Chapter 9: Visiting Hours

Aiden slowly makes his way to Ashley’s room, scared at what he’ll see. ‘God, I can’t believe this is happening. This shouldn’t be happening. Not to Ash.’

He reaches the door, slowly letting his hand reach for the door knob. He takes a deep breath before he pushes open the door. He pauses inside the door way to try and prepare himself for when he sees her. He closes the door and nearly collapses when he sees her. She’s completely still on the bed with tubes and wires all around her. She’s really pale, gauze wrapped around her head. Her face is covered in bruises and cuts, the blanket hiding the rest of the damage underneath. There’s a breathing tube in her mouth, helping her breath. The only sign of life was Ashley’s chest moving up and down and the beeping of the heart monitor. Walking up to her, he takes a seat in the chair near the bed, gently taking her hand.

"God, Ash. How did this happen?" he says, voice full of emotion.

"You know, I lost my job, well, I quit. My bitch of a boss wouldn’t let me stay with the others. So, I went, and then I quit. I know I needed it but, I’ll find another one." Aiden lets out a sad sigh.

"I really hope you wake up soon. I’m gonna go, give the others time, too."

Aiden stands up and places a gentle kiss on Ashley’s forehead. He leaves the room, and runs into Jacy on the way back to the room Spencer, Kyla and Mr. Carlin are still in.

"Hey, where’d you go?" Aiden asks Jacy, as they head to the room.

"I um… went to see how Jazz was doing." Aiden pauses in his walk as he tries to figure out who Jazz is.

"Jazz? Who’s Jaz… OH." Realization flashes over his face. He opens his mouth to say something, but Jacy cuts him off.

"Wait, before you say anything, I wanted to see how she was doing. I mean, she has nobody coming to visit her. And I talked to her and it looks like she knows that Ashley’s crazy about Spencer, and they agreed to be friends, that’s it. And, she’s really nice once you talk to her, and…" Aiden cuts her off. ‘God do ALL girls talk in one breath when nervous?’