Chereads / Bridge to Delphilia / Chapter 12 - Lost and Insecure

Chapter 12 - Lost and Insecure

JACK

I'm concerned with Roni's well-being, most especially the wounds that she had got. Art, Matt and I met Prim on our way back to the bridge. She was crying so hard and terrified while asking for help. Roni's not with her and when I saw her tremble, I immediately ran towards where the bridge is.

When I saw the edge of the bridge, I sprinted in hopes that Roni is fine and nothing dangerous happened. I searched for signs where she might have gone. Hopefully she's okay and that the baby is fine.

"Where is she?" I asked, agitated. "Jack." Art called and I immediately ran to where he's standing. I felt all my blood gone throughout my body when I saw Roni's cardigan. There are stains of blood everywhere including the bridge steps. Prim cried even more while I sat down, giving up. There's no way that she survived that attack. The cardigan's hem and back were torn apart. I pushed all my tears back. I don't want them to see me crying. Art stood on the edge with a dark expression. He's mad and grieving too.

"This is all your fault." I muttered as I stood up and faced Matt with clenched fist. "Screw you." I whispered before walking towards Matt. I grabbed him by the collar with dreadful eyes that are about to rain down. This is all his fault. If he didn't ran away with Lauren, Roni might still be here beside me unharmed. But because he chose to despise me and Roni after I told them the truth about the expedition, Roni is gone.

"Roni was pregnant, Matt! And now both of their lives perished just because you and your girlfriend wanted to continue your pathetic research. For what? For acknowledgement?" I spat. Arturo tried to calm me down but I didn't flinched. I want Matt to know how painful it is. I want him to pay for everything. Let him get eaten by his conscience.

"She cares about us the most, more than anything that's why she's trying so hard to make things right." I sounded so gay with a hoarse voice now but I don't effin care. "Jack, calm down. Let's talk things out with a clear mind." Art held my hands that are on Matt's shirt.

"It's okay Art. Let him vent all his frustrations and anger to me. After all, he's mad on himself too." Matt smirked. I clenched my jaw and scoff. "Douche-bag." I shouted on his face before throwing him a punch.

Matt fell on the wood steps with a cut lower lip. He spit some blood before wiping his face. His smirk didn't disappeared and I badly want to punch him again. If it weren't for Prim. She defended Matt while Arturo pulled me away. I clenched my jaw once more before shoving Art's hand away. Matt sat up, trying to stopped the bleeding that I inflicted. Prim checked his face. He grunt after trying to stand up. We were silent for awhile, cooling our heads. I was about to walk away when we heard a loud gasped. Like someone took a deep breath. It was loud enough for us to hear.

"That's Roni." Prim squealed. I immediately turned and headed to the rope railing where Prim had leaned to. I saw Roni struggling to swim away from the river. It's a hundred meter drop from here but she managed to survive. I hurriedly removed my jacket before jumping on the bridge. I ignored Art's remarks and focused on keeping a good form for the dive. I felt a sharp washed of the water when I landed but I swim swiftly towards Roni who's floating on her back against the water, not moving anymore. I put my arms around her and hugged her tight. Then I immediately swam on the shallow part.

I glanced at her and was about to cry. She had more deep wounds than the last time. Her face pale and lips almost gray. Her whole body was trembling when I finally got off the river. We were dripping when I walked and carried her to where Art stood. He used the stairs that Lauren's team had set up last time. But I stopped when Roni's hand fell away from my shoulders. She wasn't breathing anymore too.

I put her down to where Prim laid her cardigan and scarf for Roni. I carefully supported her until she was comfortably lying down. My hands and shirt were covered with blood it must be from Roni's wound. I went back near the river and washed my hands thoroughly. Matt stayed on the bridge with his usual poker face. I shook my head before washing my face too. A minute later, I stood up and was about to help Primrose when I caught something on the corner of my eye. I turn around and faced the river once more. My forehead creased but I decided to go and check it out. I dive on the river once more and this time, I swam gently. I was carefully not making any noise nor even splashing the water while swimming. I kept my hands and legs steady.

"Oh shit."

I swam backwards and paddled faster. This was a bad idea after all. I swam without looking back but I can feel it behind me, keeping up with my swimming.

"Grab on." Art shouted before extending his arm to me. I raised my left hand and swam nearer. But I didn't made it in time. When my fingers are an inch apart from his, a strong force pulled me down on the water.

I struggle below and tried to kick it off my feet. I panicked and the air on my lungs are slowly running out. A sharp claw held my calves and I shouted in pain. Fuck this. I'm being dragged deeper and I'm unable to resist it anymore as the clear water became red. I tapped the pocket of my wants then remembered something that Roni gave this morning. I hurriedly fished it out of my waistband as I inhaled some of water inside my nose. Damn. I swiftly bent the flare and stabbed it on the monster's right eye. The flare glow and it burned away on it's head. The werewolf's grip loosen and I took that as an opportunity to escape. I kicked my feet until I resurfaced. The air immediately enveloped my face as I heavily breathe. I went to where Arturo is and he helped me got out of the river. I was panting when I lie down with hard rocks on my back but I didn't care how much uncomfortable I was.

"I think it would be safer if we find for a place to stay. The sun's about to set and it's a lot danger if we're outside." Art suggested. I nodded as some of the sun's rays hit me. Matt carried Roni while Art and Prim supported me. I would like to argue with Matt and tell him I should be the one to carry her but all my energy is drained and I can't even stand on my own. "Stay awake, Jack. I need you to stay with us." Prim whispered to me. She sounded like a professional shrink, completely opposite to what her emotions are awhile ago. I winced but didn't said anything else. I watched Matt's back at me with Roni's hair that fell on his arm. Her legs were filled with blood that drips on the surface leaving traces like patterns.

"Is she gonna be okay?" That got out from me sounding so desperate. Prim tapped my shoulder without sparing me a glance. "You should know this pretty well but let me remind you once again. Roni isn't your typical damsel in distress. She's strong and one of her best points is being tenacious. Right now, I'll have to do everything to save them and I'm pretty sure Roni's fighting right now too." Prim said with a hint of hope on her voice.

"Remember when she broke her ankle and foot? She didn't said anything after she fell during their cheer practice. She endured it until the competition's over." She added. I smiled, full of hope now. I do remember those times. "Roni tends to worry at our well-being first than herself. Now, it's time for us to prioritize her." Art whispered.

We reached the camp before the sun finally sets. The place looks deserted and judging from the emptiness of the cave that served us our main laboratory, everyone else may have gotten out of here. But I'm not really sure. I didn't heard any chopper hours ago. It maybe because we're on Mount Alphanium. Matt laid Roni on one of the wooden plank, Prim had set up. She immediately covered her with a blanket to keep her body warm. Roni's drenched in water, no wonder her lips trembled.

I sat on one of the fold-able chairs. We have a few things left here in the camp and with so much going on, all we had thought of is getting ourselves somewhere safe. But are they safe now? What if the chopper didn't arrived? I was pulled out of my negative thoughts when Prim pushed Roni's chest. Sweats formed on her forehead as she continue pushing her hands on her. I stood up immediately and sat on the ground.

"What's wrong?" I asked. "She's not breathing." She answered directly. My blood stopped flowing when I saw how peaceful Roni's face was. No. This shouldn't be like this. I shoved Prim out of the way, not minding everyone in the room. I put my hands on Roni's chest and pumped it while counting. I ignored the blood that flowed on my palm. I ignored how I wasn't breathing anymore.

I bend down and gave her some air. I pushed her chest and blow her mouth on repeat. Prim tried to stop me but I didn't budge. I can't bare to look at my fiance while I do nothing. "Come on." I lashed out but didn't stopped pumping for her heartbeat and to let the blood circulate. "Roni." My voice cracked and I let my tears fall down on my face. "Come on, Roni." I whispered to her. Please, just wake up.

"Wake up, Roni." I begged. Just open your eyes, baby. Roni coughed and I immediately helped her flip over to one side. She vomited the river water and coughed countless times. I caressed her back and when she's okay, I pulled her closer to my chest gently. Roni narrowed her eyes and lifted her right hand to touch my cheek. She then called my name and it made my tears fell anew.

Art checked her out and asked her if she's okay. She look weak. Her voice is strained and hoarse. Her smile suddenly fades. She held unto me tighter and I felt her nails dug on my arm. Roni shut her eyes and her brow furrowed before she winced.

"Something's not right. Prim?" I called for help.

"Just breathe." Art whispered to her but it's no good. She's in pain and I don't know what's happening.

"Prim." I called once more and this time, I looked around to see where she is. And on my left, Prim's standing while shaking. "PRIMROSE!" I shouted at her. She jumped out but hurriedly rushed to Roni's aid with a stethoscope on her neck.

"Get it out!" Roni screamed in pain. I tried to calm her down but as soon as her tears fell, I lost control. She kicked us out and her right hand hit my cheek but I didn't back down. I held her closely while Prim prepared a syringe. Roni panicked more when she sees what Prim's holding. She shoved us off again and it must be her adrenaline 'cause she looks stronger than before. Roni kept on screaming.

"Sorry about this Roni." Matt held the syringe and injected it to her leg surprisingly. Her eyes are slowly closing in and as she lost conscious, Prim immediately checked her wound. "Jack." Prim called for my attention. I laid Roni down before looking at her. "I need you to decide." She muttered with so much authority. I felt nervous as I notice how much blood Roni is losing. "I'm afraid I have to remove the fetus from her womb."

My eyes widened as my hands started to shake on their own. It's as if the world stopped revolving and my heart was in a pause. Millions of images and thoughts flashed on my mind as Prim patiently waited for my response.

I intertwined my hands and I bowed down to pray. This might be the first time that I'm asking for a miracle. I don't believe in miracles but this is my last resort. I can't lose the baby nor let Roni die while suffering in pain. Matt held my shoulder while looking up, afraid that he might shed the tears he have been keeping in check. Arturo did the same to my left. I feel emotional. I just found out that Roni is pregnant and now I'm going to choose who's life matters more.

To whomever is up there and listening right now. Please save Roni and the unborn baby. I know I am not worthy to ask anything and I know that I've made a lot of mistakes in the past but please grant this one and only wish I want. Roni has some complications on her ovaries ever since we were in high school. There's only a slight chance that she'll bear a child again. So please, I know you're up there somewhere. Save them.

"You know what? I ain't afraid of death. I've been in a life and death situation numerous times. But there's something that I'm scared of. Not being with you." Roni's voice echoed on my ears and had genuine smile flashed before me. She was holding a pink cotton candy that I've bought here in the carnival. She's still wearing her cheer uniform but my jacket was wrapped on her waist. "Hold this." She said while handing me the cotton candy. She walked backwards then flashed the most beautiful smile I've seen.

"G TO THE O!" She yelled while raising her hands in a V form. "J-A-C-K!" She shouted before clapping her hands in a beat. I smiled a little. Some of the people waiting in line for the ride are watching her. I shook my head in embarrassment. "J-A-C-K-S-O-N. What does that spell? Jackson!" She flipped backwards while holding her legs and then landed easily. I almost stopped her from doing a cartwheel and a back tumbling. Every time she do stunts and routines on the squad, I feel uneasy. Scared that she might fall and injure herself.

"G TO THE O! GO JACKSON!" She continued her yell without minding how much attention she's getting. Her eyes were on mine only. "H-A-P-P-Y MONTHSARY." Roni then grabbed her left leg from the back and lean forward. She's in a scorpion pose. That's what she told me last time. She started tumbling again and this time she's moving towards my direction. She spin around when she's a foot away from me. Then when she landed, she kissed me on the cheek.

"I love you." She whispered. I smirked before pulling her to a hug. "Always, Jack." She added in between her breaths. "Forever, baby. I love you." I whispered back to her.

"Lauren."

Huh? I raised my head and saw Roni shivering. She's grunting in pain and Prim held her steadily. Her lips almost turned to gray.

"Jackson, I need your answer now." Prim shouted. With a crying heart I walked to where Roni is and kissed her tear stained face. I'm sorry Roni but I have to do this.