“You know, there was a point in my life when I didn’t think I’d make it.” She keeps her focus on the busy street. All I can do is watch her.
“But I did, and I’m alive, and I think I went through all that because of moments like this, so I can be here for you during one of your darkest times. Whatever happens, I’ll always be here for you, no matter what.”
I wrap my arms around her, and she pulls me into a tight embrace. That’s when I completely lose it, and the dam breaks.
“Liam’s a tough guy. He risked his life to save me, and I know how much he truly loves you, Maddie. If there’s any motivation for him to live, it’s gonna be for you.”
There are no words that come to mind as I cry on her shoulder. I think about how much Sophie has been through, and then my mind goes to Liam. If anything, she’s proof I can survive this. The same strength that runs through her veins is in mine too.
“Thank you,” I tell her, my voice cracking with every word. Before I can say anything else, Mason steps outside, letting us know that Liam’s going into surgery.
Nearly three hours pass as we wait inside, and it feels like an eternity. Mason gets me a bottle of water, but every sip I take, it seems like it’s going to come right back up. I’ve cried off and on, my thoughts growing darker with every second that ticks by. Sophie stays close to me, not leaving my side. I’m so happy they came with me. I’d be completely losing it if she wasn’t here.
Eventually, a nurse comes and tells us Liam is out of surgery and did really well.
“One person can be with him in recovery,” the nurse explains.
“Maddie, you should probably go in,” Tyler tells me. “He’ll prefer to wake up to your face over mine.” He flashes me a playful wink.
My heart races at getting to see Liam, but I don’t know what I’m walking into or what I should expect. I stand and the nurse scans me in, and I follow behind. Double doors lead us down a hallway, and all I can hear are machines beeping from the different rooms we pass. It all feels like a blur when she opens the door and steps aside, letting me enter, and that’s when I see Liam for the first time.
I gasp when I see his swollen face and broken body. I go toward him, not able to see how bad his leg is because he’s tucked under a stark white sheet. I grab his hand and hold it, not wanting to cry any longer, but not able to help it either. He’s alive, and that’s all that matters right now.
“Liam,” I say softly.
“Maddie?” he croaks, squinting his eyes.
“I’m here, baby. I’m here,” I whisper, leaning over and gently touching his face.
“I think I’m dreaming…” he murmurs, opening his eyes a little wider.
I shake my head. “No. I’m really here.”
He looks at me as if I’m a figment of his imagination before he drifts off to sleep. I pull the uncomfortable looking chair up beside the bed so I can stay close to him. Scratches and bruises cover his arms, both of his eyes are swollen, and his lips are busted. He looks like he’s been to hell and back. Tyler said Liam won and then was stabbed, which makes me wonder what condition Mickey is in at this moment. I can only hope he’s suffering in pain and gets what’s coming to him for doing this to Liam.
Eventually, a nurse comes in and lets me know they’re about to transfer him to a room on the fifth floor. Once he’s situated, we’ll be able to continue our visit. It takes all the strength I have to leave his side, and I promise Liam I’ll see him in a minute, even if he can’t hear me.
“His vitals are doing great so far. We’ll observe him for a couple of days to make sure his stats stay within the normal range, and that there are no signs of infection,” the nurse tells me as she walks me out, and I’m actually comforted by her words.
“Thank you,” I tell her. When I walk into the waiting room, everyone is eager for an update, though I don’t feel as if I have much to report.
“He’s tired, but there were no issues during surgery. They’re moving him to a room soon, and then we should be able to go up and see him.”
“That’s great news,” Tyler says, and I can almost see relief pour over Mason and Sophie. It takes about an hour before the nurse lets us know Liam was transferred to a room. We thank her and immediately go to the elevator. Sophie grabs my hand as we walk down the long hallway.