I know! It's been a while, I'm sorry :P Comment your anger - no I mean, your reactions, as you read xD
Zayn laid fuming in his bed as he waiting for someone to show up. A nurse had quickly scurried out of the room to fetch a doctor when Zayn regained his consciousness. Judging from the light outside the window, he figured he had been out for almost twenty four hours. Zayn did not know if he was more worried about Bee, and not knowing what had happened to her, or furious at Alex and her team for sneakily drugging him so they could have their way.
As he was reminded of the slope and how long it would have taken them to climb it, and the hours long flight to the city in the air ambulance, it did not take long before he was totally consumed by dread and worry, not knowing if Bee was able to make it to a hospital on time.
His drowsy eyes lingered on the empty drip stand when it hit him. He could see her! Both of them must have been rushed to the hospital, and though he must have been shifted to the VIP section immediately, she still may be in the same hospital.
Zayn sat up just as the door opened.
"Mr. Harris!" The doctor greeted him cheerfully, "Good to see you are finally up. How are you feeling?"
Zayn eyed the grey haired man blandly. He settled back against the pillows, not thrilled to realize, his plans to go 'Bee-searching' might not happen too soon.
"I'm alright," he muttered in a distracted sort of way, watching the nurse shut the door gently.
The doctor nodded, still smiling.
"That's good to hear," he said, casually opening Zayn's file lying on the sliding-table at the foot of his bed. "I'm Dr. Calvin, by the way. They warned me you'd throw a wild tantrum. I was told you have been drugged because you were not being . . . cooperative? You seem quite in control now. I was expecting much worse, to be honest."
Zayn swallowed his annoyance, chewing on his cheeks to not snap.
"Perhaps it would be wise to not push your luck too far, Dr. Calvin," Zayn replied tersely.
"True that," Dr. Calvin looked amused, "I'll go straight to discussing the important stuff, then – "
"Great that you agree," Zayn cut in, "So tell me where's Bee?"
The doctor raised an eyebrow. His fingers paused in the act of flipping through the pages in the file.
"Pardon?"
"I want to know about the other student," Zayn clarified, desperately trying to remember Salma's name. "She was brought here with me, was she not?"
Dr. Calvin straightened up a little, placing the file back on the table.
"What?" Zayn asked, panicking. "What happened to her?"
"Mr. Harris –"
"Is she alright?"
"I don't know," he replied, frowning.
"What do you mean you don't know?"
"I mean, I'm not aware of another student that was brought here with you, Mr. Harris."
Zayn started at the doctor. His mouth felt dry. He could feel his heart beat accelerating. Bee was not brought here? Why . . . was she too late?
"Mr. Harris, this is a big hospital," Dr. Calvin began, noticing Zayn's alarm, "I'm an orthopedic doctor. Unless the student you are talking about had bone or muscle injuries, I doubt she would need me or anyone in my department for us to know of her arrival here."
Relieved somewhat, Zayn let out the breath that he did not know he was holding. He nodded at the doctor.
"Right," Dr. Calvin said. "Can we get back to where we left off?"
The doctor spent the next ten minutes explaining how Zayn's leg was in good shape except for a minor tibial fracture, which for the most part had already healed but they encased it anyway till the healing process was complete. Zayn realized for the first time that the wooden casing around his leg had been replaced by a proper brace. The tissue around the bone had suffered inflammation, so Dr. Calvin prescribed him medicine for it. He then started with the usual speech of precautions and care for a broken leg.
Zayn had broken his bones enough times to know that stuff by heart, so he tuned him out. His mind strayed back to wondering where and how Bee was. There was a chance that they were both in the same building, but instead of calming down, his stomach twisted in anxious knots knowing her condition could still be very serious.
"So, I advice at least a week's rest after that," the Doctor said. "You are free to go home tomorrow."
"Good."
"Alright then, I'll let you have a chance to attend to your engagements." Dr. Calvin smiled, ready to leave.
"Engagements?" Zayn asked, frowning, "Wait. Are there people outside this room?"
Zayn started worrying his cover was blown off. He could not afford to lose it at the moment!
"Yes. Quite a number of people," the doctor replied, making Zayn panic even more, "A team of your managers -"
Dang!
"Dr. Calvin," Zayn cut him, "Do not let them in. I'll sue this whole hospital if you allow those dunces to harass me. I want to be left alone right now, okay? Do not let them in!"
The doctor raised an eyebrow, obviously not impressed by Zayn's rudeness or his threats.
"Listen," Zayn continued desperately, "I really can't deal with this shit right now! Tell them, I'm losing it. That I've been through a lot and their stupid faces, ridiculous ties and hideous suits would drive me completely crazy."
There was a moment's pause in which Dr. Calvin regarded Zayn with questioning eyes.
"No need to waste your money on lawsuits, Mr. Harris." He shrugged, then gave Zayn a half smile. " I must say I'm impressed. Running such a successful company at your age, that's really something."
Not really understanding what company he was talking about, Zayn nodded as the doctor took his leave. The management must have faked another story, Zayn guessed. He must be some rich ass business man for the medical staff right now. Although he was grateful for their creative lies to keep his cover intact, Zayn still did not want to suffer by enduring their presence.
***
"Zayn!"
"Hey, Harris!"
"You're alive!"
Zayn's eyes jerked open when he felt someone jump on his bed while screaming in his ears.
"Oh My God!" Claire cried, "Z! It's so good to see you!"
Zayn struggled to breathe. It took him a moment to realize that he had already been tackled by Claire and Niall.
"Good to have you back, mate!" Niall beamed as he pulled back.
"Come on Z, say something," Claire cried shrilly, making Zayn wince.
"Um, my ears hurt?" He said innocently. Claire pulled back to look at him. She was confused. "And I have trouble breathing properly when people attempt to sit on me?"
It took them both a moment to realize Zayn was talking about them and they attack him again.
"You jerk!" Claire slapped his shoulder.
"We missed you so much, bro." Niall punched him.
"Yeah, missed you guys too but hands to yourself, Brownie," Zayn returned.
Niall made a rude hand gesture. Claire chuckled against Zayn's shirt when he pulled her into his arms.
"I was hoping you'd forget that name!" Niall scowled.
"Not a chance." Zayn smirked. "Anyway, I got more important things to talk about."
As he pulled away from Claire, him and Niall started talking at the same time.
"I need to know --
"-- Your leg is absolutely fine. Just a scratch -- "
-- about Bee."
"What?" Niall asked, confused. There was moment's pause in which him and Claire exchanged an amused glance, "Harris, your obsession with nicknames is becoming unhealthy, lad."
"What are you on about?" Zayn scowled.
"You named your leg B?!" Niall laughed, "Dude! What does it stands for?"
"No, it's -- "
"Beautiful?" he suggested, cutting Zayn.
"God! Zayn, that's hilarious," Claire started giggling, "You named your leg beautiful? Or is it Brownie after Niall."
"Shut up." Niall managed to frown at her between bouts of laughter.
"Guys!" Zayn interrupted.
"It's B for broken," Niall continued.
"Or B for Bruised?"
"No seriously, guys Lis --"
"Could be B for Ballistic," Claire suggested, "Zayn's Ballistic leg shooting goals."
Both of them were bent double with laughter and Zayn was getting frustrated.
"It's got to be –"
"Listen to me!" Zayn raised his voice.
"B for –"
"Both of you! SHUT UP!" Zayn exploded, "Just SHUT the hell UP!"
Niall and Claire froze. They were stunned to a shocked silence by Zayn's sudden outburst. All traces of laughter evaporating from their pale faces. It took Zayn a while to realize that he was no longer lying on the bed but standing beside it.
"She was in Goddamn coma last I saw her!" Zayn said, furious at the pair, "She could be dying and all you two do is make jokes about my leg!"
Zayn saw the two exchange startled glances but he ignored them. Breathing hard, he clenched his fists and turned away from the them. Out of the window, the sun was sinking over the horizon casting long, forlorn shadows over the city. The view of the city was in such a stark contrast to scenery of the mountains that had started growing on Zayn. He rested his forehead against the glass of the window pane and closed his eyes. The cool surface felt soothing against his aching temples.
"Zayn, sorry, lad, I thought you were talking about your leg," Niall said softly, "Every time you wake up after an accident or an injury, that's the first question you ask me."
Zayn started feeling bad about his sudden outburst. He lifted his head from the glass and turned towards the two. They were both looking tired and scared, as if unsure of how to approach him. Claire was staring at the floor. Zayn figured she was crying. He felt terrible.
"Guys, I'm sorry," he apologized, running a frustrated hand through his hair, "It's just – "
Zayn did not know how to explain why he was feeling so agitated. He did not even know the reason himself. These were the most important people in his life and they were with him. He should have been exhilarated to finally be in their company. Yes, worrying about Bee was normal but why did it prevent him from enjoying himself with his family, was beyond him.
"It's alright, dude," Niall clapped his back, "We get it."
Zayn saw Claire bite her quivering lip. She was obviously fighting back tears. They were so relieved and happy to see him alive and he just had to blow up.
"Claire," Zayn limped towards her but she stood up quickly. His heart sank.
"No, it's – it's okay," Claire forced a smile while her eyes shone with tears, "We'll just leave . . . let you be."
Zayn reached for her hand, but she pulled away.
"C'mon Claire, Please, don't be like this."
"No, I'm fine, really," she shrugged, "It was obviously a bad time for you. She's not around and she's clearly more important –"
"Damn it, Claire, it is not like that!" Zayn gritted his teeth.
"Well, what is it like, then!" Claire raised her voice, her eyes brimming with tears again.
Niall looked between the two, dreading the shouting match that seemed inevitable. Zayn tried to stay composed. None of this was Claire's fault, or Niall's, but he could not help feeling annoyed at the pair right then.
"Look," Zayn tried calmly, "I can explain, okay."
"Don't bother," Claire replied, "We get it. She - "
"Claire, leave her out of this! She's been through hell– "
"No seriously, don't!" Claire shouted, openly crying now, "I mean, what does it matter, right? We don't matter! All that you care about is that you got rescued, but the girl -"
"Claire," Niall tried to interfere but she ignored him.
"You two obviously have been through so much together. It doesn't even matter what we went through when you were lost. Who cares what is was like for us not knowing if you were alive or - or -"
Claire broke up mid sentence, not able to finish that sentence.
"You – you just," She cried, moving her hand in dismissing gesture.
Zayn grabbed her hand and pulled her close. She resisted for a while but then gave up, sobbing into his shirt. Zayn felt his heart stab when it reminded him of Bee crying into his chest just like that. He shook that thought away. Bee has been through so much for the past couple of days and not knowing how she was doing was eating him up inside. He was so worried about her, but he knew it was not Claire's fault and he should have handled this better.
"I'm sorry," Zayn apologized again, "I wasn't thinking straight. I shouldn't have exploded like that."
"It's not – it's not that I – I'm saying you haven't been through a lot lately," she hiccuped, "But that - that was so uncalled for."
"I know." Zayn rubbed her back.
"You don't know what it was like . . ."
He lifted her head to make her look at him.
"I know, Claire. Trust me, I know. I've been there." Zayn replied, tucking a lose strand of her hair behind her ear, "After I woke up in that forest, I too, didn't know if you had survived the accident. I know what you've been through. I'm sorry."
She bit her quivering lip, but said nothing. Zayn took both of her hands in his.
"You and this leprechaun here?" he jerked his head towards Niall, making the blonde boy scowl, "You are the two most important people in my life. Aside from grandpa, of course. You will have to do me a favor and remember that, always. I care a lot about you. Obviously more than this leprechaun,"
"I really feel the love right now. Thanks Harris!" Niall said sarcastically.
"You guys and grandpa are my only family." Zayn said, ignoring Niall again, "You mean the world to me. I'm just anxious and frustrated right now. But I love you a lot. Get. That. Through. Your. Blonde. Head." Zayn emphasized , punctuating every word with a tap of his index against her temple.
Throwing her arms around his neck she hugged him tightly.
"I'm sorry too. I missed you a lot . . ." She sniffed, then started laughing, "I hate it that I love you so much. I'll make you pay for this."
"Like how?" Zayn smiled, hugging her back. "By crashing my classic again?"
"Come on!" Claire laughed through her tears. "That was an accident."
"Um, guys I feel left out?" Niall butted in.
Zayn sighed, "Don't you ever get tired of --?"
"I think I'm going to jump in," Niall ignored his sarcastic comment and threw his arms around the both of them.
"Mmm this is so nice!" He screamed like an excited girl, making Claire laugh. "I'm hugging Claire and her depressant!"
"Go away!" Zayn pushed Niall when he tried strangled him.
Niall finally let go, laughing like a happy idiot that he is. Shaking his head in amusement, Zayn turned his attention back to Claire. He was relieved to see her smiling again. Pecking Zayn on the cheek, she excused herself to the bathroom.
"Zayn, don't worry about Claire," Niall reassured him. "I'll handle her."
"Looks like she has started to like you more than me." Zayn pouted.
"Maybe that's because I like her more than you," Niall countered.
Zayn turned to Niall abruptly, fixing him with a stern glare.
"Nobody, loves Claire more than I," he said firmly, looking Niall in the eye, "You'd do well to remember that, Flintoff."
"Gee, got it! Nobody. El Harriso here wins." Niall raised his hands in surrender. Zayn rolled his eyes at his exaggeration. "But bro, you've got to be a bit more careful with her. It's been tough for her. She kept thinking she'd lost you all over again."
"Claire talked to you about when I left?" Zayn asked.
"Yeah, a bit." Niall shrugged.
"A bit? You mean a lot?" Zayn raised a brow.
Niall shrugged again.
"You're going to tell me all of it," Zayn demanded.
"Dude." Niall laughed, shaking his head. "Those are not my secrets to tell."
"I see." Zayn raised his brows. "You are going to keep secrets now?"
"God dammit! Harris, don't give me that look," Niall groaned, "Of course I'll tell your brooding behind what she told me."
Trying hard not to smile at how easily Niall gave in, Zayn slumped back against his pillows. Tired and worried, he pressed his fingers to his eyes. The chair scraped on the tiled floor as Niall pulled it closer to the bed, before tapping Zayn on the shoulder.
"Hey," Niall said quietly, "So, what's up?"
Zayn removed his fingers and opened his eyes.
"What do you mean, what's up?"
"Oh please." Niall smirked, sitting back in the chair. "I can tell you've been bursting at the seams wanting to tell me something."
Zayn almost smiled as he pulled himself back up.
"You know me well," he muttered.
He had been planning on telling Niall about Bee so he could get back to him with some news about her. But his sudden anger and Claire's emotional outburst got in the way. Zayn wondered if him mishandling Claire would still prove to be a problem? If Niall fails, Zayn would need Claire's help.
And as of now, that didn't just seem a little far fetched, but down-right impossible.
***
Shortly after Niall and Claire left, Zayn's phone beeped with two texts.
*Brownie: Just found out from Claire that her name is Salma Rahman.
*Brownie: I tried to call Asim but he won't pick up.
Zayn sighed in exasperation. This was getting a bit stupid now. He wanted to go out and do something about it himself, but the suited devils were still waiting by the door and Zayn was in no mood of facing his managers.
He released a slow breath, typing a quick reply.
*Me: pay him a visit him.
*Me: Did you talk to Claire about her?
Scared that Claire would get upset, Zayn decided let Niall do the tricky explanations of his concerns for Bee. He did not want Claire to dislike her. Bee didn't deserved it.
Zayn was distracted by a knock on the door. A nurse entered with his dinner. She had a big, happy smile on her face and for some reason her cheerful expressions annoyed him. Zayn nodded at old lady and muttered a moody thanks.
"No problem, dear." The nurse smiled, sliding the slide-table closer to him. "Now eat up."
She gave him another big smile making him grit his teeth. Zayn knew he was being obnoxious but he could not help it.
If only he could find out how she was doing . . .
"Wait!" He stopped the nurse just as she was about to leave. She paused, looking confused."Can you help me with something?"
"Depends on what it is." The nurse smiled.
"It's a small matter, really." Zayn scoffed. "I just want you to help me poison someone."
The nurse's eyes widen and her face paled.
"Oh God! Of course that's not what I want!" Zayn quickly explained. "I just need help to find someone in this hospital."
"Oh." The nurse blinked, looking relieved. Her smile returned. "Who is it? Staff or patient?"
"A patient. Another student that goes by the name of . . ." Zayn searched for Bee's name in his inbox, "Salma Rahman. Can you find out if she was brought here with me?"
He waited for her reply impatiently. She seemed to be hesitating. Zayn hoped it was not against hospital policy to give information about other patients.
"She was in a really bad shape last I saw her," Zayn continued, "I just want to know how she's doing?"
He was bewildered to see the nurse's eyes fill with tears at that.
"Of course." She gave him a watery smile. "I'll let you know how your girl is doing?"
Zayn's eyes widened at her suggestion
"She isn't --"
"C'Mon kid!" She rolled her eyes, "I'm old enough to read expressions. It's written all over your face but looks like you haven't told her yet."
"I don't like --"
"Don't worry. I won't tell her." She waved a hand.
"Good," Zayn muttered. "Because you probably won't live three seconds after that."
Laughing at him, the nurse left while he stared after her, still trying to wrap his head around her bizarre assumption.
Does it really look like I - ?
Zayn's phone beeped with a text. Shaking his head, he checked Niall's messages.
*Brownie: Got it.
*Brownie: No. I Will talk to her later. I'm trying to see if I can meet up with Asim right now.
Zayn waited for Niall to get back to him while he had his dinner. He lost his appetite as the minutes dragged by. His fingers were itching to call Niall. Zayn knew it was too early too call him but he just had this horrible feeling in his gut that something was not right. Pushing the food tray away, he picked up his phone.
However, his grandpa called before Zayn could dial Niall. He pinched the bridge of his nose but attended the call. His grandpa seemed relieved and happy and promised to drop by soon.
The nurse came back just as Zayn finished talking to his grandpa. He sat up straight, not sure what to expect. His heart sank taking in her solemn expressions.
"Salma Rahman, was it?" The nurse asked.
"Yes?" Zayn replied, holding his breath.
"The hospital does not have a patient under this name. I'm sorry, son."
Author's Note:
We are finally out of the woods :P. Oh wait, not in that way, no we aren't x'D!
Apologies for the abnormally long wait. I got caught up with stuff and to be honest, I struggled with how I wanted this chapter to be. But I guess it's all good when a chapter is finally done and up, right? ^_^
Theories? Thoughts? Reactions? Comment box them, losties ;)!
Lots of Love,
J.