These Broken Roads

Chapter 25: Changes

~Natalie~

I woke up and stretched out my neck. It is very uncomfortable to sleep in a chair. I looked at the clock on the wall. It was five in the morning.

I glanced at Quinn who was asleep on the side of E's bed. I walked over to the closet and grabbed a blanket. I draped it over Quinn's shoulders and kissed her head.

I still couldn't believe Taylor wasn't here. After he found out what happened to E, he didn't stay for more than an hour then said he had to go back to work.

I rubbed my arms and decided to go downstairs to get some hot chocolate at the little bar they have set up for when the cafeteria is closed.

Why am I here? Is the question I keep asking myself. E was horrible to me the last time he and I talked. Yet I'm still here.

When Nate got the call from Quinn the three of us headed to the hospital. Even Nate and Mary stayed longer than Taylor. When Nate asked if I wanted to leave everything in me told me to stay, so I did.

At first I thought it was because of Quinn, but honestly, I know it's because I still love E. I think I'll always love him. Right now he needs the extra support, and that's why I'm here.

I finished my hot chocolate and headed back to E's room.

Quinn was awake, but still no E.

"Did you need anything?" I asked her.

She shook her head, but didn't look at me.

"Can I borrow your cell?" I asked.

She nodded and handed to me after digging it out of her pocket. I left the room and made a quick update call to Nate, who should be up and getting ready for work this morning. After, I hung up and walked into the room, handing the cell back to Quinn. It rang as soon as her fingers wrapped around the object.

"Hello?" Quinn rubbed her eyes. "There isn't any updates."

Pause.

"Well if you were here I wouldn't have to text you now would I?" She snapped.

I'm guessing that it was Taylor on the phone.

She huffed. "If you're so worried, stop working and get over here."

She pulled the phone away from her ear and hit the end button. She set the phone down on the bed and stared at it. I pulled my chair up next to her and wrapped my arms around her as she cried into my shoulder.

I whispered soft and comforting words to her as I rubbed her back.

"Q-Quinn?"

Quinn pulled away immediately and looked at E. She broke out into a loud sob.

"Oh my god!" She cried wrapping her arms around her brother tightly. "You fucking idiot! I hate you so much."

E slowly lifted his good arm and wrapped it around Quinn awkwardly. I stood up and moved my chair back to where it was. I awkwardly shifted my weight from one foot to the other, staring at the ground while Quinn sobbed into E.

E's green eyes found me. A look of feeling relieved washed over his face. I tore my gaze from him as Quinn pulled away. I could feel tears starting to come up, that he was okay. I cleared my throat and swallowed them down.

I looked to Quinn."Call if you need anything. I'll be home."

Quinn looked sad that I wasn't staying, but she nodded. "Thank you so much Natalie."

I felt tears again as I tried to avoid E's green gaze. I gave her a trying smile and turned quickly, heading out.

I stopped at the front desk, asking to borrow their phone so I could call a ride.