Bad news

Zoe’s POV

“You said what?” shock washed over me like cold water and I had to clench my fingers together behind my back to keep from showing fear.

“I’d rather not repeat myself, Zoe.” M.J. sighed. There were dark circles under his eyes and he looked tired.

I didn’t blame him for anything. I just wished I had known earlier. It’s been three days, from the award night and I was just finding out that Arman had an accident that night now?

“How’s he doing?” that was all I could ask right now. It was hard to reign control over my emotions but I did it. every word I had said to Arman that night came tumbling back into my head. I felt like a bitch. The guy wasn’t my best person, but I knew he was not a bad person.

“He’s in coma.”

It felt like glass shattered in my head.

I pulled my phone out, I knew the social media would have every news about his accident but I was surprised when nothing showed up when I typed Arman’s full name, nothing beyond the award he had received.

“His agency doesn’t want his fans to know. The person that had saved him did not recognize him and that was pure luck. But the agency took measures to clear the accident site immediately.” M.J. explained.

“How’s Bridget holding up?” I knew Bridget had Arman were two peas in a pond, I got to know the two had been together to over 6 years and were always in perfect sync. They must be like family to each other.

“She’ll be fine.” Was all M.J. said. I wondered what he had been doing for the past few days that he seemed so stressed out. He had hardly relaxed into my couch when his phone started ringing again.

M.J. had an habit of picking up the phone quietly and listening to whatever the person had to say, he hardly even exchanged pleasantries over the phone or even say “Hello” as people tend to. Same went when I called. He just called and delivers whatever it is he called to say.

“Shit! Shit! How did that happen? Fuck! How could they be so careless?” M.J. looked very pissed, something that rarely happened when he was with me.

“What’s wrong?” I asked, laying a hand on his shoulder.

“They know. It had been leaked. The press knows Arman is in the hospital. Get dressed. You have to go see him.”

I nodded and jumped into action. I had wanted to go see him even before M.J. asked me to.

“What do people carry along to see a sick person?” I asked M.J.

“There’s no need for that, the guy is between life and death, I don’t think he would want to eat anything. Not like he would be able to.” M.J. shrugged. Something felt off at that moment, M.J. was not usually so apathetic.

“But the press doesn’t know that, do they?” I asked. I knew M.J. would do anything to maintain an image. My image. “It would be a perfect way to make people think he’s doing fine. His agency would appreciate it.” I pushed.

M.J. didn’t look happy about my idea but he nodded in agreement.

“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it.” I told him. I knew my way around ordering things online because that was the only thing I did on my phone lately. Technology had made things so easy. I simply ordered a fruit basket for a sick person and then went to the page of Arman’s alleged favorite restaurant and ordered a softest porridge I could find. And then some flowers. I picked yellow roses and lilies.

The hospital was packed with reporters and fans, they crowded the parking lot like blood sucking vipers seeking who to devour. It would not be me.

M.J. arranged a very quiet entry for me, and I wasn’t recognized till I was almost inside the hospital, they came rushing like a swarm of bees but I was already out of their reach. Those in front would get good pictures though.

It was my first time in a hospital since I gave up my career. I hadn’t thought it would affect me. I was only worried about Arman, but as the smell of antiseptic and drugs hit my nostril, I felt weak in the knees. My head became light and I slowed down, the basket of fruits fell from my hands and it was M.J.’s arms that kept me from falling.

The reporters ate the scene with their camera. M.J. pulled and carried me at the same time, out of their sight.

It took some minutes before I could get a hold of myself. “I need a nose mask. I’ll be fine.” I assured M.J.

“You don’t have to see him, they already think you did, just sit the in balcony for a few minutes and go back.” M.J. suggested.

I shook my head, I was here to see Arman and I will. I took the nose mask and got on my feet, “Take me to him.”