The Bystander

Chapter Fifteen

Alyssa

By the time the first week rolled by I was released from the hospital, my only visitors were Noah and Mom - until a nice looking nurse started making daily visits too. I believe this is the man Noah had referred to as a "blighter." Looking at him now, I guess I can see why he looks sour whenever he comes in.

Daniel was a nice man, a little older than me but nice nonetheless. In another universe his charming smile and his can-do attitude would have won me over, though it was painfully obvious that my heart belonged to someone else. But even I have to admit that he definitely scored in the looks department, how he can stand to look at me I'll never know.

"So Alyssa, you're getting outta here huh? Must be a relief." He smiled, packing away some of the get well gifts I received. I sat in the wheelchair with a small blush as he bent over a bit, showing me an outline of his impressive bottom.

My fingers twiddled together nervously as he stood behind me, holding the push handle. I blew a piece of hair out of my face, trying to keep my stuttering in check. "Yeah I guess." I retorted lamely.

He merely chuckled, leaning over and placing the small box in my lap. His fingers brushed against my arm - I couldn't control the flinch it caused. By now I began to feel uncomfortable, suddenly realising how much of a big deal Noah had been making earlier about being in the same room as Daniel.

He hummed gently as he steered me through the hospital corridors - occasionally greeting a nurse or two. I had hoped Mother or Noah would pick me up from my hospital room, but I guess they were running late or something. 

When we got outside, I was instantly met with the burning sun on my face. A small hiss left my lips as looked away covering my face, Daniel jogged in front of me conveniently covering the sun from my path. "Sorry bout that, nothing I can do." His cheeky retort made me smile a bit. 

"Anyway, do you have anyone to pick you up?" For some reason his question left me a little hurt - though it wasn't directed at him. Has my mother forgotten about me? Did Noah forget too? Was I doomed to walk home like this?

"I-I I.." I trailed off, my voice cracked slightly, I don't want to cry. He would be so weirded out and I would be embarrassed. "M-my.."

He kneeled in front of me, placing his large hand on top of mine. I flinched again, trying to look away from him - his dark eyes held an even darker emotion. One that made me squirm underneath his heavy gaze, I guess he mistook it for something else.

"How bout I drive you home? Maybe we could get something to eat too? Have a little chat and get to know each other, how does that sound?"

I almost blanched, trying hard to keep my mouth closed. Was he asking me out? I continued to stare at him with wide eyes, his hand reached out and tucked a piece of hair behind my ear. "I mean we don't have to go today-"

"Alyssa? Baby?"

The loud breath I was holding slowly released as I looked around frantically, my heart instantly pumping as I heard his voice. Daniel cursed quietly, plastering on a smile as he stood next to me with a hand on my back. Once again the sick feeling in my stomach returned as he did so, no way was I going to tell him off - I'm not that brave.

Noah ran towards us with narrowed eyes, I couldn't help but look him over. Today he decided to throw on a dark hoodie and some sweats, I could tell he was in hurry judging by the odd socks and the messy hair. Though of course he made it work, he always did.

"I'm so sorry I'm late." He was kneeling now, taking my hands in his as he stared up at me. "Come on let's get you home." He ignored Daniel completely, not waiting for me as he scooped out of the chair - my protests fell on deaf ears as I held the box of gifts tightly.

"Noah!" I screeched, with one arm wrapped around his neck. I didn't want him to hurt himself, or drop me. "I'm too heavy." I couldn't help but whisper in his neck. He made a growling sound in his throat, tightening the grip he had on me. 

We didn't say anything more as we approached the car, he was gentle when he placed me in the passenger seat. I couldn't help but look at him, his eyes were hard as he buckled me in. I almost whimpered as he slammed the door closed, the sound made me jump noticeably. I waited for him to finish having his little moment, and when he got back in the car - I was once again a bundle of nerves.

My fingers found the box of gifts, I picked up an adorable pink bear with a little bandage on it's head. The words "Get Well soon" was printed on it.

I sniffed a little, clutching it to my chest tightly. The drive continued in silence, the atmosphere was enough to make anyone choke uncomfortably. I opened my mouth to speak, though I stopped once I realised I had nothing to say. I had also began to get antsy and fidgety too, I did nothing wrong - so why is he pissed off?

He sighed heavily, I was waiting for him to speak but he didn't. By then my nerves were all muddled up, maybe I should apologise?

"I'm sorry." The sentence left my lips quietly, did it work? I couldn't help but wonder.

Noah made a groaning sound, abruptly pulling over to the side of the road. He took the box out of my hands and put it in the backseat, taking my hands in his as he stared me down. Those gorgeous green eyes of his, I'll never get enough of them. 

"Don't apologise peanut, I should be the one apologising. I acted like a proper arse, I know you didn't do anything wrong - I just got so pissed when I saw that prick standing so close to you." He grumbled, kissing the back of my hand affectionately. 

"He made me uncomfortable." I managed to mumble, looking down at our joined hands. An almost low growl came from him as his hands tightened around mine, I couldn't contain the wince that came out.

"Shit, sorry peanut." He said softly, loosening his grip. "Let get you home, I don't want your Mum to throw a fit for being late." He started the car again, letting go of my hands too. The feeling of emptiness slowly returned, I wanted to be selfish and grab his hand again - but I knew that it would only distract him.

For now I would settle for sitting close to him, perhaps that would soothe the burning sensation in my chest.