Trapped

by Nicole Smith

  “All you have to do is believe you are awake and it will happen. As I’ve told, you before, Natalie you have to stop running, clear your mind of all the darkness that surrounds you. Take control of your head and your body will follow you, demand this nightmare to end. There is no great secret Natalie. All this time you have been running and searching for something that you already have. You just have to stop and be here in this moment, wide awake,” she whispered as she faded away and the waves grew to even higher heights, within seconds my house disappeared into the ocean.

  CHAPTER TEN

  “Awaken,” I said calmly as I opened my eyes, believing this time that it’s truly happening. No one interfered as I cleared my mind. I allowed my body to sink into the ocean, letting go of all the memories and all the pain. I let it all go.

  I looked out into a dark and silent room, unsure of where my body has been taken to. I dug my nail into my wrist, happy to feel the pain. I took in a deep breath and slowly breathed out. I am alive and I am awake. I turned on to my side and looked up at an IV bag hanging beside my bed. I thought about pulling the needle out of my vein and running but decided not to. I knew without standing that my legs have grown weak. I needed to get some blood flow back into them first. I urgently needed to get my strength back, I may have uninvited visitors soon, I thought of Elizabeth’s warning. Beth and Stella would still be looking for me.

  I noticed a beautiful bouquet of flowers on the bedside table. I smiled as I thought of Hayden, visiting my lifeless body and bringing me flowers. I slowly sat up, feeling the stiffness in my muscles. I tried to swallow, but my throat and my mouth were so dry.

  I didn’t feel confident enough to stand or walk on my own. Hanging beside my bed hung a wire with a button on the end. Being no stranger to hospitals, I knew I could press it and someone would come rushing in. I wondered if needing water is a good enough reason to press it. Before I had a chance I saw a face in the doorway. A woman I have never seen before stood there, gasping, like she wanted to yell but couldn’t get it out. I smiled uncomfortably at her.

  “Would you be able to get me a glass of water?” I asked as she slowly opened the door wider. She jumped and shrieked hysterically.

  “Yes Natalie, yes I can get you some water!” she exclaimed as she went running out of the room.

  Upon her return, she walked in with two other nurses and a doctor. She held the glass of water out for me. I lifted my arms up to grab it, noticing they were all watching me do this.

  “Excellent Natalie, I am thrilled to see you functioning so well so soon. Usually after being in a coma for so long it can take quite a while for your muscle movements to be so controlled. I’m very pleased that I happened to be here so early this morning, to see you wake up,” she smiled as she took my pulse and listened to my heart beat.

  “Do you have any aches or pains?” she asked as she looked into my eyes.

  “No, I don’t think so,” I replied, “but I haven’t stood up on my own yet.” The doctor’s pager went off.

  “I’ll be back to check on you again soon. I can’t wait to see you up and moving around,” she touched my arm gently then left.

  “Natalie, I’ve called Hayden,” the first nurse I saw upon waking informed me.

  “Oh, thank you, what time is it anyway?” I asked.

  “It’s five in the morning, but I’m sure he won’t mind,” she said smiling.

  “Can I get you anything else, besides water?” the second nurse asked.

  “It may sound odd but I would love some pizza,” I said smiling.

  “I’ll see what I can do,” she winked at me then walked towards the door signaling the third nurse to follow her. Once they were gone the remaining nurse sat on the bed and reached for my hand.

  “Oh Natalie, you are such a lucky girl. Every day you are in a coma, the chances of you waking up become slimmer and slimmer. I think you should know that Hayden very rarely left your side. He has been here night and day,” she looked grim suddenly.

  “Where is he now than?” I asked skeptically. Not that I didn’t appreciate his loyalty, but I wasn’t happy about him not living his life either, being stuck here in a hospital beside a comatose woman, waiting for a miracle.

  “He had to leave last night, just before midnight. He received a call from an old friend he said. It sounded like an emergency. He really didn’t want to go but he said he had no choice,” she sighed, squeezing my hand. I thought it must have been Clive. Hayden would do almost anything for him.

  “What’s your name?” I asked. This woman seemed to know a lot about me and Hayden.

  “Louisa.”

  “Luiza, how long have I been here?” I needed to know how long Hayden has been waiting for me to wake up. She sighed again as she stood up. She walked to the window then turned back towards me.

  “You were brought here six months ago. Before that you were at St. Peter’s Hospital, downtown, for three weeks. I was told you were in the woods, for possibly five days before being brought there,” she said as she looked away from me. I could tell she was emotional. She must have thought I would never come back.

  “Wow,” is all I managed to say. That is a lot of time that I will never get back.

  “I’m so sorry Natalie. It’s unexplained by medical science as to why this happened to you. You’re young and perfectly healthy. I’m just so happy you’re awake,” she gushed. She must have been assigned to me once I arrived here. I smiled up at her, appreciating her support, I just wished Hayden or Carlos could have been here when I awoke, a familiar face may have made this easier to handle.

  “Thank you for taking care of me,” I said sincerely.

  “Hayden helped take care of you too. He helped bathe you and he would read to you. You have had a number of other visitors as well. One in particular visitor, Carlos, would come in and relieve Hayden so he could go home and wash, eat and change. You seemed very important to him too, I could tell by the gentle way he tended to you. He would brush your hair and sing quietly while he held you close to him,” she seemed to enjoy reliving those glimpses of him with me.

  “Would you like me to call him too?” she asked excitedly. I nodded.

  “Yes, please let him know, although I’m sure Hayden has called him,” I said, wishing he was here now. I wished either one of them would come walking through that door.

  “Luiza, could you open the window please, I’d like to see the sunrise and breathe in some fresh air,” I asked her before she left the room. She opened the blinds and the window just a little. The locks on it wouldn’t allow it to open much more.

  I felt completely alone as I looked out the window from the hospital bed. Tears began to fall as I thought of all the days that have gone by. What kind of curse did Beth put on me? She is just a ghost like all the others I have met, wasn’t she? Maybe Elizabeth is wrong? I laid my head back down on the bed and stared up at the ceiling.

  I was lost in thought when Hayden slowly opened the door. I heard Louisa gasp as she entered behind him. I quickly turned my head and heard Hayden breathe a sigh of relief. I guess I looked comatose again by the way I stretched out and stared at nothing. I tried to sit up as Hayden bent down to hold me, tears pouring from his eyes.

  “I’ve missed you so much Natalie,” he cried as he held my face in his hands. I heard the door close as Louisa walked out, giving us our much needed privacy. He kissed me so tenderly. He held my face in his hands and he kissed me again, like he had to breathe me in and still not getting enough. I pulled away slightly, needing air. He smiled through his tears.

  “I’m so sorry I have put your life on hold while you waited for me,” I apologized, looking up at him.

  “Please Natalie don’t apologize for being in a coma. My life is with you, I didn’t put anything on hold. I have been with you every day,” he shook his head, trying to explain, but I could tell he has been suffering. He looked thinner and he has facial hair that I’ve never seen on him before. His dark hair is longer and disheveled n
ow too. He reminded me of the first time I met him, when he introduced himself as Joe. He appeared rougher around the edges somehow. I hoped time would bring back the Hayden I fell in love with.

  “How are you feeling? Do you have any aches?” Hayden asked as he hopped up on the bed beside me. He held on to me so tightly.

  “I’m ok I think. I had trouble standing but the doctor said it will just take some time before I’m back to normal. Thank you for all the leg massages, Louisa said it helped me a lot,” I told him.

  “I have been here everyday Natalie, waiting for you, I wanted to do everything I could to help you, even if it just meant I rubbed your legs or told you stories,” he said looking away from me. Once he composed himself, he turned and leaned over me, setting his heavy greyish blue eyes on me.

  “Natalie, did they tell you how long you’ve been here?” he asked carefully. I just nodded as I tried to hold back the tears that I knew were coming. He looked closely into my eyes, wanting to say or ask something but he held back.

  “I have a lot to tell you but it will have to wait. I’ve brought you something,” he said as he walked over to his jacket. He held out a small box of chocolate truffles and another small box. I smiled as I opened the chocolates and popped one in my mouth quickly, still feeling hungry. Smiling nervously I slowly opened the other box. Inside held the necklace Clive’s wife had given me in Argentina. It is the angel I should have kept with me. I remember her telling me that I have many angels watching over me, more than I knew at the time. She told me to keep it close to my heart and in times of despair to hold on to it and to call on my angels for support. I was confused as to why Hayden brought me this now. I must admit I kind of hoped for something from him in the box, not something I already owned.

  “Why have you brought me this now?” I asked.

  “I found it with some of your other things that were removed from you after you were taken by Beth and Stella. I want you to keep it close,” he said sullenly. I reached for his hands. He grabbed on to mine and squeezed them.

  After lunch he placed my cell phone on the nightstand and told me he needed to go but he would be back before dinner. I didn’t want him to leave but I understood that he has work to do. I wrapped my blanket around my shoulders and looked out the window again. I gazed out, lost in thought when the phone rang.

  “Hello?” I breathed into the phone.

  “Natalie? Is that really you?” I heard Carlos almost laughing.

  “Hey Carlos, yes it’s really me, I’m awake,” I told him, trying to sound casual.

  “I have missed you Natalie. I’d come see you but I’m not in the country at the moment. There’s been lots of activity since you left us,” he informed me. “When are you coming back?” I asked, hoping it would be soon.

  “I’m not sure yet but I’ll stay in touch,” I heard him sigh.

  “Are you ok?” I asked hesitantly.

  “Natalie, darling, I am just so relieved and happy your back. I can’t wait to see you. I’ve really missed you,” he said, dodging my question. It seemed like he was hiding something from me.

  “Call me when you get here, I may or may not be in here long. It depends on my progress, but I really want to get back to my life and out of this bed,” I told him.

  “Just follow the doctor’s orders and I’m sure you’ll be out soon. Remember, you are still strong Natalie. See you soon,” he said before hanging up.

  Hayden arrived just before Louisa brought me in my dinner. I had put in a special request for lasagna and cheese bread. I couldn’t believe my hunger. Hayden laughed as he watched me eat.

  After a few days passed I began to feel stronger. My muscles didn’t ache as much when I walked the halls. Carlos called me every morning, just to check that I awoke, I think. I demanded Hayden go home at night. He would stop in to see me after my breakfast.

  “The doctor told me I should be able to go home soon. She’s very pleased with my progress. I’m gaining back my strength quickly I think. I’ve been working with a physiotherapist who is helping me immensely,” I told Hayden.

  “That’s great Natalie. I can’t wait to bring you home,” he said smiling. He seemed rather distant the last few days though. I wondered who he’s been hunting. I have no idea how much he’s been working and what he’s captured. I tried getting him to talk to me about it but he would just change the subject, saying it wasn’t safe to talk about it here. I thought about what Carlos said, how there has been a lot of activity. I wondered if Carlos is hunting here now. I secretly wished he is because I knew he would bring me out with him.

  It’s been seven days since I woke up and the doctor has finally told me I can leave as long as I promised to rest and not over exert myself. I’m so excited to finally be leaving. It’s time to put my life back together again. I couldn’t wait to tell Hayden. I reached for the phone and called him as soon as the doctor turned to leave. I paced back and forth by the window, listening to the rings. His voicemail came on, which surprised me. Hayden always answers when I call. I tried again, still no answer. I waited ten minutes then called again, still no answer. I left him a quick message and hung up, expecting him to call back immediately. Where is he?

  I showered and put on my clothes Hayden brought me a few days ago in preparation for my release. The long flowing black dress fit perfectly. I put on my black boots and applied just a touch of color to my face. I wanted to look nice for Hayden. I combed my hair and put my bangs back with a clip.

  “I’m going to have to go visit the doorman’s sister’s boutique someday,” I said as I spun around. I gathered up what few things I owned and placed them in a bag. I walked out to the nursing station. Louisa looked up at me smiling.

  “All ready to go home Natalie?” she asked, beaming. I am going to miss her. “I’m ready Louisa. I just need a ride now,” I said, trying to not sound as miserable as I began to feel.

  “I’m sure he’ll be here as soon as he can,” she said, trying to cheer me up. “Are you hungry? I can run down to the cafe and get you something,” she stood up, turning to get her wallet.

  “No Louisa, thank you, I’m fine. I’m just going to wait in my room, your right, I’m sure he’ll be here any minute now,” I turned and walked back.

  Two hours passed since I first tried to call Hayden. Each time it was the same thing, straight to voicemail. His battery must be dead. I tried to rationalize this. It seemed so strange because all week he has shown up just after breakfast but the day I can go home he’s a no show. I called Carlos, hoping he might have heard from Hayden. He wasn’t in the city but I still hoped he might know something.

  “Hello,” he answered.

  “Carlos, it’s me Nat, do you know where Hayden is?” I blurted.

  “Natalie, calm down. I’m on my way, I’ll see you soon,” he said before he hung up on me. I am so confused now. How did Carlos know that I’m being released this morning and why is he coming to get me instead of Hayden? When did he get here? Where is Hayden? I felt like screaming.

  I paced the hall again as I waited for Carlos to arrive. Louisa looked worried about me I could tell by the way she watched me pace. She eventually walked over to me and began to pace beside me.

  “Natalie, I’m not sure what’s going on, but I do know you were given strict orders to rest, remember? I can call the doctor and tell her that you’re not ready to go,” she said as she stopped pacing and waited for me to respond. She’s right. I have to hide my anxiety in front of her. There is no way I’m staying another night in this hospital. I would have taken a cab home if Carlos didn’t say he’s coming to get me. I smiled and turned toward her.

  “You’re right Louisa, I will calm down. I promise. I’m just so excited to be going home and restarting my life, finally. I just thought that Hayden would have been here this morning. I’m sure I’ll see him soon, he must just be working. I’m sorry for getting all crazy, I’m good really,” I tried to convince her. She finally smiled and gave me a hug just as Carlos snuck up be
hind me.

  “Hi Sweetie,” he greeted me excitedly. As soon as Louisa released me he had me in his arms, giving me such a big hug, he lifted me off the floor and twirled me around. I loved his excitement.

  “It’s so good seeing you up, moving and awake. You were starting to get a little boring Nat, just lying there, all limp and stuff,” he said laughing.

  “I’ve missed you too Carlos, thanks for coming to get me,” I said as I reached for my bag. Carlos grabbed it before I could and gave Louisa a hug.

  “Thanks so much for all your support and care of our precious little Natalie,” he said as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a card Hayden had asked him to deliver. I am well aware of Hayden’s generosity, I’m sure there would be some type of gift in it.

  “Bye Louisa and thank you again for all your support and care,” I said as she gave me another hug.

  “Take care and remember to rest. Oh and make that doctors appointment for next week,” she ordered as she walked down the hall all business like, but I knew she just didn’t like good-byes.

  “I will Louisa,” I said as I grabbed Carlos’ hand.

  “So where is Hayden?” I asked, knowing he wouldn’t tell me. He squeezed my hand and we walked silently to his car.

  I sat calmly, patiently, as I waited for him to start talking to me, but he didn’t. He started the car, turned on the radio and began to drive. I couldn’t handle this. I just about erupted when Carlos looked over at me and raised his finger to his lips, motioning me to be quiet. I scowled at him but he shook his head, mouthing the words “just wait”. “Fine,” I mouthed back. An uneasiness about all this began to make my stomach hurt. I leaned back and looked out the window as we drove. I eventually began to recognize where we were, almost home. I heaved a sigh of relief. I would see Hayden soon.

  Carlos pulled in and parked in Hayden’s spot, not the visitors, which meant Hayden wasn’t here. I felt hot tears begin to flood my eyes. I tried to stop them from coming but this is not the homecoming I had planned. Carlos looked over at me and saw my rising despair but decided to ignore it.