Chapter 40
Gracie
I stared up at him, my mouth opened to voice out my response..
But what could I say?
He opened his mouth to say something when the operating room opened and the doctor approached us with a tired but satisfied look.
“How is he doing? ” Sebastian asked
“The bullet missed his heart by a few inches, he’ll live”
At the doctors words I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding.
“When is he going to be awake? ” Sebastian asked again, I watched the tension slowly drain away from his features.
“I can’t say for certain, your father called me up, his flight just landed, I think he’ll be here anytime soon”
I had wondered he managed to get Hayden treated in the hospital without getting a police report, there had been no statements or whatever.
When he’d lifted Hayden to the ambulance he’d ordered the rest people I assumed to be their men to clean up the warehouse and leave a trace of nothing behind.
It turns out that they owned the hospital and the doctors afterall .
These were dangerous people, they were ruthless, they spoke about ending lives like they were discussing about their next course of meal….. , now an opportunity has presented itself , I can finally escape this darkness , I shouldn’t be debating about it.
I should be making a quick decision.
The doctor left and he turned back towards me.
” I will leave ”
Hayden’s obsession was too dark and dangerous, it wouldn’t end until we were both scalded with the flames.
He wants me… but that won’t erase everything he’s done to me for years.
I know deep down that I’ll never be normal again..
He’s made sure of it, I’m far too gone for that..
Too corrupted.
I swallowed hard, meeting his stare.
“But you have to keep your words. That he never finds me… if he does… ”
“He won’t ” he said with finality
I nodded slowly as an empty feeling washed over me, I felt as if something was draining out of me, my throat were clogged up , the corners of my eyes stung, I willed myself to blink them back..
“I want to see him… for the last time” I whispered
I don’t know what it was but I just couldn’t bear to leave without seeing him again.
I guess I’m just too messed up.
He replied with a curt nod and casts a quick glance to his wrist watch.
“You have just until five minutes before our dad arrives”
I don’t know why his words surprised me, his son was lying unconscious after being shot, of course he had to come.
“You are the enemy’s daughter who put his son in such a critical condition, trust me he wouldn’t be so pleased to see you”
Five minutes would be more than enough…
To set everything to an end.
***********************************
He looked deathly pale from where I stood .
Hayden Mcandrew.
He always was so strong… So scary and intimidating … he had always made me feel so tiny, like he could crush me without even so much as you lift a finger . It felt strange seeing him lying here so still and pale.
His eyes were closed, I guess the sedatives were still effective .
The doctor had said that he was out of danger but would take some time before he would regain consciousness.
“I’m leaving Hayden ” I whispered
“You shouldn’t have saved me ….. but you did, now I’m going to go far away and you won’t be able to stop me… I’ll free us both. ”
I could have sworn I saw him make the slightest gesture but when I stared again……. nothing.
I inhaled deeply and exhaled aloud before I continued.
“I’m not an ungrateful person, everything you owe me for these past years is all over…. We don’t owe each other anything , i won’t be here when you wake up ”
“You were right, this is what I’ve always wanted b.. but… but right n.. now” I choked on the words.
I’m not sure what I want anymore….
“I really hope you make it” I averted instead
I wiped my face with the back of my hand and began to make my way to the door.
“Don’t go! ”
I froze midway in my steps , all the hairs on my body stood at its ends.
“look at m.. me” even though his voice was ragged my body still obeyed it’s strained order, I turned around slowly to face him.
His green eyes were glazed and glassy, probably from all the sedatives , his breaths came out in harsh pants as he struggled to get into a sitting position.
“What are you doing! ” I croaked out , he no longer seemed weak to me.
He ripped of the needles from his arm and staggered his way towards me .
His wounds reopened, blood was currently oozing out through his shirt but he didn’t appear to mind it nor the pain.
“What are you doing !” I yelled out in horror this time, he was bleeding profusely now.
“To hell with y.. your forgiveness! I d… don’t need it! “his voice was rough with raw emotions.
“I’m sorry Hayden ” my voice came out as a strangled whisper.
Why I was apologizing I don’t know, perhaps it was because of the look of hopelessness in his glazed expression…. or perhaps the raw plea I heard in his voice.
“Stay p.. please ” even as I shook my head a strained tear rolled down one of his eyes.
He was begging me not to leave…
“I will find you! ” He managed out in harsh pants before collapsing unconscious to the hospital floor
I screamed calling for the doctor and nurses
*
*
The doctors rushed inside, ushering me out of the room.
They sedated him…
my gaze found Sebastian one last time Then I left.
I ran as fast as I could into the cold rainy night.
I was free.. ..
Everything was finally over, I should be happy, but I just couldn’t stop crying, a heavy pit of sadness ate at my stomach .
A choked bitter laughter escaped my mouth , I was completely drenched to my skin but I don’t care .
I had no one…
I don’t belong anywhere, where could I go?
I felt like I just lost myself… my only support…. He has always been my enemy and I’ve hated him for so long, then why do I feel like my heart is being carved straight out my chest?
He took away my childhood …
Took away my adolescennce…
Tormented my life for ten years…
I hate him… I should hate him but I just don’t anymore.
Maybe somehow the big bad wolf had stolen the heart of the little bunny.
But I know he wouldn’t spare me if caught, he would consume the little pieces of me that remained until there was nothing left.
I’ll find you…
His dark promise rang inside my head as I disappeared into the night.
************