Beep. Beep. Beep.
Sounds fill my mind as I lie in bed. Whose bed? I do not know. I am yet to open my eyes. My head is throbbing. I attempt to open my eyes. Slowly my eyelids part and the bright lights of the room force them shut. I try again. This time, being prepared for the assault, I turn my head ever so slowly to the side and open my eyes. This time, it is not the bright light that force my eyes shut.
It all comes back to me. I remember why I am here. I thought I was on my way to eternal peace and now I am stuck in this rut. I open my eyes again to make sure that who I saw was real. Lying on the hospital couch is a tall guy with black messy hair. He is wearing a black shirt and blue jeans. And purple sneakers? When you live in the town of Krava, it is safe to say that you know everyone. But this boy I did not know. I remember seeing him running towards me and picking me up. I guess he brought me here. I survey my surroundings. The room is small and private, with a TV playing muted in one corner. There is a vase of flowers next to my bed on the drawer and my stuff- towel, toiletries- everything, is on the floor next to the door. My heart starts to constrict as panic settles in.
My father.
I couldn't face my father, not after what I had done. How could I ever look at him again and tell him everything is ok, when he knows it is not. I lift up my head and look for my clothes and as I pull the blanket off me someone places his hand on me and pushes me gently back onto the bed.
"Hey, you need to rest. I will go call the doctor." His voice is like honey and his eyes. Oh his eyes are the most caramel brown eyes I have ever seen. Against my will and under the spell of this mysterious person I lie down again. He swiftly leaves the room. Wild thoughts race through my mind as I try to figure out who he is. Obviously I can't ask any of the other kids since none of them talks to me. And again I am depressed. I hate this guy. Who the hell does he think he is meddling in my life? I didn't ask to be saved. All over again I start to realize the predicament I'm in. Everyone at school is going to know I tried to kill myself. I began to cry as I contemplated running away.
"Good morning Liana. No need to cry. Everything's goin' to be alright." The doctor is a tall woman with short graying hair. She has frown lines all over her face, which make her seem very friendly. The unnamed hero is standing close behind her with a worried expression on his face. I can't seem to help but notice all the love and tenderness that is showing in his face. I recognize the pained loving expression. I see it every time I look at my father. He is looking at me without blinking, as if trying to read my mind. I look away. I watch my doctor write on her clipboard and take a few measurements.
"Everything looks fine, darling. You'll be out of here in no time," says wrinkly face. After a few minutes, she disappears, leaving me alone with the boy.
A very long moment passes.
"So, I guess I have to thank you for saving my life." I can't help but be nice.
"No problem. I am Andrew Le Roux." He comes to sit at the side of my bed.
"So how did you happen upon me? I did choose a remote spot on the hill for a reason," I ask, not able to look at him. He does not answer me for a while.
"I just thought I'd take a different route. I saw you and well, the rest is history." He chuckles. I can't help but smile. I continue to examine the room in an attempt to avoid eye contact with him.
"Oh," is all I can manage to say. How lame.
The silence I notice is actually quite comfortable. Andrew makes himself comfortable in the arm chair and starts to hum a familiar tune, but I somehow cannot place it. He hums for a few minutes and the sound of his honey tenor voice calms me. I forget about all my problems and just enjoy the music.
I must have fallen asleep because I wake with a start and realize that he has stopped humming. He looks at me all concerned and caring. He must probably not know what the others say about me. Otherwise, he wouldn't be sitting here risking his reputation.
"Where's my dad" I ask.
"At work. He was here throughout the night at your side. Don't tell him I told you but he was crying and well, he said he'd be back after work. Do you want me to call him for you?"
"No. It's fine. I'll wait till he comes. Although, I don't want to see him."
"Why not?"
"Well, because it's embarrassing to say the least. I mean I tried to kill myself. I don't think I can handle answering any questions right now."
"You don't have to do anything you're not comfortable with. I'm here for you." His voice is so sincere that I have to look at him to make sure that I heard correctly.
"Look, thank you for ruining my plans and saving me but I really don't need your help. I have been surviving long enough on my own." I wince at the harshness of my words.
"Have you really been surviving on your own?"
"Yes."
"So then why did you try to kill yourself?"
"I ..." frustrated, I look away. My cheeks are burning from embarrassment. He knew that I wasn't coping. There was no way to deny it. I just didn't have the guts to admit it to a stranger.
"As long as you need me, I will be here."
"Why? You are starting to sound like some guardian angel or something." Before he can answer me, my dad walks in.
"Hi liana, darling!" he comes rushing to the bed and gives me a tight hug. We hold on to each other for what seems like an eternity. I reluctantly let go of my dad and he sits in chair on the left side of the bed. He holds my hands in his and to my surprise there are tears in his eyes. Guilt rips through me as I realize for the first time all the pain and anguish I put my dad through. How could I have been so selfish? I sit there, clutching his hands unable to speak and look at the man who has done all he could to give me a better life.
"I'm sorry, daddy,' is all I can stammer.
"It's ok, sweetie. As long as you're ok. The doctor said you'll be out of here tomorrow." Your mom is flying in later today." Oh, no. He called my mom. I think I'm going to die.
"Dad, you know how mom is. I don't think I'll be able to-" my dad cuts me off.
"Shhh. Don't worry about her. You just get better. I have to go now. Doctor told me I shouldn't be long. See you later kiddo. I love you."
"I love you too, dad." He kisses my forehead and is gone.
"So Andrew..." He is gone. I didn't even notice him leave. I have a few questions for him. Why is he so intent on helping me?
