Page 99 of Forever and Ever

Everything needs to be okay. Whatever is wrong, we’ll fix it.

30

Merry

Myeyesfeelheavyand impossible to open. I hear things happening around me: people talking, machines beeping. They move me as I drift in and out of the darkness. I hold onto Noah’s words through all of it, even though I know I’m no longer in the car hearing them.

It’s all going to be okay.

I hope he’s right.

It’s quiet now, but the light on the other side of my eyelids starts to wake me up, and it’s almost impossible to move my body. I’m not sure how I’m sore from doing nothing, but everything hurts. Finally blinking my eyes open, I’m met with the sharp light of the sun streaking in through a window, and it takes me a minute to adjust.

Looking around, there are white walls and machines everywhere. This must be the hospital, which is a good sign because it means I made it. But then that fear inside creeps back up because I still don’t know what happened.

“I know.”

I hear Noah’s voice, and it sounds at a distance. But when I turn my head, I realize he’s standing right by the bed, turned away from me, and talking to someone on the phone. I try to lift my hand to reach out to him, but it’s heavy, and I can’t find the energy.

“She’s been in and out,” I hear him say to the person on the other end of the line. “The doctor hasn’t told me much of anything.”

He pauses and I faintly hear another voice I can’t make out.

“They’re waiting on her to wake up. But yes, I know. She told me.”

There’s another beat of silence while he listens to whatever the other person says. His shoulders are tense, and his hair is tied back in a bun on his head. I can’t see his face, but his voice sounds tired and gravelly.

“Of course. I’ll keep you updated. And I’ll have her call you when she’s up and feeling okay.”

More silence, that feels like it drags on longer this time.

“You’re welcome.” Noah hangs up the phone.

His arm falls to his side and he looks up at the ceiling, taking a long breath. I’m not sure what’s stressing him. But the weight he’s carrying is heavy enough that I feel it in my own bones.

Lifting my hand up again, I reach out for his and brush the backs of our fingers together.

“Merry.” He spins around so fast, it makes me jump, which he seems to notice. “Sorry, you’re just awake.”

A nervous smile brightens his face as he looks me over. He runs his hands over my cheeks like he’s feeling for proof of life, before leaning in to give me a kiss.

“Hey.” I smile against his mouth.

“Fuck. Don’t scare me like that again,” he says.

I tip my chin up to kiss his lips, drinking up their warmth. “I’ll try not to.”

He sets himself on the edge of my bed and holds both my hands in his tightly.

“Where’s Adrian and Eloise? Or did I imagine that?”

Noah shakes his head. “No, they were here—or are here. They’re in the waiting room with the rest of the band.”

“No,” I say, slowly shaking my head. “They don’t have to do that.”

“They know they don’t have to, Merry.” He gives me a stern look and I know there’s no point arguing. I might normally be uncomfortable forming the type of attachments I have with Noah and his band, but it's too late now.

“You know you’re safe here, right?” Noah says with a concerned look on his face.

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