Heat novel Chapter 24

Ashley, her mom, and Roger were on their way to the hospital. Neither of them said a word and the tense around them was thick and suffocating. Ashley was still silently crying in the back as she could only imagine what Jay’s brother could’ve possibly done for Jake to end up in the hospital. She knew this would’ve happened, but no one listened to her.

Katie slightly turned to check on her daughter. She was still very worried about Ashley’s condition and to see how worked up she was getting over Jake’s incident made her more worried. Everyone was worried about Jake, but for some reason, Katie felt guilty and maybe it was because she was viewed as a home wreaker, not only by the child of her husband but by the mother of his child.

Katie couldn't even imagine what Jake’s mother had to go through when she received a call from someone saying that her child was in the hospital for almost being beaten to death. If she was in Jake’s mother’s position, no thought of how she would’ve reacted came to her mind. She just hoped that Jake would be fine and have a speedy recovery and that he gets justice.

Roger was a rollercoaster ride of emotions. He was sad, angry, nervous, scared, and guilty. He had completely failed as a father and not only did he hear it but he has seen it as well, himself. Jake’s incident really opened his eyes, but he hopes and prays it wasn’t too late and that his son doesn’t permanently hate him.

As Roger continued to drive while trying his best to not lose focus and crash until a small hand was placed on his left thigh giving it a gentle squeeze. His nerves slightly calm down as he quickly glances at his wife, who smiled gently at him. “Everything is going to be alright, my love,” she mouthed as he sent her a small smile before refocusing on the road.

Soon everyone arrived at the hospital. Ashley took a deep breath while wiping her tears before exiting the car. Her mother silently came beside her pulling her side into hers while wrapping her arm around her waist. A reassuring smile was plastered on Katie’s lips as she petted her daughter’s hair. 

They walked towards the entrance of the hospital with Roger leading. As they entered the hospital, Ashley looked around at the people, who had both worried, relieved, and scared look on their faces. Roger walked up to the front desk with the girls close behind. The nurse looked up from her paperwork and smile calmingly at Roger, who seemed anxious. “Hello, good night, sir, how may I help you?” She asked as Roger forced the saliva down his throat before speaking, “My son was brought to the hospital, I’d like to see him,” he said as the nurse furrowed before reaching for a clipboard, “And what’s your son’s name, sir?” She asked flipping a few pages, “Jake Stephen James,” he replied as the nurse began searching for the name before smiling at Roger, “Your son is in room 158, but we only allowed 1 visitor at a time,” she said noticing Ashley and Katie behind, sending them a gentle smile, which Katie responded to with a small smile.

The nurse took a glance at Ashley, who seemed weaker and paler. Her eyes were focused on the floor as she clenched her mother’s arm. “Mrs, may I ask if the young lady is alright, she looks very pale?” The nurse asked catching Ashley's attention as she smiled weakly at the nurse, “I’m fine,” Ashley replied as the nurse tilted her head not really buying Ashley assurance, “Are you sure?” She asked as Ashley nodded, “Yeah, I just really want to see my step-brother,” she said as the nurse sent her a small fake smile, “Alright then, hope everything goes well,” she said before they left to Jake’s room.

"Jake's been there for me all this time until we went down to Aunty Jackie's, where Jake and Jay fought because Jay wouldn't leave me alone," she said wiping away her tears before looking right into her mother's eyes, "Mom, do you think I could've prevented this, I mean I tried to tell him, but-

"Ashley, Ashley, there was no way you could've prevented this okay, so stop blaming yourself," her mother said as Ashley nodded before Katie brought her in her arms. Minutes later, Roger came out while wiping his face, his eyes and nose were red and he looked completely miserable. Katie and Ashley stood up as he approached them, "Honey, is everything alright?" Katie asked but Roger ignored her words and look right at Ashley, "He wants to see you," he mumbled before taking a seat on the bench. Ashley turned to her mom sort of asking for permission as she was nervous, "Go on ahead, sweetheart, we'll be right out here," she said as Ashley nodded before walking towards Jake's room.

Her heart pounded in her chest and she felt lightheaded, her palms were sweaty, and she found it somewhat difficult to swallow. Standing in front of the door, she took a deep breath before opening it, but that was the biggest mistake that she could've ever done because the next thing she saw was darkness.

TO BE CONTINUED...