Chapter 44: In Coma
1144words
We all watched as Scarlett walked upstairs. She took each step with effort, relying on the railing to support her weakened body. There was something unsettling about the way she smiled at us that made my stomach churn. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but something felt wrong. She disappeared behind the balcony.
'Come, son. Sit down," her mother said. 'I will get you a drink," she added, heading toward what I assumed was the kitchen.
'Wait, Aunt," I stopped her. 'I don't feel good about this. Scarlett is up to something. I can feel it," I expressed.
'I have noticed too, but Scarlett has been different ever since she returned from Mexico. I don't know what to think anymore," she said.
'I think we should check on her," I suggested. She shrugged but nodded in agreement.
We both went upstairs. Reaching her door, I knocked, but there was no response. 'Scarlett? I need to see you," I called.
'Could she be in the bathroom?" her mother asked.
'I'm not sure. Scarlett, please open the door."
'We just want to talk to you, sweetheart. Please open up," her mother joined in, but the room remained silent and cold.
'Something is wrong," I muttered. 'We need to break in. Do you have a spare key? Anything?" I asked, desperation in my voice.
'I don't, but I can try using a needle or something," she said, hurrying downstairs and quickly returning with tools.
'Scarlett, I'm coming in," I warned before bursting the door open. I gasped at the horrifying sight before me.
'Scarlett!" her mother screamed, rushing over to her. She dropped to her knees, shaking her daughter. 'Scarlett, my child. Do something, Nathan. I can't lose her," she cried.
I forced myself to stay calm, even though my body was trembling. All the horrible sights today were making me feel like I was losing control.
'We need to get her to the hospital," I said, scooping Scarlett up in my arms, blood dripping from her cut wrist.
'Save her, please," her mother sobbed, following me.
***
Scarlett's mother insisted I go home to freshen up while she stayed with Scarlett. The doctor said Scarlett would be fine, but she was still in a coma. She had lost so much blood, and if we hadn't found her in time, she would have died.
'I don't want to leave her, Aunt," I said. 'I want to be here when she wakes up."
'I understand, but you need to go home for now. I will keep you updated. Just give me your number," she said, handing me her phone. I entered my digits and saved them.
'I will be waiting for your call," I said, and she nodded, sitting in the chair near Scarlett's hospital bed. I moved closer, kissing Scarlett's forehead. 'I love you," I whispered before leaving.
As soon as I got home, the weight of everything hit me. An overwhelming sadness surged through me, and I couldn't hold back my tears. I rested my head on the steering wheel and let it out. Today had been the worst day of my life. I couldn't forgive myself for failing to protect that innocent child. Her cheerful smile haunted me, and the thought of her death wouldn't leave my mind. The pain of losing her hurt more than watching my company burn to the ground.
I got out of the car and slowly made my way to the house. After Scarlett kicked us out earlier, I had taken my mother to stay at my place. It was a simple bungalow with a yard, a swimming pool, and a small garage. I had always dreamed of living a quiet life with Scarlett. I imagined us here, with her two kids, living the life we had planned. But life has a way of turning everything upside down.
The living room was eerily quiet. My mother must have gone to bed; it was already past 10 p.m. I headed to my room, carrying my suit jacket over my shoulder. When I opened the door, I found Everleigh pacing back and forth. She stopped when she saw me and immediately wrapped her arms around me.
'I have never felt pain like this before. It's unbearable," I sobbed into her shoulder.
'I know. Just let it out. I'm here," she comforted me, running her fingers through my hair.
'She tried to end it all. She wanted you to know she had forgiven you," I said, my voice breaking.
'Tell me she is alive," Everleigh pleaded, tears filling her eyes as she pulled away. 'Tell me Scarlett is still with us."
I nodded. 'She is, but she's in a coma," I replied, and Everleigh let out a sigh of relief.
'Thank God. Come on, sit down," she urged, pulling me to the bed. 'You need a cold shower," she said, starting to unbutton my shirt.
'Does Mother know?" I asked.
'She doesn't. I didn't tell her—she wouldn't be able to handle it. She has been asking about you all evening before she finally fell asleep," she replied, struggling to remove the shirt.
'I will do it," I said, stopping her and pulling the shirt off myself. She took my suit and hung it on a chair.
'Go shower. I will heat up your food," she said.
'I'm not hungry," I protested.
'No, you can't skip meals, not today. I know it has been a horrible day, but you need to eat. The baby wants you to," she smiled faintly, making everything seem just a little bit easier. I simply nodded and headed to the bathroom.
Later, I lay on the bed, arms crossed over my chest, staring at the ceiling. Everleigh was beside me, already asleep after keeping me company with her words of encouragement. The memory of the little girl's smile haunted me again. I turned to my side, and in her sleep, Everleigh draped her leg over my waist, holding me close as if she didn't want me to slip away.
Razi was so much like her mother—her wit, her smile, her determination. Everything about her was Scarlett, except for her eyes. Those were like mine. I wondered if Hernandez had the same eye color as me, even though the pictures I saw didn't seem to show it.
'Don't go, please," Everleigh muttered in her sleep.
I turned toward her and gently patted her shoulder. She stirred, making a soft whimpering sound as if something troubled her dreams. 'Don't go, okay?" she repeated.
'I'm here," I whispered.
My chest tightened as I gazed at her. Despite everything I had put her through, she still loved me so much. Sometimes, I felt like a fool for not being able to love her back. But who am I to control my heart? It had only ever beaten for Scarlett.
