I can’t believe what I’m hearing. It sounds made up. Glancing over at Mason, I notice his eyes are wide, and his jaw is clenched. Considering Liam has been his best friend for years, I can’t imagine what he’s thinking. They’re like brothers.
“As soon as we pulled in, they rushed him inside and had a team of doctors working on him,” Tyler continues. “They were checking his vitals and prepping him for surgery. That’s all I know as of right now.”
“Oh my God,” I say between sobs. “How could this happen? I—” I bend over and cover my face, releasing the tears I can’t keep inside. Everything Tyler just told us sounds like a complete nightmare.
“Mads, he’s strong, and he’s gonna get through this,” Tyler states confidently. “This is the best hospital in the city, and I got him here right away. His risk for infection will be low, and there’s no reason he shouldn't have a full recovery.”
I’m sure that’s supposed to make me feel better, but it doesn’t. I’m a nervous wreck and can’t sit any longer, so I stand, but Tyler quickly grabs my hand before I can walk away. He pulls me into the side of his chest and wraps his arm tightly around me. My emotions are going haywire, and I feel like I’m going to have a panic attack at any second. It’s obvious by the number of tears streaming down my face that I’m not okay. The smell of the hospital is making me sick, and I think I might throw up if I don’t get some fresh air.
“You alright?” Sophie asks as I pull away from Tyler.
“I feel sick,” I admit. “I need some fresh air.”
Sophie walks outside with me, and I sit on an empty bench close to the door as I suck in ragged breaths.
She places her hand on my shoulder and rubs down my back, trying to comfort me, but it’s no use. “I’m sure he’s going to be fine. Liam’s one of the strongest people we know. He’s not going to give up without a fight.”
Fighting is what got him here.
I nod, tucking my bottom lip into my mouth. “But what if he’s not?”
I’m not sure what kind of reaction I expect, but she doesn’t give me one. Instead, Sophie looks out at the cars passing in front of the hospital as the cool breeze brushes against our skin.
“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.
“He’s banged up,” I tell her before we walk in, giving her a warning about the way he looks.
She nods, and we all enter. My heart races when I see he’s actually awake, sitting up, and sipping through a straw.
His eyes go wide when he sees us all, and I rush toward him.
“Maddie, baby,” he says through a painful smile. As I touch his shoulder, he winces. All I want to do is plant kisses over his broken face, but I know it’s not a good idea. Instead, happiness floods me, and the waterworks turn on. I’m a blubbering mess, but I’m so fucking thankful. Confusion is written all over his expression as he makes eye contact with Sophie and Mason, but he pulls me close to him, not letting me go.