Third point of view
Right now, Leah was admitted to the hospital, with meek, pale complexion, layed on the bed transfusing blood. It was as if he barely looked alive from outside. He was fortunate enough that it was not too late to keep the poor boy clinging to his dear life. Haze and Peggy found him right on time, but he was lacking strength to even wake up from his deep sleep.
"He's fine, but he needs to stay here for further monitoring." Taking a further observation on his wrist, he dared ask out of curiousity. "It seems was self inflicted. So make sure he doesn't lay hands on anything like weaponary or sharp tools when he regains consciousness." The doctor was stating an obvious occurrence.
The doctor checked his physical health in advance, not knowing who this prominent well known person was, covered with blood which might be either the boy's as well as his own.
"He will be waking anytime soon. Judging by his current condition, he haven't been getting good nourishment or more like he wasn't eating well. He flinches a lot when I wanted to check on him. Did something happen to him like trauma that his body was reacting so scared?" The doctor in charge felt the sudden shift in the atmosphere, almost uncomfortable, suffocating atmosphere lingering the room. Yet, he hesistantly pushed on since it was his duty.
The doctor asked politely and respecting the guardians that came to watch over him, as well as Haze's parents heard this news and rushed over leaving out their works incomplete.
"It's confidential data," informed Haze hiding the incidences since Leah wouldn't want it to be made public in any case. It would probably make a scene if it gets outside the room.
The doctor can't press for more information from someone who is deemed as someone of high social figure, so he dropped the subject and gave them the report card of the patient.
"What happened to our Leah?" Mother went near Leah, sympathetically holding on his hand.
Haze wouldn't even take his eyes off Leah and nor would he utter a word sitting beside his angel.
Father was not liking this ignorance and wanted to demand, but Peggy hurried to answer the question in his steed.
"We can't blame brother here. He is the reason Leah is saved! Brother rushed out right away when he knew that something was wrong with Leah! You must have heard the doctor, he said he was right on time or else....!" Peggy defended her brother who wasn't willing to say anything.
"How did this happen in the first place?" Mother couldn't bare to see a child going through such situations, especially when he had done nothing wrong.
"Leah... I don't have a better idea about it, but I think brother does since it involves Taitz." Peggy mentioned his name and the father didn't like where this going to, since he was also a part of their family. That boy was so much like Haze, father knew Taitz a.k.a Taylor must be holding a personal grudge against Leah or Haze, maybe both. Who knows.
"Shut up.... please," Haze grimly added 'please' to his sentence and that wasn't going to let anyone speak anymore. They know better not to mess with Haze's fucked up mood, especially crucial time like this.
"Maybe, we should leave," Finally agreed the parents. They can't do anything if he refuses to tell and Haze was already in a bad mood that they had to leave, except for Peggy. She stayed out waiting for Leah to wake up soon. She knew it was going to be boring and long wait til Leah finally wake up, nonetheless she pretended to cheekyly slide on the sofa, to the wall side.
This hour felt the longest hour of waiting.
And too cheesy if she could add.
Looking at her once dauntless brother reduced to a mess. That also because of a boy was pretty much a shock to her.
He would gently hold onto Leah's hand, caress it, and who knows what other 'loving' action he might display, even to kiss! His! Forehead!
Ew.
'Oh boy. Brother's gone for good. He's hella bend for him!' She roled her eyes, silently snorting.
'If this is what happens when you fall in love, I rather eat mother's shitty cook for whole year and never regret it. Fuuck I need glasses to fight off this rosy pinky love.' She would cringe from the side view and even sneek a pic of him about this very moment.
"Perfect~!"
Just because she doesn't like this doesn't mean she doesn't like teasing Leah, even though he was older than her by a year or so.
"I heard you were in this hospital, quite a surprise to me, Haze," a dazzling lady doctor made a grand entrance in the room, then stopped to look at the worried Haze with a patient, "and this must be that person you once spoke about."
He knew from the way she says speaking maturedly calm and childish. He wasn't going to deal with nuisance.
"He's beautiful, like an angel I must say," she couldn't stop admire Leah who stole her attention, "I can understand why you fell, but that alone can't be reason." The doctor knew that the hard to get Haze can't be moved by just beauty alone, it takes more than that.
She tried to get that silent Haze to speak by provoking him. She went closer to the patient and joked, "oh my. He's dying a twink like him would snap in seconds if I kept him as my pet. Can I--"
"Shut. It." Haze sends fierce stares, still holding onto Leah's delicate hands.
She could joke no more about the angel that seemed much like dying fish.
She stayed out, still speaking but being careful with her choice of words. She straighten her back, flipping her hair back and waited patiently.
Peggy too joined in beside the doctor, both conversed about how Haze was changing without getting on the bad side of him, like two Asian gossiping aunties much invested on the twink.
"What's with him?" The doctor whispered by Peggy's ear, loud enough to let Haze hear all of there conversation.
"He fucked up." That was Peggy's only whisper reply, equally loud as the doctor.
"As in?" The lady gave a questionable look.
Peggy cringed, "as much as it sounds ironic it begins with the brother fucked him up without approval."
"....literally?" The doctor felt bad, for the angel.
What more was that it is not how he used to be in the past.
The patient stirred a movement, finally ending this tense aura that was suffocating and making them easy. She made her move checking the weaken patient by checking his heart monitor and his pulses.
"He's stabilised," she straight forward told Haze who watched over the waking patient relieved and sadly smiling at him.
"Angel?" Haze called out to Leah, as sweat and gentle that it was shaking the doctor who knew Haze for so long to be stunt standing arms folded and one hands covering her mouth. She got goosebumps.
"..Ha..ze??" Leah recognized the touch on his hand, and the voice too. He opened his mouth to speak more, but what more can he say right now. He can just snuggle in, stop moving around, then stay silent on the bed.
"Why didn't you reply to me? I called you." Haze asked Leah who was desperate to know the truth behind his condition.
"It broke." Leah had thrown on the ground smashing it on the rock so he wouldn't give away his location and ran away in the pavements.
"Then what about-"
"No comment."
"Fine then just list-" "Shut up. If I hear any more words I am going to sew it shut."
She was also lossing to her laughter since Leah interupted Haze deadpan. Where was the boss's pride now?
Thought the doctor, giving her best not to cry at this humorous sitaution; a lion tamed by a mouse with it's squeaking command.
She had to clench her tummy in her hands and bend low to hide her mocking face. She composed herself with a final cough and gracefully walked to the bed.
Peggy noticed a change in Leah when the doctor approach Haze like she already knew him for a long time which was basically true.
"I am Dr. Beck, your love rival. Our Haze here must be such a trouble for you. Anyways, it's nice to meet you," she was joking when she said that without thinking and it ended up making Leah to glare at her hands which wanted to shake his hands.
"Not my pleasure," said Leah, feeling jealous as he possessively clenched Haze's warm hands.
"Are you fine? Does your wrist still hurts?" Haze would only pay attention to him ignoring everything else.
Peggy's light bulb lit up, as she nudged her elbows on the lady's arms as if they were sharing the same thoughts.
Then a moment later, she professionally goes near Haze loudly saying, "oh Haze, I hope we can spend pleasurable time soon enough, alone. It was fun~," She phrased 'fun' in weird tone that were easy to think of it in another way.
"What nonsense are you sprouting?" Haze didn't give much thought to it since he was entirely thinking about Leah's declined condition.
"You know very well that night what we did. In a hotel room. Just the two of us."
"Not now."
"How about when your pet's won't pester us anymore? For old time's sake~."
"Once. And that's it. Meet me at the mansion." One more bet wouldn't hurt. Moreover there was one favour he needed her to return.
Peggy now only had to wait and see how Leah would react. If her hunch is right, he will do it.
Leah tugged on Haze's sleeve and he was reluctant to say it, but he will have to eventually.
"Who- who wass s-she?" Leah had to gather up all his courage to ask this simple little question.
"A doc?"
"Duh. Thanks for stating the obvious blockhead. I mean who was she to you?" Peggy mentally patted herself, damn did she love the tease.
"She's just the high school mate," Haze kissed Leah's hand ensuring that nothing happened such as 'fun'.
Leah glumped, rolling his eyes followed by a sigh, "a high school mate that you still keep in mind. Yeah, it is 'just' to you."
Haze could now see the open declaration of jealousy.
"She was one of my band mate," Haze stated gleefully revealing his past.
"Band mate? You mean..?" Leah still couldn't believe that the stiff Haze did have the guts to be a singer!
"Laugh all you want, it won't change this fact."
Leah couldn't even imagine Haze on stage, and when he did it was hilarious to him.
"I won't." Leah stood upright, leaning the back on the pillow and stayed silent, again.
"Tell me," it was time Haze get to Leah's troubles, "what's been bothering you?"
This was what Leah was trying to avoid the most. He fought to let his hand to be released which was entwined with Haze.
Leah
There was no way I could get away and I could ask no one for help. Drawing me in, he sucked me in at his resolute self.
"Leah. You got to tell me."
How can I say that I was threatened by Taylor was on his way to get me no matter what if I didn't bring downfall to Haze's life. He wants me to come to him on my own will which I would prefer dying than do it. He knew I was weak to his manipulation and he used it against me.
He is out there, somewhere and he found me.
It atleast clarifies that Haze had done nothing wrong. He didn't deserve my hatred.
I chose the easiest way to get out. He threw me back to my vulnerable stage, and I gave in. I was crazy, wasn't I?
"I am sorry." I apologised and took no notice of his repeatated request. He may not have a fault, but I did. I looked every where except him.
"Won't you tell me?"
No respond. I clenched my hands on the blanket that covered my lower part of my body with expressionless face.
"I am leaving soon." I informed. Sooner the better. I don't want dramas to act on me later.
"You are not." I sighed tired. I did expect this reply from him.
"I will and I can," I argued back, enduring the grip of his rough hands on mine. It was cold.
"Give me a reason for you to." I made him mad moreover he had a pushy side enacting.
'Cause I don't want to cause you trouble. I wanted to say that but, instead I said, "'Cause I had it enough of your bullshits and lies. You made my life into nightmare." That was not it. You saved me the most. A bad person like me doesn't even deserve you.
"My life turned upside down. I hated it." I didn't. I loved every second of the merry ride.
"You made me go far as to this." It is not your fault. I was scared of staying away from you.
"You should have let me died." I didn't want to.
"I lied when I said I lost the bet. I was just playing with you." I was genuine.
"Whether you were drugged or not, you still forced it. I am disgusted." I didn't really mind if it was you. It was new for me, so I was afraid to initate it. I... I...
"I hate you the most." I can't really say that I love you but I trusted you more than anyone else.
"Was it enough or do I need to point it out other reasons too?" I want to stop it. No more. I don't want to say this anymore.
This time I can't make that onion excuse in front of him thus I have manage it without that. I harshly pulled my hand, and he didn't let go no matter what how much I tried to retract it but it wasn't hurting me anywhere with the strength he was putting on it.
"Go on. I will hear it all." He was calm as ever.
"Sure then," please no, "you are a liar. You lied on our first day." I understand that you must have felt insecure to let your titles and achievements get in the way. I know that feeling of it. It is a burden.
"You reap what you have sown, and that was hatred from me." You deserve more than my love.
"You are... you are..." I don't want to say.
"Are you done now?" He calmly handled my insults and pets my head. "I know that. But I won't let you go in any ways. Besides acting doesn't suit you." He would slowly raise his hand to wipe my tears, which I didn't even realise that it was rolling down my cheeks.
"Whatever." I turned my head, brushing his hand off. "I will go."
I didn't further talk with Haze. I was mentally weak to even try thinking anything foolish. On my request, Haze left the room to give me time, but his sister remained to keep a watch on me.
"Why are you so deem to go?" I think her name was boggy or doggy.
"Doggy."
"Me?" She confusingly asked. I nodded.
She bluffed, "I am Peggy. Not D-o-g-g-y."
It rhymes well though.
"Sorry."
She moves her lips faster and more than any thing that she hits on asking me. I hope she became a journalist one day when she grows up.
"So, brother in law," she asked, "how come you caught my crazy bastard of brother's attention? You have a look to hook, I wouldn't minded having you, but I can't let him kill me."
"How should I know? I believe that punk think I will be easy on him after he done that unforgivable... tsk." It was more of a question to be unanswered even by me.
"Do you mean you haven't changed your mind? There's no chance?"
Peggy knew I wasn't going to answer to her either, so she changed it, "I wanna ask ya somethin. Just a speck of curiosity of this young soul who needs help. Don't take it personally let's say, you love Haze."
"I don't."
"Then, theoretically. Just say you do."
"I don't."
"Come one I just want to confirm something. If I have a crush or it might be love! This is what he looks like. Isn't he 'dreamy~" Her eyes sparkled like a fan girl. Typically teenage girls always fawning over good looking boys.
"He's so good looking. I love his popularity, He's every girl's dream boy. He's so dashing! Even the way he smiles, kisses the most popular gurls. He's oh my gawd." Was she high or something? 'Cause she was over reacting, kissing the screen close to her face.
"Yup. You're only having a crush."
"That's not true. Don't you feel jealous with whom he sleeps with when you love him?!"
"I do bu-"
"Don't you feel lonely when he is away from you when you are in love?" She crossed her legs in, raising one heel high, still insisted.
"Yes I do. Jus-"
"Don't you wish to spend your time with him, hold hands, joke around, kiss and cuddle?"
"I do! So what?"
"Don't you still forgive him even if he has done wrong? You aren't even mad at him because you love Haze?"
"Yes! I am not angry!"
"Then you are in love with Haze. Simple."
"Yes! That's lo-"
"Yes? Admit it." She raised her brows, grinning like Cheshire cat.
"You said theoretically."
"Yes, as a cover up."
"That boy--" "You mean this pussy? He's in the hospital for slapping my ass without my permission."
"Why did you ask me all those questions?" I fell for her trap! She sounds trouble.
"So that I can do this," she showed me her phone, "I recorded it all."
I don't like where this is going. "For?"
She stood, walking humming side by side and then opening the door and waving me with her phone in hand.
"I am going to tell brother. Brother!! A got hold of the treasure yar! Muhaha!" She crackled like a pirate mate and ran off with the so called 'treasure' and I do nothing?? Nay!
I took out the tubes since I had enough of those bloods and I will need a real blood, of hers!
I followed after her voice, she was near. I kept my hand by the supporter and staggered my way to get her.
She was turning her head around in the crowd of other patients.
"Where did brother dissappear off to?" Great! She didn't find Haze.
"Delete it!" I shouted.
"You!" She was horribly shocked and she should be, "how fucking far are ya willing to go for this dump phone?!"
"Don't take it personal, kid. As long as it takes for you give in."
She was still with shock and I used it against her to snatch the phone, but she came to her sense at that very moment and barely escaped my grab.
"I gotta show brother first!" She runs fast on her heels that she deserves a medal for fastest heel-on runner but unfortunately, she had a slight tripped breaking the heels and I had covered certain of our gap. Then she took the heels out and ran again!
"Come on! How is she so persistent!" I thought as I chased on.
"Brother Haze!" I saw him come our way with something in his hand.
"What's with this ruckus in the hospital?" He asked Peggy, and she almost spilled the beans.
Brother, Leah is-"
I had to think of something before she dig my grave. First, I could throw the flip flop on her hand to crack her phone. Or, I could murder her.
Even better I could do that!
"Leah!" He ignored Peggy when I fell on the ground hurting in my chest.
"It hurts." My pointed to my chest and he held me in comforting me. When Haze was focused on my reducing my pain, I stuck my tongue out and mocked at Peggy. Thumbs up!
"You!" Her eye twitched and her jaw dropped while veins ready to pop up from her head.
"Silly, what are you doing outside your bed and why are you not looking after Leah?" He glared over to Peggy who was quickly disbelief frown but staying quite not wanting to worsen her brother.
"I brought you something to eat. You can't refuse it."
"Wa!" He carried me in his arm in the bridle way like he once did in the street and it was embarrassing.
"I can walk!"
"You walked enough."
"But-"
"No buts."
This time, Peggy sneekered, khu khu. She followed behind Haze with both her thumbs up to her chest.
Both the patients and the nurses stared at us, again but more intensely and this feeling was like walking into the flame without safely measures. Heat rose up to my face as I was touching him and it brought back memories when we did it. No asking what 'it' is guys. You all are experts here.
"Haze?" A male voice questioned his own word when he uproared.
"He is here?" Followed by a high pitched voice.
I had my face buried in his chest since I didn't have more energy to look up and verify who it was.
Everytime I meet someone, it was amusing to reveal such surprising news about Haze. I was feeling depleted and heavy in my own body. "Don't tell me it is other of your band mates?"
"They are." Eh? I predicted a prophecy, a clairvoyance. Bless you all.
"What a-"
"Surprise, I know. I am getting that reaction a lot," Haze interjected in between.
"And who is this?" A woman said, amused. She must be talking about me. If it was about me, I must introduce myself.
"Um... I am-"
"Leah?" What a surprise! I turned my neck to get a good look of their face.
"Botha! Mama! Botha!" Adi was in the father's hand and the mother was smiling at me.
"Mam?? What are you doing here?" I had no politeness when I spoke up since I felt a bomb was thrown in my head. She was smiling holding in her hand on her husband's arm.
"We were expecting Adi to become the older sibbling soon." She announced while staring at me who was getting carried.
"Oh congratulations!" I moved to get down, and he relented. Not.
His embrace. It's gripping on my body closer raising my temperature as well as my heart like it was running a marathon.
"Leah needs to rest." Haze shuts them up rather harsher than he had perceived.
I wanted to apologise for Haze's nature but they just smiled unexpectedly at each other and then at me before we disappeared into the corner.
Peggy didn't follow us and chose to stay back. For some reason, I think she is on for another comeback. I feel the chill down my spine when I think about what in the world she is up to next.
God.... I am done dealing with a brat.
"Please don't again ever die on me." He would tenderly whisper to me, full of affection that I could get a goosebumps and his surprise attack on my flushed cheeks with his lips was even worse.
I hid against his neck, feeling those flooding comfort in my chest. I could so much get use to him and this.
I do like him after all.
Somehow I'm coming to love this place. Feels more like home. With his.
I coyly hugged him, giving into his embrace, whole heartedly accepting the spark and moment. For now.
Let's just leave these troublesome melodramas for the next chapter.
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