Rising of the Moon--Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Machines beeped softly in the background as Stephanie came out of unconsciousness. Through her closed eyelids she could tell that the lights were off and that she wasn’t at home. There was too much noise rushing through the doorway, and there was a too-sterile, nursing-home-type smell that made her wrinkle her nose in distaste.

Wearily she opened her eyes. Everything was white and clouded in shadow except for the four feet of light that seeped in through the open doorway.

She swallowed, nothing the cheap arm chair in the corner and the bright, chaotic bouquet of flowers next to her bed. Perpendicular to the blue-clothed bed was another cheap commodity: a plywood dresser, stained, but not at all cheerful. The window to her left was closed with the shades drawn shut. The sun was barely shining through the ugly curtains, and it made her wonder how long she had been in the hospital.

She swallowed again, then chased it back with a cough and a sniffle. Excellent, she thought grimly to herself. A cold to boot. Sighing, Stephanie tested her strength and then propped herself up on the uncomfortable hospital bed. She coughed again, grimacing at the dry taste in her mouth. Too late she realized it wasn’t a good idea to sit up, and she had to grit her teeth against the wave of vertigo that swept over her. She groaned and slowly lowered herself back against the too-soft pillows.

Her head felt like it was in a vice and she reached up a hand to feel softly at the bandages wrapped around her forehead. She traced the wrap to the back of her head where she hissed in surprise. It was extremely tender there.

She sighed again, rolled her eyes, and stared up at the ceiling. Her anger at herself was building. Why do I have to be so clumsy? She demanded of herself. Not even three hours and you’re already in the hospital.

Stephanie felt awful. She must have given her grandmother a great scare. Stephanie sighed once more. Why must it be me?

She sat there for the better part of ten minutes before she started to count the miniscule dots on the ceiling tiles. When she reached 899, she finally heard voices she recognized. As her grandma, with Seth and her cousin in tow, rounded the corner, Stephanie smiled. What a sight for sore eyes, she though.

“Oh, golly, Steph!” Genievieve said, sweeping over to the bed and gently wrapping Stephanie into a light hug. “You scared me half to death, honey! What happened?”

Something in Stephanie’s gut told her that explaining about the necklace would be a bad idea, and by some unseen force she searched for her cousin’s face.

The two girls stared at each other as Stephanie began to speak.

“I’m not really sure. I think I tripped over the mat and fell backwards into the tub. I don’t know how it happened, though.”

“Oh,” Genievieve gushed, softly kissing Stephanie on the forehead. “I’m so sorry, Steph. How are you feeling now?”

Stephanie coughed, but tried to smile. “I’ve been better, Grandma. But thanks for asking.”

“Can I get you anything, dear?”

“Some water would be nice.”

“I’ll be right back with some.” Genievieve smiled softly. “Anything else?” Stephanie shook her head and her grandmother smiled. “Come on, Seth. Let’s leave the girls to talk.”

Stephanie’s stomach clenched uncomfortably as she appraised her older cousin. Abriehele was three years older than Stephanie, but they were practically twins. Both had bright blue eyes with gold flecks that reflected intelligence way beyond their years. They had identical, raven hair with rich ringlets that sparkled in the sunlight, and both had athlete’s bodies. They were both about five feet four inches tall, and they both had melodic voices.

Stephanie wondered what the girl had been doing the past couple of years. Abriehele had stolen Matthew from her in the summer before her freshman year, and in doing so had become her ex-best friend.

Stephanie opened her mouth to tell her cousin to get out of her face, but Abriehele cut her off.

“Steph, there’s something important that we need to talk about.” Stephanie narrowed her eyes but said nothing. Abriehele sighed and sat on the edge of the hospital bed, then looked around as if she felt like someone was watching her. “But not here. Not right now.”

She glanced over her shoulder as Stephanie glimpsed an extremely handsome face walking by the room. He was wearing dark jeans and a black leather jacket, and his dark hair was dripping wet. He had the most amazing green eyes, but they flashed dangerously as they passed over Stephanie and her cousin. It was unnerving for both of them to receive such hatred from a stranger.

“No,” Abriehele continued, never taking her eyes off of the young man as he continued passing the room. “Here it is not safe to talk about this.”