I squeezed my eyes shut. My head hurt like a bitch. I felt the oncoming of a splitting headache. I squinted my eyes open, but immediately closed them due to the bright light. I sucked up the discomfort and fully opened my eyes. It took me a few seconds to adjust to the brightness.

Once I was able to observe the surroundings, I noticed I was in a white, sterile room. I heard machinery beeping, so I looked to my side to see myself hooked up to many monitors. I looked down and saw a plastic band around my left wrist. I scrunched my brows in confusion at the cast around my right arm. Thankfully, the cast color was blue. I smiled at whoever told them to give me a blue cast. At least I got my favorite color!

My eyes roamed the room. I saw the twins passed out on the couch. Even my two best friends were asleep on another couch. Why am I in the hospital? I took a moment to think about what landed me in the hospit- NICOLA!

The monitors began beeping erratically from my frantic heartbeat. The girls must've heard the loud beeping because they began to stir. I was trying to remove the EKG stickers so that I could find Nicola. They quickly ran to me and started to crowd me. They were all loudly speaking over each other. They were trying to communicate with me, but I was more concerned about Nicola. Where is she?!

"Ali!" Tamsin pushed everyone out the way. "She needs space everyone!" She made everyone back away. "The doctor needs to speak with you."

"Where's Nic?!" I ignored her.

"Ali, you need to speak with the doc-"

"Where's Nicola?!" I raised my voice, causing Tamsin to flinch.

"She's in a coma." She whispered.

"WHAT?!" I roared. "I need to see her." I started to pull out my IV, but Tamsin stopped me.

"Please, Ali." She placed her hands on my shoulders. "Speak to the doctor first." Her tone was grim.

"What's wrong with her, Tammi?" My eyes were watery. I needed my big sister to assure me Nic would be okay. "Tammi-"

"I promise she'll be fine." She rushed out. I saw her make eye contact with Zara. "Please, speak with the doctor first. Mom and dad are on the first flight here." I nodded and sighed. I had no more energy to fight my sister.

The doctor told me about the injuries that I endured from the accident. I had a minor concussion from the accident. Then, my heart gave them problems on the operating table. I apparently flat lined twice. What a bore. I was more worried about Nic then my heart failing me twice.

What did catch my attention was when he mentioned my arm. I had broken it in multiple places. Because of that, I would never be able to play tennis the same. I cried into Zara's arms at the revelation that I had to give up my passion. I loved the sport with all my heart and now I could never play it with the same amount of love. I clung onto my sister and balled into her chest.

Gemma rubbed my back while Tamsin had to excuse herself. She couldn't stand to see me in so much pain. Astrid excused herself to go after Tamsin. Yaz sat next to me and ran her fingers through my hair.

The doctor had told me that I had broken several ribs. One of the ribs had punctured my heart, causing internal bleeding. They were able to stabilize me after an 8 hour surgery. I had also shattered my leg and it was almost amputated. I really did a number on my body. I was surprised that I didn't injure my face, besides a few scratches.

When the doctor asked if I had any questions, I asked about Nic's condition. He claimed he couldn't divulge anything due to HIPPA violations. I told him that I'll buy the hospital and fire him if he didn't tell me about her condition. Yaz told him that I was dead serious. He gulped and told me that she was in a critical state.

We all gasped at the news. Tamsin and Tridi had entered and heard the doctor. I was confused since I thought I had protected her. Did I really fail at my one job?! I began crying into Yaz. The doctor said Nic had hit her head and there was internal bleeding. He did say that if I hadn't shielded her then she'd have definitely died. My heart stopped at his revelation.

The doctor had to shove my friends away. He pushed the emergency button. Nurses and doctors rushed into the room while I was undergoing cardiac arrest. My family was in shock. Tamsin fainted, resulting in Zara catching her. Astrid became dizzy and had to sit down. Gemma clung onto Yaz and cried into my friend's arm.

The doctors were ordering me not to close my eyes. They didn't want me to fall asleep. But why would I want to be here if Nic wasn't with me? One of the doctor's attached a defibrillator to me. They then shocked me, bringing me back to full attention.

"Stable." One of them called out.

I took a deep breath and glanced at my family (yes, I consider my friends to be my family). Yaz looked exhausted from what I just put them through. One of the nurses went to check on Tamsin. Zara flopped onto the couch and let out a sigh of relief. Gem was still hysterically crying, resulting in Astrid hugging her.

My parents had arrived a few hours later. They were in full on panic mode. After what the doctor told them, my dad ordered a scotch. He needed a drink to listen to my near fatal accident. My mom clutched my hand tight as she listened to him speak. I squeezed my mom's hand back. My mind was focused on Nic.

I then felt relieved when a nurse informed us that Nic was stable. They were waiting for the drugs to wear off, so that she could wake up. My father also asked if her parents had been informed. They had contacted her parents and they were on their way here. My father asked for their number so that he could send a jet. He claimed it'd be faster. He walked out the room with the nurse.

I leaned against my mom's shoulder. She gave me a soft smile and ran her fingers through my hair. I felt her press a gentle kiss to my head. My dad had walked back inside and informed us that they were scheduled to be on a jet in 30 minutes. He would also be covering Nic's hospital bills.

X

I had been in the hospital for two days. My family had gotten to know Nic's really well. They actually bonded and had a lot in common. Our dads were practically besties. Our moms were... well, they were polite. My dad informed Nic's parents that he'd be paying for her medical bills. Her parents nearly cried in gratitude.

I had asked if I could see Nic. The doctor allowed us inside her room. I sat with her parents in the dreary room. The only noise was her light breathing and the beeping of equipment. I was supposed to remain calm, but I couldn't when I saw Skye enter with flowers. She immediately greeted Nic's parents with hugs. I wanted to scream at her and blame her for Nic's condition, but now was not the time. I'd yell at her later.

Skye looked at me while I glared. She gave me a look to say that we'd speak about this later. I was so close to calling Tamsin over so that she could yeet Skye out the window. Skye and I were locked in a silent fight where I was annihilating her.

"She's waking up!" Her mom caught our attention.

I rolled my wheelchair over. Nic was squinting while she opened her eyes. She looked around before settling on her parents. She gave them a small smile. Her parents cried and embraced her.

"I'm so happy you're alright!" I cried and hugged her.

It was awkward since she remained so stiff. I pulled back and gave her a curious look. I was shocked to see her staring at me in confusion. I felt my heart drop when she spoke.

"W-Who are you?"