“Celeste?” He spoke low and quietly.
She turned her head, her blue eyes meeting his.
“Hey babe.” He slowly sank down on the edge of the bed.
She didn’t say anything. Just stared at him.
Gingerly he reached out and rubbed her arm. “How you feeling?” It was then that he saw the ugly bruises encircling both her wrists. Some dumb fuck was going to die.
Celeste remained silent. Only shrinking away at his touch. Her light brown hair fanned the pillow around her head.
Nick sighed and moved off the bed, crouching down next to it to see her at eye level. “You’re going to be okay baby. The doctors are going to get you all fixed up, and then you’ll be good as new.” He smiled brightly at her.
She just turned her head away, staring that the white wall on her other side.
Nick sat for a minute just watching her. He couldn’t believe this had happened. And in AJ’s house at that. In AJ’s bed. Well, looked like AJ was going to be getting a new bed. Angry thoughts quickly flowed through his mind, and it took all his willpower not to curse and throw the chair across the room. That last thing he needed was sending Celeste into even more shock.
Sighing, he rose back up and sank down into the brown, leather chair. “Celeste honey?” He reached out and rubbed the back of her hand.
She continued to stare at the wall. The bruise on her cheek was slowly becoming a dark bluish-purple. He winced at the thought of what she had to have gone through. “Celeste, Dr. Niln was telling me she just wants to keep you for the night. But that you should be good to go home tomorrow.” He leaned closer to the bed.
Again, she didn’t reply.
Letting out a loud sigh, he sank back into the chair. God, just a few hours ago Celeste had been a talkative, funny person having a good time at a party. And now? Now she would be forever haunted with the awful memories.
Why had he just ignored her and played the Playstation with Brian? Why hadn’t he paid more attention to her? Not let her just leave the room by herself. Especially in a place where she knew next to no one. In fact, he had been the only person she had known. And now this had happened and it was all his fault.
He buried his head into his hands, staring at the floor. She might never be normal again. Never get her sweet laugh, and that light in her eyes when she’d excited. Oh God, he hoped she didn’t stay sullen and locked away to the world. But, what could he do to help her. That’d probably be the last thing she would want…help from a male.
He didn’t move from his seat until a hand lightly touched his shoulder. With a start he looked up to find Dr. Niln peering down at him. She smiled warmly.
“She needs her rest Nick.”
Nick nodded and pulled himself up from the chair. “When…when are you releasing her?”
“Check-out is at eleven.” The doctor replied.
“Okay.” He turned back to the bed. “I’m gonna go, Celeste.” He moved and leaned down over it, running a hand through her hair. Her eyes were closed and she appeared to be sleeping. Gingerly, he leaned over and placed a soft kiss to her cheek. Then he stood back up.
Dr. Niln smiled. “If something arises, we’ll call you.”
“Yeah. You need my number?”
She shook her head, her blonde hair swinging back and forth. “Just leave it with the receptionist.”
“Okay.” Nick nodded, and glancing one more time at Celeste, moved out of the room.