Chapter 132: He’s Awake!

CALEB. We spent the next few hours working side by side, chatting and joking as we worked through the paperwork. It was nice to have someone to talk to, someone who could make even the most boring tasks seem a bit more bearable. By the time we finished, I felt a lot better. Lighter, even. It wasn't just the relief of getting some work done; it was the sense of normalcy. Of things slowly returning to how they used to be. The only difference was, I wasn't sulking over Helena anymore. What I needed was closure. And I'd gotten it. Helena would probably find someone that would fit her better than I did, and didn't act like an asshole. Right now, I just wanted to focus on the things that mattered. 'See? That wasn't so bad," Jessica said, stacking the last of the papers neatly. 'We make a pretty good team." I chuckled. 'Yeah, we do. Thanks for the help, Jess." 'Anytime, boss," she replied with a wink. 'Now, how about we grab some lunch? My treat." I smiled. 'Sounds good to me. I could use a break." We left the office together, chatting and laughing as we headed to the nearby cafe. Hulvey was buzzing with activity. For the first time in what felt like forever, I felt hopeful. Things were starting to look up. As we walked, I couldn't help but think that maybe, just maybe, everything was going to be okay. And for the first time in days, I actually believed it. I jolted awake, the sudden buzz of my phone's vibration startling me out of a restless nap. I blinked, disoriented, rubbing my eyes and glancing around my dimly lit office. Papers were scattered across my desk, and the soft glow from my computer screen was the only source of light. I must have dozed off while going through some reports. Guess I was that tired. The buzzing continued, insistent and somewhat annoying. I reached for my phone, fumbling with it a bit before finally pressing it to my ear. "Hello?" My voice came out groggy, my mind still catching up with reality. "Caleb!" Brielle's voice sounded the other end, breathless and erratic, like she had been running. "Caleb! Kyle… Kyle is awake! He's regained consciousness!" I sat up straight, her words taking a moment to sink in. "What? Are you serious?" I asked, my heart suddenly pounding. "Are you for real, Brielle?" "Yes, yes! Come quick! You need to see him!" Her excitement was contagious, a mix of relief and joy that stirred something deep within me. I didn't need to be told twice. I was already on my feet, grabbing my jacket from the back of my chair and dashing out of the office. My thoughts raced faster than my legs could carry me. My prediction we correct then, he woke up this evening. I practically flew down the hospital corridors, my mind a blur of emotions. I found Brielle standing just outside Kyle's ward, her face flushed with a mixture of excitement and disbelief. She grabbed my arm, pulling me closer to the door. "He's awake, Caleb," she whispered, tears glistening in her eyes. "He's really awake." I pushed the door open and stepped inside. Kyle was sitting up in his bed. His eyes were open, bright and alert, and a small, familiar smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. He looked tired, sure, but he was there—really there. Alive. Conscious. Awake. "Look who finally decided to join us," He drawled, his voice raspy but filled with that same old arrogance. "Took you long enough, huh?" I felt a laugh bubble up from deep inside me. I crossed the room in a few quick strides, pulling him into a gentle but firm embrace. "You scared the hell out of us, you know that?" I muttered, patting his back lightly. "Don't ever do that again." Kyle chuckled, weakly patting my back. "No promises, big bro. But I'll try my best." Brielle joined us, her face lit up with a smile so wide it seemed to brighten the whole room. She squeezed Kyle's hand, her eyes never leaving his face. "I knew you'd pull through," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I just knew it." Kyle shrugged, trying to sit up a bit more. "You know me, Bri. Always up for a challenge. Even one as nasty as a poisoning." I shook my head, unable to suppress a grin. "Only you would think of waking up from a coma as some kind of competition." Kyle winked at me. "Gotta stay on brand, Caleb. Can't let you guys think I've gone soft." The three of us fell into easy conversation, the tension in the room lifting as Kyle's familiar, playful grin spread across his face. Despite his weakened state, his eyes still sparkled with the same mischief that always got him into trouble. 'So, you've been lazing around here while we've been running around saving your ass?" I teased, leaning back in my chair. 'Typical Kyle, always looking for an excuse to get out of doing any real work." Kyle chuckled, though it came out as a soft rasp. 'Hey, someone had to make sure this hospital stays in business. I'm just doing my part." he shot back, his voice still a bit weak but his humor intact. Brielle snorted. 'Oh, please. You'd probably find a way to sleep through a tornado if you could." Kyle feigned shock, dramatically pressing his hand on his chest. 'I'm wounded, Brielle. I thought I'd get a bit more sympathy from my own sister after waking up from a coma. Guess I was wrong." 'Don't start with the dramatics," she replied, rolling her eyes but unable to hide her grin. 'You've been milking this whole ‘coma' thing for all it's worth, haven't you?" Kyle smirked. 'Well, it's not every day I get to scare you all half to death and then wake up to find everyone fussing over me. Feels like my birthday, just without the cake." 'Next time, try just asking for attention," I snarled, half a smile playing on my lips. 'It might be less traumatic for all of us." He laughed, a weak but genuine sound that made the atmosphere change slightly. 'Where's the fun in that?" Kyle asked, grinning. 'Besides, I wanted to see how much you both really care. Turns out, it's quite a lot." Brielle rolled her eyes again, but her smile softened as she looked at him. 'Don't let it go to your head," she warned. 'We're just glad you're back. I mean, who else is going to keep Caleb from turning into a complete workaholic?" She said, half glaring at me. I wasn't even half the workaholic I wanted to be and she was complaining? Kyle raised an eyebrow, his grin widening. 'Oh, I see. This was all a setup to make me feel like I'm the glue holding this little family together, wasn't it?" 'Clearly, you hit your head harder than we thought," I laughed. 'But sure, keep believing that if it makes you feel better." Kyle let out another raspy chuckle. 'You know, I might just stay in this hospital bed a little longer. Get used to all this pampering." Brielle snorted. 'Pampering? You mean having us sit here and listen to you whine?" 'Hey, that's premium entertainment right there," Kyle shot back with a grin. 'You should be grateful."