I woke up to the pungent smell of hospital disinfect, invading my nostrils. The room was silent apart from my heavy breathing and the beeping sound of machines, indicating I was alive.

I slowly opened my eyes, squinting in an attempt to sharpen the blurred images before me. I glanced around and took in the deserted, blue, and white-colored room.

What happened? I thought. I shut my eyes trying to remember what had exactly happened. Suddenly, it all hit me with a bang. The memory of it started to occupy my thoughts.

Tears rolled down my eyes. I attempted to lift my hand to wipe them away. I felt like I'm being hammered on my head. The pain was so strong that I was unable to call out for help.

"Hazel, baby," came a voice from a woman who rushed into my room

"Mom?" I said

"How are you feeling honey," she asked with tears

"Why are you crying?" I asked

"Oh my sweet darling," she said lovingly as she ran her hand on my head

"How did I come here? Who brought me?" I questioned

"It was Rose and other friends of yours," she replied

Just then Rose, Austin, Jake, and Jason walked in.

"What happened to her?" my mom questioned Rose

"I don't know, Mrs. Cortez," Rose replied hesitantly

I looked at her meekly. Wanting to cry on her shoulder. Pour my heart out to her. But I remained silent. I couldn't get my mom into all of this. She already has a lot of things to worry about. I can't throw more on her

"I'm fine, mom," I said

Just then another nurse came in and called her. She refused to go.

"It's alright mom. You can go. I have Rose with me," I said trying to smile at her

"I'm not leaving anywhere," my mom managed to say, still sobbing

"Mom, trust me. I'm fine," I said as convincingly as possible, trying to hold back my tears

"It's alright, Mrs. Cortez. I'm here with her," Rose said placing her hand on my mom's shoulder

"Please take good care of her. Don't leave her even for a second," she said getting up

"I won't. I promise," Rose assured

As I saw my mom walk away, tears rolled down my eyes. I couldn't hold them back anymore.

"It was him, Rose," I said with a broken voice as I looked at Rose helplessly

She placed her hand on my shoulder as she sat on the seat next to my hospital bed. Just then I realized everything.

"You knew, didn't you?" I questioned her

She nodded in reply

"Why didn't you tell me?" I asked, more helplessly than ever

"How could I. I didn't have the courage to," she replied.

Jake, Austin, and Jason were confused. But chose not a say anything. They gave Rose and me the time to talk for which I'm highly grateful.

"Is that why you didn't want me to come to college?" I asked

She nodded. I closed my eyes and cried.

All those memories played in front of me. Those terrible memories that I have been trying to forget.

"How did I get here?" I asked

"I found you unconscious in the washroom. With Austin's help we rushed you here," she replied

I looked at Austin, "Thanks," I said

Rose and Austin looked at each other. Rose gave him a slight nod and got up.

"I'll be right back," she said to me, "Let's go guys,"

Everyone left. Everyone except Austin. He came and sat next to me.

"How are you feeling?" he asked, taking my hand in his

"My head aches," I replied

"You want me to call the doctor," he asked

"No. It's alright," I replied

"What happened?" he questioned, softly

"Austin-" I was about to say

"Please tell me at least now. If you've ever trusted me even for a second please tell me," he pleaded

"I saw him," I said

"Who?" he asked, concerned

"K-Kevin," I finally managed to say

The moment that name reached his ears his eyes narrowed as his forehead creased and a line appeared between his brows. His facial muscles tensed and his jaw clenched. I could see his anger in his eyes.

"Austin, please. Promise me you won't do anything," I said to him as I held his hand tightly

"I'll kill him," he said releasing his hand from my grip and began to walk away

"You won't do anything if you love me," I said in desperation to stop him

He stopped as soon as my words reached his ears and he turned around.

"How can you say that for a person who has caused you so much pain?" he questioned angrily.

"Please. Austin, I beg of you," I pleaded as I cried

"Hazel. No. Don't," he said, softly, wiping my tears, "Alright. Have it your way. I promise I won't do anything,"

"Thanks," I said

"What happened between you guys and who is he?" Austin questioned
Taking a deep breath I replied, "he-", I was about to say when my mom entered the room

"Do you wanna go home or will you stay here for a day?" she asked, "I suggest you stay,"

"I'll go home," I replied.

"You sure?" she questioned

I nodded in reply.

**********

A/N
Hope you guys enjoy the story so far. I know this was a short chapter but something really exciting is coming up. So stay tuned.

Please feel free to share your feedback in the comments down below.

Don't forget to Vote and Share if you liked the chapter.

Also, please do follow me on Instagram @iajsonline for writing tips, story updates, and behind the scenes writing content, and a lot more. (Link will be in my profile)

Until next time,
Toodles.