Demons From the Past novel Chapter 35

Only in the agony of parting do we look into the depths of love. ~ George Eliot

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You're lucky

That's what they kept saying.

You're lucky that the police arrived on time.

You're lucky that the bullet only pierced your flesh and not the bone.

You're lucky to be alive.

Lucky.

Lucky.

Lucky.

If I heard that word again I would scream.

I wasn't lucky.

I was condemned.

I was tragedy.

I hurt everything that came near me.

My brother was dead.

The man I loved was lying in a hospital bed.

I walked absentmindedly down the hospital hallway. My eye caught two familiar figures standing in the corner,

Ethan and Allison, or Miranda. I still hadn't gotten the hang of their real names.

They were both locked in an embrace.

My lips lifted up a little.

At least Ethan would be getting his happily ever after.

I wasn't surprised when neither of them took any notice of me. I didn't want to disturb them so I just kept walking.

I gotten myself discharged a few hours ago, despite the doctor pleading me to do otherwise.

My chest tightened when I saw a familiar figure standing a few feet away.

Julia.

Nate's mother.

She must hate me right now.

I'm the reason her son is in this condition right now.

"Mrs. Cohen." I called out softly.

She turned around and her eyes caught mine.

I expected her to scream at me.

I expected her to yell, to tell me to leave and never come near her son again.

But she didn't do any of that.

Instead, she strode over to me and enveloped me in a warm hug.

"Verena, I'm so glad you're okay." Her voice was kind.

I couldn't hold it in anymore. I broke down. All the pain I'd been holding in came pouring out.

"I'm so sorry Julia." I sobbed into her shoulder.

"Shh, you don't need to apologize dear. It's not your fault. My son loves you. He protected the girl he loved and I've never been prouder of him. I know you would've done the same for him." She smiled at me through her tears. "You bought him back Verena. He was lost until you came along. I had started to believe that he'd never be himself again, that he'd never be happy. You're a miracle Verena. You saved him a long time ago."

She stepped away from me and cupped my cheek,"You know, that day when you and Nate came to visit me, remember I whispered something in Nate's ear? I told him that I was proud of him. I was proud of him because he'd finally found happiness. He's finally found the light in all the darkness and it's you." Julia stroked my cheek gently.

She gave me a small smile. "He hasn't regained consciousness but he keeps saying your name. Go to him. He needs you."

She motioned toward the door across from us.

"Go." She whispered giving me a slight push.

My hands shook as I pushed the door open and stepped inside.

I could hear the beeping noises of the machines.

My legs nearly gave out when I saw him.

His eyes were closed. The fact that he looked so peaceful bothered me.

This wasn't my Nate.

He was never like this.

His whole body was covered in bandages. His left leg was in a cast.

I slowly walked over to his bed.

I could see the slow rise and fall of his chest.

"Oh, Nate. What have you done?" I sobbed.

I bent down to kiss his forehead.

This is all because of me.

I can't handle this.

I'm not strong enough.

"Verena."

His voice was so soft, I barely heard it.

His lips moved again, "Verena." It was a little louder this time.

I quickly moved to clasp his hand in mine. "I'm right here." I whispered softly.

My heart leaped when I felt his hand squeeze mine.

Very slowly he opened his eyes. His gaze finally came to focus on my face.

"You're okay." He sighed in relief. His hand tightened around mine.

"I love you." He breathed.

I could feel the stubborn tears streaming down my face.

"I love you Nate." I finally whispered.

I couldn't look at him.

Not when I knew I was the reason behind his current state.

"What's wrong?"

I started sobbing.

"Are you in pain?" I could hear the panic in his voice.

I shook my head, "No, I'm fine."

Physically at least.

He relaxed a little when I said that but he still looked perplexed.

"Verena. Tell me." He spoke gently.

"T-trevor didn't make it." I finally whispered.

He squeezed his eyes shut when I spoke those words. His face screwed up as if he was in excruciating pain.

"I'm so sorry. It's my fault I should have protected him. I was supposed to save him." He choked out.

I clenched my jaw.

"No!" I suddenly let go of his hand. "You weren't supposed to do anything Nate!"

"Verena-?" He started but I cut him off.

"Why didn't you fight back?" My voice cracked.

I shuddered as I remembered Kade hitting Nate with the metal rod over and over again while he stood immobile.

"You should have fought back! Why did you let him do this to you?!" I choked out.

"Do you know what I felt like? Watching as the man I loved stood in front of me and welcomed death. I thought I lost you Goddamn it!"

Nate was silent.