NINTH CHAPTER

--- Merida’s POV ---

Everything hurt and it was loud. I knew I was at a hospital or on the way, but I couldn't open my eyes. *Just rest girl, they will take care of us.* Nadia whispered to me, and I winced as someone stuck a needle in my arm and not because she was being loud. *Sorry girl, but please just relax. It won’t hurt as bad if you relax.* I don’t respond but just do as she says.

After relaxing I noticed it got quieter around me and I could actually hear what was going on.

“We need the CAT scan immediately and make sure all of those tests are put at the front of the queue. If anyone has any questions, send them to me. We need answers now. I will not be facing Mr. Solace without at least a plan how to treat her.” I believe it is my doctor barking orders and the nurses moving around me carrying them out. Though I was stuck on the ‘Mr. Solace’ as I don’t remember anyone by that name.

Then a face appeared in my mind. I knew it was Nadia who brought it up, but I couldn't place where I saw this guy. I did feel some nostalgia after seeing him but from where? In fact he felt like family, but how?

He looked nice in that big bulky way. Yes, I would say he was intimidating but when you look in his eyes and see the mischievous spark, I can’t say he meant any harm. Though I did love how dark his skin was, he almost looked like a big chocolate bar, another reason why I just couldn't fear him. His big brown eyes were just so welcoming and told me that he was a big softie who would just love a hug. Plus, I loved his long braids, which really did add to his intimidation factor but for me he looked like a Viking. Like one of those guys from The Littlest Viking, well more like one of the guards that had to stand there and watch the silliness in front of him, without laughing. Though I can never tell anyone, or my parents, that I saw it. It was a secret between me, Miguel, and Lucy.

I started to feel sleepy, and just as I was succumbing in, I felt the bed moving and figured I was going to get my CAT scan.

“How is she?” a deep gruff but soothing voice asked as we moved down the hallway. I felt so comfortable and whole at hearing this voice that I struggled to open my eyes.

*Don’t do that! We are to weak, relax now!* Nadia whispered yelled at me as she wrapped me in her warmth. I knew she was right, but I wanted to see him; NO, I needed to see him.

I knew who that voice belonged to. Just as was placing the voice, the image of Mr. Solace came up. I wished I could move a muscle for I would be smiling. He really sounded worried for me, and I also could picture him frowning as he looked down at me.

*Please don’t look at me. I don’t look really good right now! * I shrieked as I imaged what I might look like right now.

*Girl he has seen us in worse states and he didn’t even bat an eye then. Besides his concern now is our survival. Everything else well be taken cared of later.* Nadia says to me. Like that made it all better.

“Eric,” someone said before gasping in pain as I heard a loud bang or slap. I wasn’t sure what happened, but I think the person who spoke was hit. “Mr. Solace, we need to talk.” I really wanted to hear more but my bed was moving as the nurse announced that she was just taking me for a scan and would be back in half an hour. At that I finally succumbed to the darkness.

I knew it was sometime later, given it was quiet and dark. As well there were people around me. I couldn’t see but I knew not one was a nurse, in fact two were on each side of the bed I was laying on.

The one on the left side was sleeping by my left arm as they held my hand with both of theirs. The other person was holding my right hand and leaning over and looking down at me. How I knew this was because I finally got my eyes open this time and was looking into those hazel eyes I remember seeing before the car.

Though as I looked at them, I realized they were more beautiful and unique. They had a light tint with a more blue and amber mixture, plus the outer ring was green. A bright green, which gave them a very bright gleam, almost all of them were glowing. I just laid there staring at his eyes. I just couldn’t look away.

“Meri, OH MERI!” Lucy whispers at first then shrieks as she flings herself on top of me.

I groan as her weight weighs me down on the bed and gives me a picture of my injuries. My left hand is bandaged, and my left elbow is wrapped with a splint keeping it securely in place at 90-degrees. As well as the pain in my chest which most likely meant some bruised or cracked ribs. Both my legs are elevated, which is why I noticed them. Only I could feel the bed under my feet, which meant they were at a forty-five degree then a 90-degree angle, since there were pillows under my legs. I felt something was off, but I couldn’t ask as everyone was moving closer to me.

Plus Lucy was hiccupping from crying so hard as she sat up and whimpered, “Oh Meri I’m so sorry. I was just so happy to see you awake that I forgot about your ribs.”

I didn’t have to ask for Miguel as he was right there helping Lucy off the bed and away from me. Only to take her place beside me.

“Hey trouble. Here let me do that,” he said as I tried to sit up. So, using the buttons on the bed, he raised me up so I could see everyone that was there. “How do you feel?”

“Much better now that the 2-ton gorilla is off me.” I said with a comical smile just for him and Lucy.

“Aw,” Lusy gasps, “You little brat. And here I have been worrying sick about you.” she declared as she gently slapped my left shoulder as she squashed Miguel against the bed railing.

“Hey gorilla back off!” Miguel yelped as he pushed her back. I only smiled as I watched them bickering about who stands where because it hurt to laugh.

“You were just sleeping a moment ago, Lu. Now both of you stop and come here.” I said reaching out with my right hand to them. They immediately were by the bed shoulder to shoulder to hold my hand. With that fixed I finally looked around the room and saw who else was here.

Mama Ang was asleep on the couch across from the bed by the far wall and Adam was sitting on the couch with his mom’s feet on his lap. I waved at him, and he smiled back.

“I’m going to tell Larry and Sarah that you are awake.” I just nodded at his words for I was confused. Who was Sarah and was Larry with her? At that he detangled himself and left the room.

That’s when I noticed the person standing by the window, plus that is dark outside, meaning its nighttime. I couldn’t see who it was because they were staring outside and standing in the shadows. Only one light was on, and it was beside the bed but very dim. I bet so it wouldn’t bother me for when I finally woke up.

I was still staring at the strange man when he turned to stare back at me. “Ericson Solace!” I gasped as I met his brown warm eyes.

“Oh yeah it was due to him that you were put in this fantastic room.” Lucy ranted as she gained my attention and showed how big and glorious the room was. In fact, there were two couches and just didn’t notice them, till now.

I had a private bathroom, and there was even room for a roll away cot, which was in the corner of the room by the other couch.

Though I kept listening and following Lucy with my eyes I did notice Ericson talking to the guy who was holding my hand. The one with those beautiful hazel eyes. Also with them was Miguel. Why was he over there?”