I threaded my hand through her hair, pressing my palm against the back of her head and holding her tightly, my hand finding a rather large bump.
“Did you hit your head?”
“Yes, I’ve been unconscious.”
“Come on, you need to see a paramedic.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
Bryce carried me in his arms and down one flight of stairs, then I remembered going back into an elevator until I was at ground level and being fussed over by two paramedics. Soon after that, I ended up back in hospital.
I was drowsy from my concussion, and my eyes still stung from the smoke, therefore finding it much easier and more comfortable to keep them closed. I could hear Bryce talking with my doctor, their voices audible but not quite in my room.
“Physically, she is fine. She suffered a mild concussion and will be somewhat drowsy. She also suffered minor smoke inhalation and could experience shortness of breath and a sore throat for many days.”
“And our baby?” Bryce asked the young sounding female doctor with an English accent.
“Your baby is fine, Mr. Clark. The ultrasound still shows a strong fetal heartbeat.”
“Thank you,” Bryce exhaled, sounding relieved yet fragile.
“I’m more concerned for your fiancé’s mental state at this stage. Her medical records indicate she sees Dr. Jessica Laitan.”
“Yes, she does,” he replied.
“I think it may be wise to make an appointment for her as soon as possible. Other than that, she is ready to be discharged. Give me a moment to complete her paperwork, and then you can take her home.”
Moments later, I felt Bryce’s warm, comforting hand on top of mine. I clenched it tightly and slowly opened my eyes, finding him slumped over the bed his head resting on his folded arms.
He began to sob. “I’m so sorry.”
“Bryce,” I said, my voice raspy and my throat sore and dry. “Don’t be sorry. Please don’t be sorry. None of what happened is your fault.”
“You’re wrong, it’s all my fault,” he answered angrily. “I knew Scott had returned and I didn’t protect you.”
I moved my other hand to touch his head. “Look at me.”
He slowly lifted his head from his arms.
“I knew Scott had returned as well, but neither of us could’ve known what he had planned.”
He dropped his head again. “I knew what Scott was capable of, Alexis. What if Charli and Nate had been there, or Lucy and Alexander?”
Just the thought of it made me feel sick again.
“Did you know he was capable of that?” I asked sternly.
“No.”
“Then stop blaming yourself.”
“I nearly lost you, Alexis. I thought I’d lost you. I thought you were dead.” He took my hand in his and brought it up to his cheek, while closing his eyes.
“Open your eyes, Bryce.”
I said it with authority, like the many times he’d said it to me. They shot open.
“You didn’t lose me, I’m right here. I’ve told you before, I’m not going anywhere.”
***
I leaned up against the window, 38 floors above the city of Melbourne, the window which now housed the view from our make-shift apartment in City Towers. It had been days since the explosion and fire that destroyed the interior of majority of the penthouse floor. There was no major structural damage, but the heat of the fire and extent of the smoke damage had made it so that the entire apartment would need to be completely renovated. Until that happened, we were staying in one of the villas a few levels down.
“Alexis, are you with me?” Jessica asked softly, but firmly enough to bring my attention back to her.
I removed my gaze from the many kayakers streaming along the Yarra River below. “Yes, sorry.”
“It’s okay to dwell on what’s happened. You’re allowed to think about the events, just make sure you talk about them out loud.”
“I wasn’t really thinking about it. Alright, maybe I was. I’m worried about Bryce more than anything, he’s blaming himself.”
“I know he is, Alexis, and I’m working on that. If you feel you need to constantly reassure him, then do so. But he will need to sort through his guilt and his insecurities himself.”
I turned back to look out the window, to the sun which was part way up in the sky, indicating the time being mid-morning. It was hot outside, and a beautiful day, but that beauty was soon going to turn glum when we made our way to the Melbourne Cemetery to say farewell to Gareth.
I had on a black sheath dress with a top layer of black lace. It was conservative but also cool enough for the day ahead. I leaned into the window again, but closed my eyes to block out the vertical drop that now greeted me.