Until Death Do Us Apart ➪ 𝔼𝕣𝕚𝕔 ℂ𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕥𝕖𝕣

Chapter ten: On The Edge

I slowly opened my eyes, blinking against the harsh fluorescent lights. The soft beeping of machines echoed in the sterile air around me. It took me a moment to realize I was in the infirmary.

Alone.

No one was here—not Will, not Christina, not even Eric.

No one cared enough to check on me.

Tears welled up in my eyes, warm and heavy, and slipped down my cheeks silently. I didn't bother wiping them right away. What was the point?

Eventually, I sniffed, wiping my face with the back of my hand. I couldn't stay here. I hated hospitals, hated this feeling in my chest—like I was slowly being crushed from the inside out.

I swung my legs off the bed and tried to stand, but a firm hand pushed me gently back down.

"You're not strong enough yet to leave," the nurse said kindly.

I rolled my eyes.

She studied me for a moment. "Did you eat dinner last night?"

I shook my head.

She sighed. "You need to eat something. I'll call your boyfriend to bring you breakfast."

My head snapped toward her. "I don't have a boyfriend."

She smiled softly, obliviously. "Oh, I just assumed... Eric seemed very concerned—"

"He's not my boyfriend," I said sharply, cutting her off. My voice came out colder than I meant it to.

She nodded and walked away, leaving me to my spiraling thoughts.

I lay back on the stiff bed and stared at the ceiling. I couldn't stop replaying it in my mind—Eric, leaning into that girl. Smiling. Whispering in her ear. Kissing her like it meant nothing.

Technically, we weren't dating. I had no claim on him. But it didn't stop it from hurting like hell.

A few minutes later, the nurse returned with a tray. "Here you go, sweetie."

I glanced down. A muffin, cereal, and a box of apple juice. "Thanks," I muttered and immediately started eating. I hadn't realized how hungry I was.

Four hours passed. No one came.

I kept glancing at the door like someone might walk in any second.

But no one did.

Eventually, the nurse returned. "You're stable now. You can go."

I forced a smile. "Thank God."

I changed out of the thin gown and back into my clothes. As I was leaving, I asked, "Do you know where everyone is?"

"There's a party happening in the pit," she replied.

Of course. A party. Everyone was too busy drinking and laughing to notice I was missing.

I made my way down to the pit, following the sound of music and laughter. Lights were strung overhead, people were dancing and swaying—some barely able to stand. It was loud and chaotic. I stepped in, invisible to everyone.

"Jordan!" Four called, appearing at my side.

"Hey," I said, giving him a weak smile.

"I was going to visit you, but I got caught up in the control room, then this party started—"

"Don't worry about it," I said quickly. "It's fine."

I spotted a drink in his hand. "Can I have a sip?"