Tangled Love

Jake's POV -

I turn around and walk back through the hospital doors making my way through the route I've now memorised. I push open the door leading to the private rooms and head for number 52, the one Emily is in.

She was still asleep when I left her but the nurse told me she'd be waking up soon. I don't want her to wake up alone but on the other hand I don't know how to react when she does wake up. She looked terrified before, her eyes wide and her body trembling. I curse myself for standing there frozen to the spot, I should have helped her.

All the days of waiting for her to wake up and it finally happened. I definitely didn't expect it to go the way it did but I completely understand why she was so freaked out. Jones kidnapped her, mentally broke her down and tied up her up for weeks. The marks on her wrist were still healing from the ropes he'd used. I stop outside the door and wait a moment before pushing it back slowly and walking in. I stop as soon as I notice she's awake and sitting up. Her eyes stare straight into mine and once again I remain rooted to the spot.

"Hey you," she says quietly, giving me a little smile. I smile back at her —

"Its good to hear your voice again, thought I lost you there for a moment."

My own voice comes out quiet and I fiddle with the small white tablets in my pocket once again.

"Are you okay?" She asks me and I nod quickly, my gaze landing on the floor.

I'm not okay, I'm definitely not okay but I can't let her know that, I need to be strong for her.

soft and her hand is tiny compared to mine. I smile down at

missed you," I whisper, my voice barely loud enough to be

I missed you? I don't know how long I was asleep for but I missed you." She responds, stroking her thumb against my skin. I take a seat next to her and know the time has come to explain everything that

"You were in a coma for roughly three weeks Emily," I start. Her eyes widen a little at this but she remains

I didn't know what to do. I was so

eyes, trying hard to compose myself. My voice is trembling and I hate having to admit how scared I am, I hate showing fear. I feel Emily lift my hand to her lips and she places a gentle kiss on it, reassuring me. I take a deep

I remember him hitting the floor with a loud thud. I look up at Emily and I'm surprised to see her taking it so well. Her face remains emotionless and I can't figure out how she's feeling. I take her silence as my cue to continue —

"You've been here for the past three weeks, I haven't left your side, I swear. I've slept here every single night with you, I'm so sorry. It's all my fault, I should be lying in that bed, not you. I'm so sorry." I finally break down, my voice falling to

The tears I've held back for the past three weeks spill down my cheeks. I feel like the guilt

. . Jake, look at me!" Emily says firmly. I lift my head and she takes both of my hands in hers, brown eyes

I can't believe he's dead. . . Jones is dead." She says quietly, registering

one of my hands and I feel her hand cup my chin, forcing me to look up at her. Her other hand gently wipes the tears away from my cheeks and I nestle further into her touch, so grateful to feel her warm skin on mine once again. It's amazing how despite being in her condition, she's the one comforting me. I didn't realise how much I needed to hear her

I never will

like I couldn't breathe for a long time, too guilty to function properly. Moments of silence pass between us

mum come to visit me?"

debate whether telling her but decide to be completely truthful knowing she would eventually find out anyway . . . the truth has a way of worming it's way out of the woodwork.