Until Alex - J. Nathan Page 0,35

with me, beautiful. Just stay with me.”

“You’re gonna be alright, Mom. I love you. Just stay with me.”

I shook off the memory.

The hospital was only five minutes away. I made it in three. I didn’t park, just pulled in front of the emergency room and jumped out.

I scooped up Alex and ran through the sliding doors. Two nurses in pink scrubs rushed toward us. “Put her down on that stretcher,” the young blonde instructed.

“What happened?” the older redhead asked while checking Alex’s vitals.

“I have no idea.” I stepped back, gripping my hair with both hands wishing I had answers. “I just found her like this.”

The blonde attached a device to Alex’s finger. “Does she drink? Take drugs?”

I shook my head and gave an indecisive shrug. “She drinks casually. I don’t think she’s into drugs. I don’t know.”

“Any idea how long she’s been unconscious?” the redhead asked, her eyes showing concern.

I shook my head, wanting to punch a wall or whoever let this happen.

“Are you her husband?” the blonde asked, spying Alex’s unbuttoned jeans.

“Fiancé.” The lie left my lips readily. They’d have to take pity on the poor fiancé and allow me in the back. I scrubbed my face with both hands knowing what I needed to ask. “Do you think she was—”

“We’ll know more once she undergoes a portion of the sexual assault exam,” the blonde explained.

“A portion? Why not the whole thing?”

“It’s extremely invasive. The victim must give consent for the full exam.”

Victim? I dropped my head. I couldn’t believe this was happening. I mean, I knew this shit happened. But not to someone I…knew.

The redhead signaled to the blonde. “Let’s get her into an exam room.” She looked to me regrettably. “You’re going to have to wait out here. I’ll come and get you as soon as we know anything.”

I nodded. They needed to take care of Alex. Not worry about hurting my feelings.

They wheeled the squeaky stretcher through two metal doors. The doors closed behind them, leaving me standing alone in the deserted waiting room feeling beyond helpless.

I dropped down onto a cold plastic chair. A twenty-four hour news station played on a television in the corner of the room, but I couldn’t hear a sound. My mind was a jumbled mess. I had no idea what to do to quiet it.

I rested my elbows on my knees, burying my face in my hands.

Why had I let my fears get in the way of getting to know her better? Why had I wasted so much time pushing her away? If I hadn’t, I would’ve been with her tonight. Wherever she was.

Seconds turned into minutes. Minutes to hours.

Each time the metal doors swung open, I jumped up, expecting a nurse or doctor to emerge in search of me. But they always sought another patient’s relative.

Sometime after the sun had risen, the metal doors opened again. The redheaded nurse stepped out, searching the nearly empty waiting room. When she spotted me, her breath whistled through her lips. I had no idea what that meant, but I jumped to my feet and met her halfway.

“How is she?” Time stood still as I awaited her response.

“She’s still unconscious, but her vitals are getting stronger.” She lowered her voice. “Do you know who would’ve given her Rohypnol?”

My eyes widened. I figured it wasn’t just alcohol, but hearing the truth made it real. Made the hell she’d been through while unconscious real. Made me want nothing more than to get ahold of the sick motherfucker who did it and—

“I’m sorry.” The nurse interrupted my escalating rage. “I should’ve broached the subject differently since she’s someone you obviously care about.”

“No, it’s just, I have no clue who would’ve done it.” But when I found out, I’d kill them.

She nodded, obviously realizing the odds of me knowing was a long shot.

“Did you find out…if she was…” I still couldn’t say the word. I couldn’t fucking say it.

The nurse placed her hand on my arm. I tensed at the contact, but it didn’t deter her. She kept it there and shook her head. “We’re still waiting on the results of her tests.”

I nodded. I knew it took time.

“Sweetie, I know you’re not her fiancé. But I’ll tell you what. Why don’t you go back and sit with her for a little while. She could wake up at any time, and I’m sure a familiar face would be nice.”

I made no attempt to deny it. I just followed her through the swinging doors, passing multiple exam rooms