Alex's p.o.v.

The next morning, I wake up. There are tears and hugs and joy all around, but I've only got eyes for one person. Tristan. He's the one who helped me out.

But, now, the future remains uncertain. Because of what happened, I know my mother will want to send me to the doctor. And I'm ready for it. I'm ready for antidepressants, therapy, and a long battle to help me overcome my self harm addiction. No, that's not what's bothering me. Tristan is what's bothering me.

What will become of us after I get out of the hospital? He said he'd be there for me, but what does he mean by that? Be there for me as a friend, a colleague, a partner, or....a loving boyfriend? I'm not sure I'm ready for that. I just woke up from my coma, am I really ready to commit to something as serious as having a boyfriend?

I trust Tristan, but I still have my doubts. What if he was just playing a pity card? What if he doesn't really love me? What if he was lying? What if this is all some sort of a sick joke?

Closing my eyes, I try desperately to push the thoughts from my mind. Opening them again, I look around my room. It's definitely white and it smells strongly of antiseptic. But that's not my point. All around the room are flowers and cards. Most are from friends back home who probably learned of my attempt through Lisa or Tristan. Looking at the numerous gifts and packages, I see what Tristan was saying last night about me being loved.

***

At about 11:00, a nurse comes in and introduces herself as Charlotte. Fixing my bedcovers, she asks, "So what got you in here?" Sheepishly I point to my wrist, which is bandaged heavily. "I cut too deep." She nods, and I expect her to say more, but she doesn't. She leaves for a minute and returns with a doctor, Dr. Rosenburg.

The petite, small woman with her hair done up in an intricate bun regards me sharply. Speaking briskly and professionally, reading notes from a clipboard, she says, "Alex, we are moving you to a more public room, now that your condition is out of the danger zone." I nod in acceptance and ask, "Will I have a roommate?" "You might," Dr. Rosenburg replies. Continuing to read, she says, "You will be kept in the hospital for at least a few days, Miss Foster. During that time, you will go for daily sessions with Dr. Hall, our psychological head doctor."

I pull away from Dr. Rosenburg, appalled. A shrink! They're sending me to a shrink! I glare at the doctor. While I know I need therapy, I don't want to talk out my feelings with a complete stranger! Repulsed and agitated, I clutch and unclutch the sheets of my hospital bed in horror, listening to Dr. Rosenburg drone on.

***

*Day I Leave The Hospital*

"You ready to blow this place?" Nurse Charlotte asks me as she comes in to fix my sheets. "Hell yeah!" I shout. "Well, good news," she says. "You're being released today!" "Yes!" I scream, pumping my fist in the air. She grins. "Go get dressed, then come down to the lobby. Your mom's signing your release papers now, and that hunk of a man is waiting to carry you to your car." I smile. Obviously, the "hunk of a man" is Tristan.

Quickly I get changed, then another nurse comes and wheels me down to the lobby, despite my adamant protests that I don't need a wheelchair. As soon as we're there, I jump from the chair straight into my mother's arms. Nestling my head in the crook of her neck, her tanned skin is a sharp contrast to the hospital paleness of mine.

After releasing her, I turn my frenzy on Reese, whom I pick up and swing around. Then I hug Lisa and Hannah, both of whom suck the dear life out of me. Finally, I turn to Tristan, who scoops me up bridal-style and starts for the car. Smiling, I whisper in his ear, "Did you miss me?" and smirk in satisfaction when he shivers involuntarily. "Of course I did," he replies, nibbling on my ear a little. I stifle a gasp before encircling my arms around his neck. Gently he presses his lips to my collarbone, then opens the door with a click of the key, and stuffs me inside.

***

My eyes mist over as I take in the sight of our beach house. Nothing has changed since I was in it last. As I open my door, the cool salt breeze hits me full in the face. Taking a deep breath, I inhale the scent of the ocean. The crystal-blue waters sparkle, and a sudden urge to swim takes over me.

As soon as Tristan steps out of the car, I grab his wrist, yanking him towards the front porch, where I grab my yellow beach bag that was innocently lying there. He raises his eyebrow, but I ignore it and continue dragging him to the beach.

Finally, we arrive at the shore. I sink my umbrella in the sand, setting my bag beneath it. I turn to ask Tristan to hold the towel for me while I change, but he's not there.

Puzzled, I look around. I notice the door to our house flying open, and out comes Reese with a blue plastic pail, a shovel, and several sand molds. She's wearing her one-piece dolphin suit and arm floaties.

My mother comes out right behind her, following as Reese makes a beeline for the water. She waves at me before following the tiny tornado.

Last to come out is Tristan, clad in swim trunks and no shirt. Impulsively, my eyes wander to his chest, staring as the muscles ripple while he walks. He comes up beside me and slips an arm around my shoulders, drawing me close. "Like what you see?" he purrs in my ear. "Shut up," I say my face turning beet-red. He gives a throaty chuckle before laying down in the sand.

I was going to change into my swim suit, but now I just want to lie here with Tristan. I know we'll have to talk about it eventually, but not now. For now, we just relax. Sighing in contentment, I lay my head on his chest. He kisses my cheek before we both fall asleep.

AN: IM SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SORRY FOR THIS ABSOLUTELY TERRIFYINGLY HORRIBLE CHAPTER

Maybe next will be better?

All my love,

Em