CHAPTER TWELVE

RYAH

“ROCCO, ROCCO,” I MURMURED, squeezing my eyes shut.

Someone shook my shoulders.

“Mom’s here. Wake up, Ryah.”

Sweat trickled down my forehead and neck. “Where are you?”

He didn’t answer.

I wallowed my head against the cold, damp material stuck to my back.

“Nurse, she’s awake!” Mom yelled; panic hung on her words.

My eyes fluttered open, and I scanned the large beige hospital room. “What am I doing here?”

The nurse rushed in. “Relax, Ryah.”

“Where’s my boyfriend?”

I pushed the nurse back. “Stop taking my vitals.”

“You need to relax,” the nurse warned.

Her hands rested against her lips in a praying position. “Ryah, honey, you have to calm down.”

“Mom, why won’t you tell me where Rocco is and how I got here?”

The nurse stuck a needle into my IV. “Ryah, when you wake up the doctor will answer your questions.”

My head flopped on the pillow as my eyes slowly closed.

The next time I came to, I tried a different approach.

“You’re awake?” Mom swayed her hand over my hair, then kissed my forehead.

“I’m starving.”

She laughed. “That’s a good sign. I’ll call the cafeteria.”

A different nurse entered the room this time.

“Good morning, Ryah. My name is Tate. I’ll be your nurse today. How are you feeling?”

“A little groggy.”

“That’s to be expected,” he stated, as he checked my vitals.

“You’re looking good.” He smiled.

“The doctor will be in to answer any questions you may have.”

“Thank you.” I offered the nicest smile I could muster.

Once Tate walked out of the room, I turned my attention to Mom. Baby steps, Ryah.