I don't want this night to end

Chloe

‘Should I say something?’ I wondered while sitting beside Gabriel on the uncomfortable bench in the hospital’s waiting area. What’s more, I was wondering the same throughout the ride Gabriel provided, but each time I opened my mouth to speak, I would quickly close them, afraid of sounding stupid.

I was focused on Simon and his bleeding nose until we arrived at the emergency room, where a nurse took him away. Even though the waiting area was crowded, I felt like I was all alone in the world with no one else but Gabriel beside me.

Too aware of his presence, I twiddled with the phone before I unlocked it and called Gina. Somehow, it didn’t surprise me when the call went unanswered, but I was worried for her, so I redialed.

“Don’t bother.” His deep voice rang in my ears, startling me. “She won’t answer tonight.” The certainty with which he spoke made my head involuntarily snap towards him, and my eyes met his grey skies.

I swallowed words that urged me to get out, and the next hour