T's & C's (don't) Apply

26. You should (not) Compromise

Kai's POV 

In bad situations, I'd trained myself to remain calm. Seeing Rosie fine without a scratch was a huge relief and it felt like a weight had been taken off my shoulders. However, Clover didn't appear fine, she was unconscious and injured on a hospital bed. I needed to know what happened.  

I grasped Rosie's shoulders and gently pushed her away. I read over her features and other than the few tears that escaped the corner of her eyes, she looked perfectly fine.  

"What happened?"  

"Kai, I just checked with..." Duncan caught up and trailed off when he spotted Rosie.  

"I'm glad you're here too," Rosie glanced at Duncan over my shoulder. "I didn't want Kai driving here by himself in a panic."  

"It's a relief that you're alright," Duncan said. "And seeing that you're perfectly fine, you can tell us what happened."  

Rosie sighed and ran a hand through her hair. "I just want to go home. Can we talk later?"  

Rosie tugged at my arm but I stared into the room where Clover lay. I shook my head and stared seriously at Rosie. "Clover is unconscious. Until I know that she's alright, I can't leave."  

Rosie didn't look happy. "But I'm fine, shouldn't that only matter?"  

"Are you for real?" Duncan shook his head in disbelief. "Another person who is here because of you is injured and all you can think about is yourself?"  

I couldn't help but agree with Duncan. It was the first time I saw Rosalind so cold and selfish. I didn't like this side of her but also understood that she might've been a little shaken up.  

"Yes, I'm thinking of myself because the other person you speak of is the reason I'm here!" Rosie snapped.  

Her words caught my attention and I looked her way sharply. "What?"  

Rosie took in a deep breath and rested her head against my chest. "Kai, please just take me home. I don't want to be here for another second."  

I felt bad for her but Clover was in a way worse situation. Rosie claimed that Clover was at fault but I needed to hear the full story.  

I hugged her back for a moment before I pulled away and made her look at me. "Clover is here because I asked her to be. First, I need to make sure she's alright and then I need to hear what happened."  

Duncan sighed. "I'm going to check in on Clover."  

"No." I stopped him. "Wait here with Rosie and I'll go."  

"Pardon?" Rosie looked at me with wide, anxious eyes. "You're leaving me here, in this state for... for a mere employee?"  

"Rosie," I calmly spoke. "Right now, a person is unconscious and it's partially my fault. I'd like to think you'd be more compassionate. And seeing how fine you look in comparison, I don't think you're in the position to try and paint me as the bad guy."  

Rosie didn't look happy about what I said but more than that, she was taken aback because I used a firmer tone than she was used to. I didn't want to be harsh but she was being unreasonable. I didn't wait for her response and walked off.  

I took in a deep breath before I opened the door of the room Clover was in. It was eerily silent and chilly inside. I peeked inside before I slowly stepped in. My eyes were fixed on Clover as I slowly entered the room.  

"Kaidan?" A familiar voice averted my attention.  

I turned to see Clover's friend on the chair opposite the bed. He got up and made his way over. I looked between them and it hit me that he was her emergency contact.