Chapter 2

I laughed in his face like he was crazy. “You're kidding, right? I don’t go to clubs. You know this already.”

John groaned in annoyance. “You need to get out and have some fun. You only live one life.”

I got up from the couch and went to the kitchen to heat the leftover pasta from yesterday. “Well, that’s not my type of fun.” He shrugged his shoulders.

“You’re such a stick in the mud. But whatever, suit yourself. I’m going tomorrow after work to check it out myself.”

I nodded. “Yeah, you do that.” I sat at the kitchen table eating my pasta watching as he wiggled excitedly in his seat.

“I can’t wait. I wonder if they fit their stereotype. Pale skin, formal clothing, knife-sharp fingernails, pearly white fangs, and super speed. Maybe I can find myself a vampire boyfriend. That would be so cool!”

I chuckled at his excitement. “Go for it. Whatever helps you sleep at night. Feel free to use the guest room. You know where everything is.”

I placed my plate in the sink. I will wash them tomorrow. I was too tired to do so now. “I’m going to bed. Have fun with those fantasies of yours. Good night John.”

I heard him mumble a quick night before I closed myself up in my room. I hurriedly changed my clothes and snuggled deep into my covers, letting the dark take over.

—---------

I woke up later in the day than usual. My shift at the restaurant didn't start till the evening. When I did start, everything was going smoothly. Thankfully, there were no disturbing customers today. Surprisingly there weren’t that many customers today because it was a Friday.

I was making my rounds around the restaurant when I got a call. At first, I thought it was John, calling to tell me about the nightclub thing. But the caller ID was an unknown number. I usually don’t answer unknown calls, but something screamed for me to answer. I sighed, hesitantly answering the call.

“Hello?”

“Hello! Is this Mr. Alber?” The lady's voice spoke strongly.

“Um, Yes this is. May I ask who I’m speaking with?” A nagging feeling in my stomach was starting to stir up. Something didn’t feel right.

“This is Crown Ridge Hospital-” My eyes widened.

“H-hospital?”

“Yes. I’m calling to inform you that Mr. Johnson has been admitted here. You were on his emergency call list. That is all the information I can give for now.”

“O-ok. Thank you” My voice was trembling terribly. How could this have happened?

I shakily put my phone in my back pocket, making my way through the staff’s kitchen to my boss’s office.

I quickly knocked on the door. “Come in”

I wasted no time walking in after hearing his smooth deep voice. Stop it, Liam! You have no time to think about your boss’s nice voice.

“Evening sir. I wanted to request a leave of absence for the rest of my shift.”

The smile on his face was replaced with concern. “Sure, but may I ask why? Why the late notice?” I sighed heavily.

“Well, umm…I got a call from the hospital. T-they told me that my best friend is in the hospital. He’s the only family I have.”

He nodded in understanding. “I see. You better get going then.”

I quickly left, running out of the building to my car. I was trying my best not to speed. I didn’t want to make matters worse by getting a speeding ticket. I made it safely to the hospital parking lot, parking my car in the handicap. Technically I wasn’t supposed to do that but at this point, I didn’t care. I jumped out of my car, almost forgetting to lock it. It would be just my luck if someone stole my car.

I ran through the groups of people crowding the entrance doors. I have never run so fast in my life. I wasn’t your average athletic boy. I never played sports or exercised. So, it was no surprise when I reached the receptionist's desk, breathing hard. My heart was racing so fast, you would think I’m having a heart attack.

“Sir? Are you alright? Do you need medical attention?”

I leaned over, placing my hands on my knees. “No,” I breathed out.

“Just give me a second.” I took a few deep breaths trying to calm my heart down. I looked up at the receptionist.

“Hi, umm. What room is John Johnson in?” I impatiently watched as she clicked on her computer a few times.

“He is still in surgery sir. You may wait in the waiting room if you like.” My mouth opened wide in shock.

“Y-you can’t be serious?! What the hell happened to him? Why does he need surgery?” She sighed looking at me with pity. I always hated that look. Nothing good ever came from that look.

“Sir, calm down, please. We still don’t know all the details either. He passed out from pain before we were fully aware of the situation. The doctor will inform you about the patient soon. For now, you will have to wait.” I balled my fist in anger, ignoring the pain of my nails digging into my palms. I can’t believe this is happening. He was just fine this morning.

I reluctantly walked towards the waiting room, taking a seat. I felt like I was being tortured. All this waiting was only making me more anxious. I don’t know how much longer I can take this.

Thankfully, I didn’t have to wait much longer. “Family of John Johnson!”

I quickly stood up. “How is he doc!? Is he okay?” I never understood why the doctors always seemed so neutral. You could never tell what they were thinking.

“Mr, Johnson is out of surgery. He had 5 broken ribs. Two on the left side and three on the right. One of the three ribs on the right was slightly puncturing his lungs. It had to be put back in place. He had 2 bruised ribs both on the left side. He broke his left ankle, and also had a concussion. He had slight bruises all over his body but those were nothing compared to the other damage. He was bleeding out. We had to transfer a lot of blood. Luckily our blood bank just stocked back up.”

Blood bank? Those words again?

“If he hadn’t come here when he did, he wouldn’t have made it. I am not sure what happened but it seemed like he was brutally attacked.” Honestly, I couldn't believe what was happening. I needed time to process all of this.

“Can I go see him now?”

The doctor nodded. “Of course. He is in room 138. Just be cautious. He’ll be sensitive to sound and light. Effects from the concussion. He also needs his rest. He should move around too much if not mandatory. He needs to make a full recovery.”

I hurriedly walked down the hallway, stopping in front of door 138. I eagerly opened the door, careful not to slam it. I looked at John’s worn-out body laid out on the hospital bed.

“Jeez, John. What happened to you?”