Panic

Chapter Six –Panic

I was driving home, hands tight on the steering wheel.

Alina. The thought wouldn’t leave me.

Why did she have to show up at my company like that? After one night. After everything. Did she think my company was… a place for women like her?

I shook my head. No. I couldn’t think about that now. I needed to deal with her later. Later, Not even know p

The rain began to fall. Slow at first. Then harder. A dull rhythm on the roof of the car.

I pressed the accelerator a little more. My thoughts were heavy. Her face flashed in my mind. That night. Her eyes. That look she gave me when she left. She’s actually a whore that shouldn’t stay in my company, whatever shes there for, later or sooner, I’ll make sure to send her away.

A scream cut through the rain. Sharp and terrible.

Metal screeched. Tires skidded and just then, heart froze.

I slammed on the brakes. My stomach dropped.

A figure… lying on the road.

No. No, it can’t be.

I jumped out, splashing through puddles. Rain soaked me instantly.

Her hair was plastered to her face. Her clothes torn. She was bleeding.

“Alina!” I shouted, panic clawing up my throat.

She tried to move. Pain twisted her face. I froze for a second. It’s fear recognition and then shock. I just hit her, Alina.

“Yes,” I said. “It’s me. I’ve got you. Don’t move.”

She tried to whisper something. Her lips barely moved.

“Lucien…”

I shook my head, swallowing hard. “Stay still. Help is coming.”

The ambulance arrived. I stayed with her, holding her hand. My chest was tight. My mind was spinning. I had never felt so helpless.

At the hospital, the nurses moved fast. Machines beeped. Doctors asked questions. They needed a family member to sign forms.

“Who’s listed?” I asked a nurse.

“Her husband,” she said. “Emergency contact.”

So she has an husband, “Just call him, let him come and do it, let’s let him know his wife is here”

I listened as the nurse called him. Ring. Ring. Hanging up. Ring. Hanging up.

Finally, a gruff voice.

“What is it now?” he barked. “Dont ever call me again, you bitch!” He hang up.

“He didn’t even listen to what I have to say, he hang up the call” the nurse said.

I looked at the phone. My blood boiled. I couldn’t leave her. Not like this.

“I’ll sign,” I said. “Anything. Just… she needs help. I’ll sign it”.

The nurse blinked at me. I signed. Every signature felt like a weight pressing down on my chest.

Afterwards, I felt fury rising. How could he treat her like that? How could he, my blood was hot with anger and helplessness.

I actually needs to know what’s going on… I need to call him to know everything that’s going on, but not with her phone again.

I borrowed the nurse’s phone. Dialed the husband’s number again.

“Your favourite is here at the hospital, I’ll send the address and the room number to you ” I said, my voice low. I didn’t mention her name. “

I hung up before he could protest.

I turned to her. Alina. She was Pale. Trembling. Her eyes half-closed.

I felt my chest tighten. Fear. Relief. Protection. Anger. All at once.

I wouldn’t let anyone hurt her. Not again.

Not ever.