Chapter 1 The Last Thing I Remember

Lola Tanner

Pain.

A dull, throbbing ache shot from my side, pressing against my ribs. At first, I felt like I couldn't even breathe.

My eyelids felt heavy as I slowly opened them. The ceiling was white-too white.

I had to shut them again and slowly, look up to the light, adjusting... The walls, the scent of antiseptic, the stiff sheets covering my legs... I was in the hospital.

I blinked, swallowing against the dryness in my throat. My lips parted, but my voice barely came out.

"Lucius...?"

Silence.

I turned my head slowly to the empty chair beside my bed. It was still slightly pulled out, as if someone had been sitting there. But the seat looked... cold.

'Where is he?'

A flicker of unease curled in my stomach, but I pushed it down. Maybe he went out to grab something to eat. Maybe he just stepped out for a minute.

He wouldn't leave me.

Why did I even think in that direction so fast?

I reached for my phone on the bedside table, wincing at the sharp pain that shot through my abdomen. My fingers fumbled as I unlocked the screen and clicked on Lucius' number.

The call rang... once... twice... then-

"The number you have dialed is no longer in service."

I frowned, trying again. Same result. I tried texting.

Me: Where are you?

Me: Lucius?

Me: Please tell me you're okay.

No response.

My pulse pounded in my ears. Something wasn't right.

The door creaked open, and I turned my head hopefully-only to be met with a nurse. She was middle-aged, with tired eyes and a warm smile.

"You're awake, Miss Tanner."

I tried to keep my voice steady. "Where's Lucius?"

The nurse hesitated. "You should focus on resting. You've been through major surgery-"

"Where is he?" I repeated, my hands trembling as I gripped the sheets.

She sighed, looking almost... pitying. "Mr. Kensinger was discharged three days ago."

Three. Days. Ago.

I felt the words like a slap, my breath hitching. "No... no, that's not possible. He wouldn't just-" My voice cracked. "He wouldn't just leave me here."

The nurse's expression softened. "I'm sorry, dear. I thought you knew."

Knew what? That the man I loved, the man I almost died for, had abandoned me the second he was well enough to leave?

My stomach twisted violently. This had to be a mistake.

I reached for my IV, yanking it out despite the nurse's protests. Pain shot through my arm, but I didn't care. I forced myself upright, the room spinning around me.

I needed to find him. I needed answers.

I hurried out of the room with the nurse following suit, calling the attention of some of the other nurses to give her a hand in suppressing me to the bed. I refused to be held down.

"Let me go!" I yelled.

"Miss Tanner, you've just had a major surgery. You need to stay in check!"

Then they did their thing and I faded back into the darkness in no time. By the time I awoke, it was evening. For some reason, I was yet to believe that Lucius was gone.

This was just some misunderstanding. But I sat there, frozen. Silent.

Watching the door.

Nothing.

The beeping of the heart monitor was the only sound in the room, steady and cold.

Then, my parents walked in.

The relief I felt at seeing them lasted about two seconds before my mother crossed her arms, her face hard.

"I hope you're happy with yourself."

I blinked. "What?"

"You've ruined yourself over that man, and for what?" Her voice was sharp, cutting. "You shamed this family, Lola. Donating a kidney to a man who didn't even marry you? Do you have any idea how foolish you look after getting abandoned by him?"

Foolish.

"Lucius and I love each other. He..." I chuckled nervously. "Lucius may just be recovering somewhere. We're both great!"

"Shut up, Lola!" My father yelled. I shook within me.

"You open your mouth to defend him still?" My mother rushed in, raising the tension.

"I only think we're concluding so fast..."

"Enough!" It was Mother again who hushed me again.

My father shook his head.

"We told you this would happen. But you didn't listen. You never listen."

I looked between them, waiting-praying-for some sign of concern. Some love.

But all I saw was sheer disappointment on their faces.

I was hurting. I was abandoned. I had nothing left. And they still blamed me.

My mother picked up her purse. "We can't have you in our house anymore. The damage is already done and we won't allow you make us bear the shame of your stupid actions."

I felt the floor give way beneath me. "What are you talking about, mom? What do you mean? You're... disowning me?"

She didn't even hesitate. "You made your choice when you decided to be with that boy."

Tears burned my eyes. "But I have nowhere to go. I..."

My father placed an envelope beside the hospital bill. Cash. "This should be enough to cover you for a while until you figure things yourself."

My heart broke all over again. "You're really leaving me?"

"We already have," my mother said coldly. "You don't understand these things, you child, and so you go ahead to act according to your own emotions. We can't keep you bearing our name after the unforgivable thing you've done! Maybe when you have a touch of the real world, you'll learn to make choices with your eyes open!"

Then they walked out.

The finality of it crushed me.

I sat there, staring at the envelope in front of me. And for the first time in my life, I truly had no one.

I clenched the sheets beneath my fingers, swallowing the sob threatening to escape.

Where was I to continue from with no one to look up to and guide me through the ups and downs that awaited me?

How was I to survive?

What had come over Lucius?

Why did he abandon me?

What is going on?