Chapter 82

At the hospital, Laura was recovering from the bruise and lacerations she had sustained. Diane had told me how hurt she was and how bad it was. I didn't feel bad for her in any way, how could I? When I remembered all she had done. Diane had told me to speak to her once or twice but I never listened to her. Yesterday, I had gone to the hospital out of curiosity so I could literally see for myself what she was talking about. When I entered, the usual smell of antiseptic and drugs disturbed my stomach. I despised coming to the hospital and this strong dislike started from when I was little, the exact time I had lost my father. It was just like any normal day in the clan when suddenly we heard a loud noise, we all ran inside to protect ourselves. I could remember how my father had hid me and had gone to fight the men that had the audacity to visit his clan. He was killed, right in front of my eyes. He died on the spot but he was rushed to the hospital where he couldn't be revived and since then hospitals reminded me of death. I simply hated even the thought of it. When I had entered, the hospital was busy with the receptionists answering loud phone calls, the nurses running helter skelter, the doctors all looking tired and exhausted. The hospital was indeed no place for rest. The usual smell of antiseptic hanging heavy in the air made me want to vomit. My heart was racing and my palms became sweaty. The nurse I met was kind enough to take me to Laura's ward. As we walked to her ward, my eyes scanned the hospital lobby, counting the available seats and observing people who had come to see a patient. Some crying, others looking anxious and nervous. Immediately, the nurse opened the door, my breathe seized and I couldn't think properly again. I wasn't sure if it was still the hospital or the thought of finally setting my eyes on Laura. She had bandages attached to her weak body. I walked in anxiously, but with a show of concern on my face. 'Will she be alright?" I asked the nurse. 'You look frightened, do not worry. She'll be fine. She looked worse than this many days ago." The nurse smiled at me and left to attend to important matters. I had been so scared of what to say or do when I got here but now I was grateful that she was asleep. My eyes scan the room which was dimly lit to my taste too. I got a chair that was just right in front, positioned it by the side of Laura careful not to wake her too. I sat down, not knowing exactly what I was trying to do or what I wanted to do. I just sat there staring trying so hard to avoid her yet to be healed face. When she had come with my mother, she looked more injured than my mother and yet she was the one that had carried here all the way from I don't know where. I didn't know what I felt as I sat so close to her bit I know there was this softness I had for her in my heart. I wanted her to heal fast not so she could stay and we could go back to being friends bit so she could leave so I wouldn't see her face anymore. I didn't think I was wrong about my convictions about her. She had betrayed me. Right in front of me, she chose Lucas and Mascot over me. I didn't want to hear from her knowing fully well that she would try to save her face thereby lying. I could only trust my mother at this moment. I could remember also that I had seen her face in my visions where she had been with Mascot trying to get on his good side. Suddenly Laura's eyes fluttered open, staring right at me. It was so sudden and unexpected that I wanted to run into a closet or wardrobe so she couldn't see me but it was too late. 'Naomi, is that you?" She quickly stretched her hand out to touch me but I stopped her. 'Get well soon." I said, avoiding eye contact. For few seconds the air in the room was filled with nervous staring from her. 'Are you still upset with me?" She asked me, quietly, her mouth still trying to get the strength to speak. I was only getting upset with the questions she was asking. Did she expect me to give her a hug when she opened her eyes or have a feast for her? I didn't have an answer for her since I was scared I would say something harsh to her, so I ignored her. 'I'm sorry." She said again. I was torn in between anger and compassion, I remembered the good times and I wonder what had really caused her to change. 'I hope you had a really good time with Mascot." I signed, the pain of her betrayal still lingering. 'That fool? I would never have anything to do with him. Naomi, please give me a chance to explain." She responded but mid way, she began to cough seriously. 'Where's the water?" I screamed, frantic and afraid that something would happen seeing the vigorous way she was coughing. I followed her pointer finger and got a glass of water from the dispenser which I hadn't noticed when I had entered the room. 'I'd advise you don't speak at the moment." I told herr as I handed the cup to her. She gulped down the water and asked for more. I got her one more cup which she finished as well. 'Thank you." She replied, ceiling at me. I looked away immediately since I would have smiled if not I was so angry with her. 'I'm leaving." I said, turning to leave. 'Thank you for coming to see me." She responded immediately and I stopped. I didn't want her to get the wrong ideas so I had to make it clear to her. 'Listen, I only came here because this is what a leader should do and because Diane had pressured me to come see you. This is what a loyal person should do but I know you won't understand it because it'll be too complex for you. Just so you know, we aren't friends. Just get better soon and go back to your clan. I don't care about you." I said and turned immediately, afraid that if I had seen her hurt face, I would apologise immediately. I literally ran out of the room and when I had finally exited the hospital, I could breathe well.