When I Need You

Chapter 13

Zayn's P.O.V.

I looked at the doctor in shock. I felt like I was 15 again, watching as Cassie swung from the ceiling. I was looking at the carpet as her blood pooled under her feet. I came back to the present and realized I was on my knees. I stayed that way as Artie, who had just gotten here, conversed with the doctor.

I felt hands on my shoulders shaking me. I looked up at Harry's face. I felt a wetness on my cheek and realized I was crying. Harry pulled me to my feet and embraced me tightly. He spoke through tears of his own.

"It's gonna be okay. I know it will."

I continued to cry until I felt a new set of arms embrace me. I looked at Louis, whose face was inches from mine. We cried together. I looked up at the doctor. Louis pulled away from me. He went to the doctor imploringly.

"Can I see her? Please?"

The doctor said something low and instructed Louis through a door. Harry pulled me to a chair.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Louis's P.O.V.

I was in pain. Physical and mental. Guilt was pulsing through me and my head was pounding. I didn't realize I was crying until I looked over and saw Zayn kneeling on the floor sobbing. I went over to hug him as Harry pulled him up. We stayed this way awhile.

Then I had a thought. I had to see her. I had to see what I did. I walked up to the doctor.

"Can I see her? Please?"

"I don't know. Well, maybe for a moment."

The doctor turned and I followed her quickly. We walked through the doors into a small room. I looked at the bed where Heather lying. The doctor reminded me I only had a minute and left.

I walked slowly up to the bed. I looked down at Heather. Her face was swollen and cut. It appeared her whole body was cut up and bruised. I took a breath and settled into a chair beside her bed.

"Heather, I don't know where you are now. Where ever it is I hope it is peaceful and painless. I want you to know how sorry and disgusted I am with myself. I know this my fault it all is. You were so sweet and cheerful and energetic. And I took it all away. I am so sorry. I know you said you would try to forgive, but I guess it's too late for that now."

As I said these last words I picked up her hand and gave it a little squeeze. Then I heard this weird beeping sound fill the room. I looked up and saw greenish blue gray eyes looking at me.

"Louis I forgive you, but it doesn't take away the hurt."

Then she passed out. She was alive. Heather was alive. And I was forgiven.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Yay!

~H