CALLA : BOOK II

42 - Blame

                I don't remember the last time I was in the hospital so had forgotten how cold it was. The hard sterile bed, white walls, and muted color curtains all made the room feel weary. My eyes slowly opened to the tall white ceiling while soft voices could be heard nearby. Soon the doctor's face came into view. Her eyes look at me with concern, asking me gently how I was feeling.

"Where is Rose? How is she?"

"She's still in surgery." The doctor answered, not wanting me to stress or worry. "The surgeon is confident he can get the bullet removed safely"

Rose took a bullet for me. Even though I wished she hadn't put herself in danger for my sake, my sister had done just that. Even now, her blood stained my hands and clothes.

"Careful" A deep voice rushed to my side when I tried to sit up.

I wanted to question the doctor further on Rose's condition.

"Calla"

I didn't notice how much I was trembling until big cold hand held my cheek. Startled by the touch, I flinched. Looking up into Eli Frye's violet eyes, I felt confused. Why was Eli Frye still by my side? Why wasn't he with Rose?

"Your sister is doing fine" Alexander Locke spoke as he entered the room.

Like Eli Frye, Alexander Locke's expression was filled with concern.

"She just got out of surgery" Alex informed me. "She'll recover"

I felt like Alex was hiding something from me. Just before I could ask what he was hiding, my father stormed into the room behind Alex. The man was blazing with anger as he rushed to me. Pushing Eli Frye aside, Michael Lind slapped me – holding none of his strength back.

"Calla!" Alex and Eli were stunned.

Eli Frye shoved my father away from me before he wrapped an arm protectively around my shoulders. My mind was blank even though I could hear Alex's angrily telling my father to leave.

"Because of you, your sister was almost killed!" My father ignored Alex and Eli as he shouted.

"Get him out, now!" Eli Frye no longer cared if Michael Lind was his senior or not.

At Eli Frye's order, several men came into the room and took the kicking and screaming Michael Lind out.

"Because of you, Rose's life is ruined!" My father angrily shouted even while he was dragged out.

Because of me... My father, of course, would blame me. I wanted to laugh but couldn't get a single sound out. The cheek that was swollen from the crazed woman's attack was once again hit by my own father. But I didn't feel any physical pain. All I felt was numb.

"Calla..."

Eli Frye's voice shook slightly as he continued to hold me against him. I didn't realize my soundless cry until his white shirt was soak with my tears.