Page 12 of Ruby Queen
Chapter 8
Christine slowly opened her eyes. It felt like someone had been hammering against her skull with a pickaxe. Blinking her eyelids, she winced when the light pierced her retinas.
“Christine!” Rory jumped from her chair, “Thank God! Anthony, call the doctor, she’s awake. Christine…” Rory leaned over, peering into Christine’s eyes, “Can you hear me?”
“Yes…” Christine tried to sit up, only to be overcome with dizziness. “Fuck… what happened?”
“You were in an accident.”
Flashes of a dark SUV slamming into her car danced across her vision. “Shit… what about the other two in the car with me? Are they…” her voice became a whisper as she closed her eyes, thinking of the two women who’d been in the car with her.
“They're alright. Bruised, but alright. You’ve been unconscious for two days, Christine. Jesus. I thought…” Rory paused, “I thought I lost you.”
Christine glanced at Rory, then to Anthony, who was stepping behind her with the doctor at his side. “You did. Remember?”
“No… stop saying that, Christine.”
“Ms. Fitzgerald.”
The doctor stepped in front of Rory, checking Christine’s vitals, and shining a light into her eyes. “Do you know what day it is?”
“I don’t know. It was Wednesday when I left for the store… Queen Vermilion said I’ve been unconscious for two days? Is that right?”
“Yes. You took a hard hit and suffered a severe concussion. But it looks like you’re going to be alright. I want to run some scans, so the nurse will be by in a few. In the meantime, try not to get yourself worked up.”
“Fine.” Christine watched as the doctor walked away and spoke to the nurse. She turned her head, unsure what to say to Rory.
“Christine… I want to,” Rory started to speak.
“Please leave.” Christine cut her off, “I know you’re the Queen and can pretty much order me to let you stay. But I don’t want you here, Rory.”
“Christine,” Anthony reached out to take her hand, but Christine snatched it back. Anthony sighed, “Look, we need to talk – all three of us. But you need to still rest up. Rory and I will come back later. Ok?”
“What? No…” Anthony pressed his finger to her lips, silencing her words.
“Rory… Christine needs time to heal. She’s awake, and we can talk with her later. Please,” he tugged her arm, “Don’t upset her.”
“Fine. But I’m coming back later. We are going to have a discussion, Christine.”
Christine blew out a breath, thankful that Anthony escorted her out. She knew deep down she couldn’t be mad at Rory. She’d known Rory and Anthony had been together… but it didn’t make this whole situation hurt any less.
The nurse came and took her for the x-ray. Fortunately, she only had a concussion and not a brain bleed. The doctor told her she could leave the medical wing in a couple of hours after she ate and held it down.
Christine had done fine with dinner. As she was coming out of the bathroom, she wasn’t surprised to find Rory waiting on her.
“Where’s Anthony?” she asked, glancing around the room for Rory’s fiancé. Even the thought of them marrying made her sick to her stomach.
“I asked him to let me speak with you alone.”
“Great.”
“Ms. Fitzgerald?” The nurse smiled, “Oh, Your Majesty, I didn’t see you. I’m sorry to bother you, but the doctor wanted me to let you know you can go back to your quarters as long as someone is close by to check on you.”
“I’ll be staying in her quarters.” Rory snapped, “Let Doctor Harris know anything she needs should be sent to me.”
“Oh… Ok, I’ll let the doctor know.” The nurse scurried off before Christine could correct her.
“What the hell, Rory. You’re not staying in my room.”
“I’ll stay there tonight. If after our talk you want me to leave, I’ll go.”
Christine stared at her best friend, contemplating what to do, “You swear you’ll go back to your room if I ask?”
“Yes… I promise.”
“Fine. Let’s go then because I am tired of being in this part of the castle.”
Rory summoned the nurse, who removed Christine’s IV and helped her get into some sweats Rory had brought with her. Slowly walking behind Christine from the room, Rory followed her. Rory could only hope Christine would forgive her after what she was going to tell her.
