Broken (The Siren Series #1)

by L. A. Griffiths

  Chapter Five

  My eyes flickered open to see I was hanging upside down, still bucked into the seatbelt. Both of my arms were dangling in the air. Something wet slid down my face. I brushed it away, and then I realized it was blood. The scarlet color substance was thick on my fingers. My head was heavy, my vision started to get worse. Before I could try and stay awake I blacked out.

  Opening my eyes was painful. My head started to pound away with my heartbeat. I could hear many random voices talking loudly around me with sharp painful noises. I ignored them while they shined their harsh bright light into my eyes. My entire body screamed out in agony, I could not move, nor did I want to. I was wheeled away from what looked like a crash and into what I hoped was an ambulance. In my sight, was the accident that caused my harmful injures. The car had flipped onto its roof with all the windows smashed out, the car was completely battered and at the side there was another car, most of the front was gone. Pieces of the cars window littered the floor like tiny diamonds. Kate’s car was completely destroyed.

  “Kate!” I tried to scream.

  Before I could try again I heard a kind and gentle voice calling to me. “What’s your name?”

  “E-ellie.” I stuttered. My face began to throb with pain. I fought against it. “Is Kate ok?” I winced.

  “Is that her name? She is being cared for as we speak,” he answered. “You had a very nasty accident Ellie.”

  I felt really tired all of a sudden. I wanted to close my heavy eyes but the man hovering over me told me not to. Everything was harsh around me. All the noises were loud and painful, the visuals were blurry and I could just make out the man in front of me. I just wanted to sleep. With my failing vision, I could see, what looked like a hand coming towards me.

  Please don’t touch me. I thought

  He placed a gentle hand to my face. I waited for him to change; I prayed in my mind that he wouldn’t turn. Then I noticed that he was wearing thick gloves. A huge relief washed over me when he remained calm. I was about to say my thanks when everything went dark.

  I tried to open my eyes slowly. I winced from the bright light around me. My head began to pound in sync with my heartbeat. My skull felt like it was about to explode.

  I brought up my hand to shield my eyes from the light, when something was tugging from my hand. I looked down and saw a clip clamped onto my finger along with an IV drip inserted into the back of my hand. Just staring at it made me feel weak, immediately I looked away and ignored it. My eyes were now in focus to the rooms light. I was in what looked like a hospital. It was a private room that was used only for special circumstances. The room had white bright walls that reflected the harsh horrible light, the floor was what looked like cheep hospital lino, and next to my bed was an IV stand and on the other side was a heart rate monitor. Looking over at the corner, slumped down in a chair was my Dad snoring away. He looked like he’d been here a while, his face had a stubble growing. Everything came flooding back to me. The crash played over in my mind it was like I was reliving the horror all over again.

  “Kate!?” I yelled.

  I tried to pull the covers away from me; the sheets felt as if someone had woven steel into thick wool. I had no energy but I had to see Kate. I slipped off the finger clip with ease, now I just needed to sum up the courage to rip the IV out.

  “One, two, three!” I pulled the needle out with a sharp pain, placing my hand over the mark to stop any bleeding. Sliding to one side, I tried to get out of the bed. Both legs felt like jelly. I tried to steady my balance but I fell to my knees.

  “Crap!” I cried. “I need to see Kate.”

  Forcing myself up on the edge of the bed, I noticed someone standing by the door. My view was blocked by the hospital bed. I looked over and saw that it was that woman again. Her high heels clicking as she walked towards me. My first instincts were to quickly wake my Dad. I dragged myself towards him and started shaking and tugging at him.

  “Dad it’s that woman, she’s here. Wake up!” I yelled.

  “I’m sure your Father is very tired Ellie, he needs his rest. He’s been watching over you for a few days.” she said.

  “What have you done to him?!” I yelled.

  “I think it’s better if we have some privacy.” Rhea gave a heartwarming smile.

  That smile didn’t convince me at all. I had a feeling that this woman was bad news. I struggled to stand and grabbed hold of the bed to steady myself, Rhea held her hand for support.

  “Don’t touch me.” I said through gritted teeth.

  Rhea grabbed my uninjured hand and I saw her eyes light up. I tried to pull away but she had a strong grip. My heartbeat quickened as if someone just shot me full of adrenaline. I could feel Rhea’s heart slowly beating to its own tune.

  “What power you have Ellie.” she said with a smile.

  I snatched back my hand holding it to my chest. Why didn’t she go crazy, she wasn’t wearing any gloves?

  “I’m sorry Ellie but I had to know.” said Rhea.

  “What’s happening to me? Where’s Kate? Is she ok?” One after the other question began to flow freely. I needed answers.

  “Ellie, please sit.” She gestured towards the bed.

  At that moment, the words that passed her full lips were going to be bad news. I settled down onto the bed waiting for her words.

  “Ellie.” she said my name with such sadness. “I’m so sorry but your aunt Kate has died.”

  Her words hit me like a brick wall. No, I must have heard it wrong but the look on her face, it seemed sincere.

  She carried on talking. “I’m so sorry, and you’ve been in a coma for three days.”

  “No, please not Kate, please. Please tell me this is a dream.” I cried. My hands started shaking. My eyes burned with tears. Rhea came and sat down on the bed but she stayed her distance.

  “You’re lying. Why are you lying? This is your fault!” I screamed.

  “I’m sorry Ellie but it’s the truth, I would not do anything to harm you.” She said.

  Rhea got up from the bed and looked back towards me “Take care Ellie.” As soon as the door closed behind her the atmosphere in the room changed.

  “Dad.” I cried.

  He shot up from his uncomfortable chair and saw me crying.

  “Is Kate..?” I couldn’t finish my words but he knew what I was going to say. He hesitated for a moment.

  “Kate died Ellie.” He said grimly.

  I cried into his chest while he held me, my sobs began to grow louder and uncontrolled. My lungs hurt with every breath I took. My eyes burned from the many tears I cried. Dad started to hug me tighter, I was in physical pain hurt but I needed him to hold me.

  “H-how did she..?” He cut me off.

  “It was a really bad accident Ellie, you’re lucky to be alive. A truck smashed in to Kate’s-.” He choked on his own words.

  “I’m sorry Dad.” I sniffled.

  He looked confused. “What are you-” He quickly stopped. “This wasn’t you’re fault Ellie.” He said.

  “If Kate hadn’t been taking me to school she would still be..” My mouth could not form the words I needed. It was almost as if I didn’t believe it, but, deep down it was true. Kate had died.

  “Do not say that Ellie, it was just an accident.” He held me tightly again.

  Something inside me wanted to push my Dad away and scream. I killed Kate it was my fault, my fault that she was driving, mine, my fault.

  “It’s my fault, mine, that’s she dead!” I yelled. My Dad tried to calm me down but the rage inside me grew. “It’s my fault. I have to see her, Kate!” I screamed with a cracked voice.

  At that moment doctors and nurses swarmed into the room and pinned me to the bed with gloved hands. They called for me to calm down. I wriggled and fought against them on the bed. One of them pulled out a needle. I could feel my heart thumping throughout my entire body. Closer the needle drew towards me. As I struggled, the tighter they held me down.
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  “No don’t” I screamed. “Dad tell them. Please!” I looked at him. His face was full of shock.

  Closer the needle came towards my bare naked skin. I couldn’t stand it anymore. I fought against the many hands forcing me down. The nurse injected the needle into my skin. Something inside me snapped.

  I let out an otherworldly scream that exploded around me. The doctors and nurses flew against the wall, and the windows shattered, showering everyone with glass. The floor cracked around me and the entire room began to shake with force. Everything around me slowed to a crawl and I saw everyone’s stunned faces. My Dad’s face was full of horror as if his nightmares had come to life. The room around faded and I felt the effects of the sedative as the soft bed caught my fall.

  Chapter Six

  My head was foggy as I walked barefooted along a road still in my hospital gown. I looked around, everything was fog, and nothing was visible, except the long dark road that lay before me. Pieces of metal scattered to the ground as I walked through the wreckage of a car crash.

  “Hello!” I shouted out into the darkness. “Did I sleep walk out of the hospital? There’s no way.”

  “Ellie.” whispered an all knowing voice into my ear. I spun around to find no one. “Ellie.” It spoke again.

  This time the voice was calling from down the road, closer and closer I walked towards the familiar voice. In the middle of the road, there was a figure lying with its back to me. Next to unknown body was the destroyed car that I knew very well. I quickly ran towards the body with teary eyes, it was her. I knelt onto the hard asphalt road. Slowly, I peered at Kate. She was lying lifeless on the road. Her face was all bloodied, and her eyes staring into nothingness. It was my worst nightmare, and I was living it.

  “Kate!” I screamed “Please wake up Kate, its Ellie.” I started to cradle Kate still body. Please tell me this is a dream. “I want to wake up!” I cried.

  I brushed some matted hair from her face and closed her eyes. I lowered down and planted a kiss onto her forehead. One of my tears fell onto Kate’s cheek. Hoping, like in fairytales, a tear would wake her up, but this wasn’t a fairytale, this was real.

  Slowly I opened my heavy eyes. I was drenched in sweat. Looking around, I saw the room broken and destroyed. The floor around me was covered in cracks and the windows had been broken. Did an earthquake happen? I tilted my heavy head towards the chair. Dad was resting. From now on I would need to be there for him.

  I’ll take care of him Kate I thought.

  I pushed the hospital blankets back and got to my feet. The floor looked as if it had been smashed attacked with hammers. What the hell had happened? I gently touched his shoulder. He opened his eyes.

  “You should be in bed Ellie.” he said with worry. He placed a gentle hand to my face.

  “I’m fine now Dad,” I lied. “And what happened to the room?”

  “They say it was a mini earthquake, but never have I experienced that before.” he said.

  He helped me over to the bed and sat down beside me. His face got all serious.

  “What’s wrong?” I asked with a dry mouth.

  “Ellie it’s.” He cut himself off. His face deepened with worry. There was more horrible news on its way.

  “The doctors said they are worried about your brain,” He said. “When you were sleeping, they didn’t think you would wake up.”

  “But I feel fine now,” I said. “Well apart from my injuries.”

  “I’ll just got get a doctor quick.” He ran off out the room like a shot.

  I got back into bed to wait for his return.

  I felt ok-ish’, I didn’t want people fussing over me. I just wanted to go home.

  Dad came back with a young male doctor. As soon as he came into the room, he pulled a stethoscope from around his neck and leaned in. I gave a small jolt when the cold metal touched my skin. The young doctor gave a little chuckle and warmed up his equipment. I noticed he had the bluest eye’s I’ve had ever seen in my life. He had thick light brown hair that I just wanted to run my fingers through and it smelled amazing. For a second I was engrossed in him.

  “What happened in here then?” The doctor asked.

  “They said it was an earthquake.” My Dad mumbled.

  I quickly snapped out of it when the good looking doctor took a step back. He replaced the stethoscope around his neck.

  “Sounds all good as far I can tell.” he said. He smiled showing a perfect set of white teeth that kinda’ sparkled. (I must have imagined that part) He picked up my chart and studied it with eagle eyes.

  “It looks like your due to have a MRI scan.” He said and he ran his hand through his thick locks.

  I did not like the sound of that at all. He saw my hesitation straight away.

  “Don’t worry Ellie, it like having photos taken of your brain, no needles at all.” He said.

  I swore this guy just walked out of a Jane Austin novel, all he needed was a wet shirt and that would be it. (But I wouldn’t say no to that).

  He placed the chart back down and left. He immediately came back into the room and said.

  “Oh yeah, my names Dr Logan Moss.” He then left again before my Dad could say his thanks.

  “So a little bit of good news then?” I said but as soon as I said it I felt the knot of guilt hit my stomach.

  He just nodded. “I just want you home Ellie, that’s all.”He tried to smile but it fell apart. I breathed a deep sigh but knew it was a bad idea as pain struck through me.

  “Ouch.” I said through gritted teeth.

  “Are you ok?” Dad asked. He got up to see to me but I waved him off.

  “Just need to take my time.” I replied while rubbing my side.

  I wanted to ask about what’s going to happen to Kate? What about the funeral? Kate only had my Dad and me. Both of their parents were long dead (sadly I never really knew my grandparents). What about the money for the funeral? These questions were going to need answers, but for now I needed to rid my mind of those annoying doubts and focus on getting my Dad through this and myself as well.

  The MRI scan was easy. I just had to lie down in a massive machine and wait while they looked at my brain. Thank god there were no needles involved, but the machine did make very loud noises, so they gave me headphones to listen to, (the choice of music was poor, but it beats listening to a loud noisy machine).

  I was wheeled back to my room by a lovely African woman named Bella. She told me all sorts of story’s to try to lift my mood, they were about some of the patients who came here, some were funny some were kinda’ gross. There was one about a man came in claiming that he fell onto a carrot and, well you get the picture. (Yuck). Bella had a laugh that could lift anyone from the darkest of moods.

  “Here we go.” She said pressing the brakes. My body was still weak, but I pushed myself up from the wheelchair. Bella stood next to me for support. I shuffled towards the bed and pulled the sheets right up to my chin.

  “Looks like you’ll be leaving me soon.” She said.

  “Yeah looks like it, I just want to go home, back to my bed.” I replied.

  “Yep, there’s nothing like your own bed.” Bella chuckled. I loved it when she laughed and found myself smiling.

  My happy smile faded within seconds. I felt the guilt rise in my stomach like bile. I had no right to smile.

  “Hey.” She said. “Where’s that smile gone?”

  “Sorry it’s just that I shouldn’t feel happy right now.” I sadly said.

  “Come on now Ellie, what happened was an accident. And if your aunt was alive she wouldn’t want you feeling like this would she?” The African woman said.

  “No she wouldn’t.” I muttered.

  “Anyway the doctor will be round any minute to see you.” Bella said.

  “You mean the one with the bluest eyes.” I asked. My face felt flushed just thinking about him.

  Both of her eyebrows shot up. “Ah so you noticed have you?” She laughed. “Yes he sure
does get a lot of attention around here. Maybe that’s to your taste, but not for me sweetie. I like em’ rugged.” She left the room with a laugh that bellowed down the hall.

  Lovely woman I thought.

  At that moment Dad entered the room. He had a sliver of a smile on his lips; I bet that he’d just met Bella.

  “She’s quite the character isn’t she?” He said pointing.

  “Yeah, she is. I like her.” I said, as my Dad sat down.

  “How you feeling?” he asked.

  “I’m okay, just tired and weak that’s all. I just want my own bed and fluffy pillows.”

  “Soon, just need to wait a little longer that’s all.” He kissed me gently onto my forehead.

  Just then the doctor came into the room holding a file along with those deep blue sea eyes of his. He came in with a cute smile on his lips. (Good news I hope)

  “Ellie.” He said with a voice with such authority. “I’ve got good news, there’s no major damage done to the brain.”

  I breathed a sigh of relief. “So when can I go home.” I asked quickly.

  “Not long just need your Father here to sign a few things and that’s it.” The doctor said.

  “Can he do it now then? I really want to go home.” I pleaded.

  “If you just follow me we can get them done quickly.” He told him. He got up and followed the doctor out of the room.

  While no one was around, I decided to get dressed. I wanted to get out of the horrible hospital gown I was wearing. It opened in the back showing my knickers. I opened one of the bags that Dad brought me. Inside were clean set of clothes that I could changed into. I quickly changed into a loose fitting top and a pair of jeans that had a rip on one side of the leg (I didn’t want to throw them away), I buttoned up my jeans with ease and placed on my raggedy shoes.

  “Really need to buy new ones.” I said to an empty room.