit. We ran a test and everything looks normal. We are not certain what she can remember, but she can remember a few things. Her memory might be a bit foggy prior to the accident, but she will remember them as time goes on. She’s not totally healed, and there might be few side effects from hitting her head during the accident,” he replied.

“What side effects?”

"Temporary memory loss, frequent headaches, she might pass out from time to time or might not remember what happened a few minutes ago. But there’s no need to panic. It’s only temporary, and all she needs is a lot of bed rest and take her medications; she will feel better,” he replied.

Richard let out a deep breath of relief. “Thank you, Doctor James,” he says with a small smile. “Would she be discharged today?”

“Yes,” he replied, turning to me. “I am glad you’re awake now; please take care of yourself, Mrs Smith. If you notice any discomfort, please don’t fail to contact us,” he says. I nodded. He smiled, bowing his head and leaving. Richard turned to me with a smile.

“I am so happy you can go home now; we missed you,” he says, hugging me. I sat still, not moving an inch. He pulled back a bit, kissing my forehead. I would have folded with that little action, but I felt dead inside.

“Let’s get you home,” he says, carrying me bridal style and placing me on the wheelchair. Richard wheeled me out of the ward surrounded by body guards. We got to the parking lot, and numerous cars were waiting for me.

“Welcome back, Ma’am,” the head bodyguard greeted. I nodded, and I was assisted into the car. Shortly after, we were on the road, and I got to admire the city. Seeing everyone walking around made me smile.

“Wind down the window,” I say to the driver. Richard sat beside me silently, I knew he wanted to say something, but I didn’t want to entertain it. He did as I said, and the gentle breeze hit my face. I took a deep breath, loving the fresh air. But my joy was cut short as we approached the house. I tried my best to hide my disappointment as Richard wheeled me into the house.

“Welcome home!” They yelled as we walked in. I looked at everyone, all familiar faces, and they had the biggest smile on their faces. They were happy to see me.

"I can’t believe it; after months, my daughter is finally back home,” my mother cried, profusely running to me with a hug. She hugged me warmly, but I just sat there, not moved. Everyone came to hug me, all crying. But I was tired; I needed to be on my bed. That was until my eyes spotted someone, or something.

“You’re pregnant,” I say, staring at my little sister, Lily. Everyone froze as I looked at her stomach. It wasn’t big, but it was noticeable that she was pregnant. My sister is a model; she has had the tiniest waist since I can remember. It wasn’t hard to spot. Mom let out a nervous laugh.

“Yes, she is six months pregnant. We are happy you’re here. Lily wanted to celebrate the good news with you,” Mom says. I smiled widely, looking at her.

“Come here,” I say. She walked to me slowly, rubbing her bump. When she got to me, I slowly placed my hands on her stomach, letting out a small laugh. I noticed she flinched when I raised my hand, and they all looked at me wearily, but I ignored it.

“I can’t believe this; I’m going to be an aunt,” I say. Lily laughed nervously, nodding her head.

“Yes, it calls for celebration,” Mom says. The smile slowly faded away, and I pulled back.

“Who’s the father?” I asked. Once again, everyone was quiet. They all looked at each other nervously, and Lily looked at Mom, waiting for a rescue.

“Don’t tell me you don’t know who the father is,” I say harshly.

“Calm down, Aria. You just got back from the hospital after a coma. Your sister made a mistake, but we’ve all forgiven her. All she needs is our support, after all. Children are blessings,” Mom said. I glanced at her, then at my stepfather, and then Lily. I forced out a smile.

“You’re right. There’s no need to scold her. I am very happy for my little sister,” I say. Everyone laughed, the tension leaving the air.

“We prepared lunch to welcome you from the hospital,” Richard says. I nodded, and he wheeled me to the dining table. The table was filled with food; it was a big feast. Richard helped me to the first seat, and everyone else took a seat, Richard at my left.

“We prepared all your favourites; I hope you have an appetite,” Mom says, serving me. I looked at the plate; I didn’t have an appetite, but I decided to eat something. After all, they did this for me. Everyone was eating; the table was cheerful. All attention on Lily. They all babied her, feeding her food. I smiled; one would think she just came back from a 5 month coma. I cleared my throat, and they all turned to me.

“So, who is the father?” I asked. They frowned.

“I thought we were over this topic, Aria. She made a mistake; we’ve forgiven her,” Mom snapped. I nodded.

“I deserve to know who the father is, don't I? She is my little sister. 21 years old and still in college, I’ve invested so much in her. I should at least know who the father is,” I replied calmly. Once again, everyone was quiet and exchanging glances. Suddenly, Lily burst into a loud cry.

“I’m so sorry I disappointed you, Aria. You've done so much for me, and I was a fool to repay you back this way. I don’t even know who the father is; I’m such a fool,” she cried. My gaze softened and I sighed.

“Don’t cry, Lily. You know I hate to see you cry,” I said. She sniffed, wiping her tears.

“Hope you’ve hidden her from the public and media. I’m afraid it will affect her career if they get their hands on this news. I don’t want that; she just began her modelling career,” I mumbled, feeling a headache.

“Yes, we’ve hidden her perfectly well. They know nothing,” Mom says. I nodded, massaging my temple.

“Are you okay?” Richard asked. I shook my head. He stood up.

“Let’s get you to the room,” he murmured, standing up. He carried me bridal style, taking me to our room. We got to the familiar room, and it looked the same.

“The room smells different,” I mumbled. Richard laughed.

“It doesn't; you probably forgot the smell,” he says. I nodded, and he placed me on the bed, covering my legs. He looked at me softly, brushing my hair.

“I am so glad you’re back,” he says. I smiled.

“Me too; I’ve missed you,” I replied, looking into his brown eyes. He smiled slightly, kissing my forehead.

“Take a rest; I will be downstairs,” he replied. I nodded, getting comfortable. I watched him walk away, and when he was out the door, I let go of the tears I was holding. A small chuckle left me as I gripped the blanket tightly. They will regret it, every single one of them. They will regret the day they lied to my face. But let's see how long they can pretend. I will make their lives miserable, so miserable they will wish for death.

“Let the games begin…”