22-Sadie

Seb lies on the bed with his eyes shut and wires glued to his chest that come up through his hospital gown's neck. He's hooked up to a machine that beeps steadily.

When Carter showed up at the house, I struggled to breathe. It wasn't until Donnie's panicked voice vibrated through the phone that I snapped out of my frozen state.

Thankfully, the guys made it out in one piece. Seb sustained a head injury, and shrapnel from the bomb melted into his back. Seb used his body as a shield to save Gio and Max when they went down. As a result, Seb's back took the brunt of the bomb's damage. Gio and Max have a concussion and cuts and bruises from the fall.

Standing in the doorway, I watch Lupe snuggle against Seb's side. I don't have the heart to wake her, but knowing Seb isn't alone puts my soul at ease.

My cell phone vibrates in my back pocket, and I step away from the door.

Donnie: Is everything ok?

Me: Seb is asleep, and I haven't seen the other guys yet, but the nurse says they will be fine.

Donnie: Good. Are you alone?

Me: Lupe is here. The other girls are on their way.

Donnie: I wish I were there.

Me: Me too.

Donnie: Say the word, and I'll be there.

Me: I need you to be safe.

Donnie: I hate this…

Me: I know, me too. I love you.

Donnie: I love you more. Call me before you go to bed.

Me: I will. xo

I lean against the wall and tilt my head up so I'm facing the ceiling. These guys are going after the people I love. Who's to say they won't go after Donnie and Ash? Or Mom, Abuela, and Sophia? A sudden sickening sensation rushes throughout my body.

"I was hoping the next time I see you would be when you have your baby." I turn to see Nurse Abbey walking toward me.

"Hey." I give her a small smile.

"How are you?"

I shrug in response.

"Do you need anything? I can get you something to drink or a snack."

"No, thanks. I'll be all right."

Abbey nods. "Ok. I'm working this floor, so holler if you need anything." She squeezes my shoulder and walks away, disappearing around the corner.

I glance around the dull and bland walls and feel like they are closing in on me. Shivers creep through my body as I fear losing someone else I love. I silently beg for the paranoia to vanish from my thoughts, but it never disappears. It just sits there waiting to rot my brain and kill my soul. A wave of nausea adds to my misery. I run down the hall to the bathroom, drop to my knees in front of the toilet, and empty my stomach. My body is soaked in sweat and shaking so badly that I think I'll pass out. Oh, God, the smell makes me want to throw up again. I keep flushing the toilet to get rid of the smell. After a few minutes, I stand up and walk over to the sink, splashing cold water on my face. I lift my head, not recognizing the girl in the mirror. My face is pale, my hair sticks to my sweaty forehead, and tears streak down my cheeks. I pull a few paper towels from the dispenser and dry my face and neck. I'm startled when my ass starts to vibrate.

I pull out my phone and smile when I see the name flash across the screen.

Donnie: Baby, are you ok?

Me: Yeah.

Donnie: Liar.

Me: ???

Donnie: Talk to me.

Me: I threw up, but I'm better now.

Donnie: I'm on my way.

Before I can respond, he shoots another text message.

Donnie: And you are NOT going to tell me no. I'm on my way.

There's no point in arguing with him when his mind is set, especially regarding me.

Me: Ok.

Donnie: I love you.

Me: Love you.

I tuck my phone away and walk out to the hall on shaky legs. I'm so consumed by my thoughts that I almost miss Max and Gio walking down the hall, tugging their IV poles behind them.

What the hell are they doing?

Using the wall to support my weak body, I follow the two idiots down the hall with their bare asses out on display. They peer around the corner, probably making sure the coast is clear.

"Guys, seriously?"

They stop walking, slowly glance over their shoulders, and smile when they see me.

"Nice ass," I tease.

They look confused until Max looks behind and notices the back of his gown is open.

"Fuck, man." Max laughs, slapping his butt cheek and winking.

"Oh, shit!" Gio looks mortified.

I can't hold back my laughter. "I didn't know you had a tattoo on your butt, Gio," I say. "Nice."

"It was one drunken night," he mumbles.

"Reina, you ok? You look pale." Max's tone changes to one of concern.

I nod. "Yeah, just morning sickness."

"Fuck. Sit down, and I'll get you some water," Gio says.

"I take it you're going to see Seb?" I say, ignoring his statement.

They both nod.

"You guys really shouldn't be out of bed."

"We don't give a flying fuck about that. You need to sit down, Reina," Max demands as he and Gio step forward, dragging their IV poles along.

"I'm fi—"

Suddenly, the room begins to spin, and I fight to stand upright, but my legs won't cooperate, and I plunge toward the ground.