The wait seemed to stretch to ages as I sat on the ground, trying to ignore the odd looks directed my way from the passengers seated in the passing cars. 

        Instead of looking out for the ambulance, I focused my attention on the grime that had settled beneath my fingernails, all the while attempting to push disturbing thoughts out of my mind. I finally raised my head as a soft shuffling sound reached me from behind, my ears perking up. Blinking, I turned my head towards the sound. 

        "Ivana?"

        Ivana had managed to exit the car and now was rubbing her eyes, her small torso supported by the upturned car. I bit my lip as I realized that she was leaning against the back of the car, away from the side Mason's body was visible from. I sighed, my heart contracting painfully as my eyes traveled to Mason's still form for the thousandth time. Ignoring the agonizing tug at my heart, I looked away before I could convince myself to stare longer. Getting to my feet, I made my way towards Ivana, with each step trying to figure out how to break the news to her. Her heart would shatter at hearing her brother's current state.

        Though, I didn't have to worry about informing Ivana about Mason as the distant shriek of sirens reached my ears. I immediately swiveled my head around at the sound my ears had gotten so desperate to hear, a relieved sigh escaping my lips. I watched as Ivana furrowed her brows, her eyes wild.

        I pursed my lips as guilt washed over me. I should have told Ivana before the ambulance arrived. I was able to send away some of the regret, as I told myself that I had no time to tell Ivana. I was going to let her know, anyways. Even after trying to console myself, a bit of guilt still remained, leaving my chest heavy with its weight. 

        I was so lost within my scattered thoughts, that I didn't notice when the screech of the sirens came nearer, the silhouette of the ambulance growing larger. I finally came back to reality when a husky voice greeted me. 

        "Ma'am, hello. You informed us that someone has been fatally wounded. Where is the patient?"

        I avoided eye contact with the muscular man in front of me for the fear of seeing a mocking expression on his face. Instead, I just turned around and motioned for him to follow, all the while focusing my attention on the muddied ground. I met gazes with a horrified Ivana, her eyes glistening with tears. She had found out. I sent an apologetic look in her direction before I reached Mason. 

        "H-here is the p-patient," I stuttered, my voice barely above a whisper.

        "Thank you," the man replied and immediately got to work. With the help of his companion, the stranger managed to pull Mason's body out of the car. I watched horrified, as more blood dripped out of Mason's side, landing on the fabric of the men's crisp white shirts. His skin seemed so pale. He looked so fragile... Almost lifeless. 

        I ripped my gaze away from Mason, clenching my jaw to prevent the tears from escaping. I cried too much these days. So much, that sometimes I don't even feel the wet trails flowing down my cheeks.    

        "A-April?"

        I turned around to meet Ivana's sorrowful eyes. I kneeled down, and wrapped my arms around the little girl. I found comfort in the small arms that wrapped around my neck, the embrace giving me some sort of hope for Mason. My heart swelled as I realized that we both would be in this together. When Mason would wake up, we would be there, waiting for him. If he would wake up...

        Pulling back, I muttered an apology, my eyes automatically traveling to the ground at my fear of meeting Ivana's eyes. 

        "It's not your fault, April. You didn't get a chance to tell me," Ivana replied. 

        I finally looked up at her and just nodded, unable to form any words. 

        While we were catching up, the two men had carried Mason to the ambulance. I stood up as one of the men walked over to us, saying, "Is there anyone else? The patient is losing too much blood, so we need to be as quick as possible."

        I looked over to Ivana, another dreadful thought making its way to my mind. "Ivana? Mr. Buntley hasn't awoken?"

        Ivana's eyes traveled to the car for a brief moment before she shook her head, the motion barely discernible. I managed a small nod, my heart seizing with fear. What if something had happened to Mr. Buntley, too?

        Dismissing the thought, I turned to the stranger and pointed to the car, "There is another man seated in the front."

        "Thanks," the man said before walking over to the car to get Mr. Buntley. 

        Before I knew it, all of us were seated in the small compartment at the back of the ambulance, fretting as our doubts got the best of us. Thankfully, Mr. Buntley didn't seem to be in a serious condition. He had a few bruises and maybe a fractured arm, but that was about it. 

        One of the men were bandaging Mason's side to prevent the blood flow. My mind was unable to find the bandages helpful as the scarlet substance soaked the whole bandage. My stomach churned uncomfortably at the sight, while my chest seized with fear.  

        My eyes lingered on Mason for the whole ride, as if making sure he was alright, even though he was anything but okay. 

        Tension set over us in a heavy hue. The ambulance was filled with a deafening silence, the wail of the sirens the only sound accompanying me as I watched Mason's still form. 

ooooo 

"Please hurry! He's losing too much blood!" I yelled, my voice surely a disturbance to the quiet atmosphere of the hospital.   

        It seemed as if nobody was registering my words, as the nurses progressed at a turtle's pace. 

        "I said, hurry up! Please!" I repeated, my panic rising above its borderline. I tried to help them push the stretcher, through a nurse stopped me from doing so, as she said, "It's okay, ma'am. We can do it."

        Sighing, I grasped Mason's pale hand instead, my fingers entwining themselves around his cold ones. My heart broke at the sight of his limp figure. My fingers were seeking the familiar warmth of his touch, though found none. 

        "Hurry up!"

        I gritted my teeth as the nurses carried Mason to the emergency room, quickening their pace. 

        "Ma'am, you have to let go," the nurse said, her voice gentle. 

        Surprised at her comforting tone, I nodded and reluctantly untangled my fingers from Mason's. Immediately, grief and longing engulfed me in their holds. I wanted to be with Mason, my heart refusing to let go, even when my mind had allowed my hand to release his. I hadn't even gotten the chance to tell him what he means to me. I wasn't able to answer his question. It felt as if a fist was tightening around my gut as a realization rushed through my head; Mason still thinks I don't have feelings for him. Sighing, I sent the nurse an apologetic look for yelling and followed Mason with my eyes as they all entered the large room. 

        I exhaled a deep, shuddering breath, the panic seeming to have died down a bit, though still existing. I felt a soft touch on my arm, and slowly turned around to see Ivana. 

        Although, I was unable to find comfort in her reassuring expression as my eyes landed on something behind her. 

        Or rather, someone.

    ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Author's Note: 

Hello everyone! Here is chapter 21 and an early update!

Ivana found out about her brother's state and is rather crestfallen. Oh, and who do you think April saw? Any ideas? Make sure to leave your guesses in the comments!

Also, I just want to thank each and every single person who is taking their time to read my book. It truly warms my heart to see your comments, and I love reading them. I am so grateful for all your support. Thank you so much, everyone! I really appreciate it!

I hope you enjoyed this chapter and have a fantastic day! :)

- Anika