I kept looking at the clock on the wall as i waited for the doctor to emerge out of the operating room. Everyone was present there, eagerly waiting for results of the surgery.
I could see the worry on Ginger and her parents faces and the way Ginger and her mum occasionally took a bitter glance at me.
I was ready to bear anything as long as Ricky becomes alright.

The door to the OR finally opened and the doctor walked out.
"How is he... Please tell me how the surgery went" Mrs Sawyer said looking worried.
" Everything went well and he should be regaining consciousness anytime soon" the doctor assured.
This was a real relief for me and i bet the feeling was mutual with everyone present here.

"Honey, now that Ricky is fine we'll be heading home" my dad said while my mum smiled warmly.
"Can i stay with Acey at the hospital" Sophie asked.
"please mum...ill like to see Ricky before leaving" Chase said.
"You guys should come home with us and when he wakes up, we'll bring you back and as it is now its late plus this place is crowded" my mum answered.

****Four hours later

"He's awake now and you can see him but sure to keep your voices at the lowest minimum" the doctor said before walking away"

I was excited... I couldn't wait to see his smiling face again. As i was about to enter the room, Ginger and her mum blocked my path.

"I don't want to see you around my son ever again. He only gets into trouble with you around him. First he was stuck in a cave for hours because of you, then he was kidnapped for months and now he almost lost his life for you. I don't think it will be wise for him to spend time with you. He is my last connection to my late sister and ill hate losing him because of you. Just leave... You are nothing but bad news for him" Mrs sawyers said in a bitter tone.

I froze on the spot as if a bucket of ice was poured on me. My mind was still processing what Mrs Sawyers just told me. I slowly turned around to leave with tears gathered in my eyes.

As i was about entering the elevator, Skye, Jimmy, Cassy,Cody and Adrian ran to me.
" we are coming with you dear" Skye said holding my hands.
"I cant believe Mrs sawyer said that to you" Adrian said.
"What she just did is really messed up nuggets. I don't want you thinking about it too much" Jimmy said.

"It's enough guys... You should all be with Ricky supporting him right now. He needs his friends and family more than anything right now. As much as i appreciate your concern for me, i need you all to be by his side right now" i said.

"But Acey..." Skye tried to speak but i cut her of
"I'll be fine Skye, don't worry too much about me. I understand Mrs Sawyers. As painful as it my seem, what she said was absolutely correct. I need to go now" i stated before leaving.

******
I entered my room and locked the door behind me cause i didn't want any disturbance right now. I fell on my bed and covered myself with my duvet and cried my eyes out. I have been waiting for months to see those beautiful eyes and gorgeous smile of his but i wasn't even given the chance to say hi. If this didn't hurt me, then nothing else would.

***
Skye's POV
***

We all entered Eric's room trying to put a smile on our faces so he wouldn't get to about Acey because he was still in the process of recovering. Ginger and her parents were talking with him and laughing with him when we entered.

"Hey guys, I'm so glad to see all of you here" Eric said smiling. We all sat down and expressed our joy over his recovery but his eyes where busy wondering round the room.
"Where's Ace?" he asked.
Suddenly, Ginger and her mothers face lit up with confusion as to the answer they will give Eric.
"hmm... She didn't..." Ginger was about to say but i cut her of before she says something that would jeopardize Acey's friendship with Eric.
"she'll be here as soon as she returns to town" i blurted out.
"Where did she go" he asked again.
"Hmm... She went for counselling concerning her PTSD problem. I called her and told her about your recovery and i bet she'll be here as soon as she's done" i cleverly answered.
"But i don't remember her having PTSD" he said.
"It started after you got shot"Jimmy answered.
"Enough about Acey... Lets all get going and leave you to rest" Mrs Sawyers said as she gestured for us to start leaving.

"See you later Eric" I said before exiting the room.
I knew Acey will be waiting eagerly for me to give her news about Eric's health so i tried calling her but her phone was switched off.

****
Acey's POV

"Open the door Acey...you have a visitor" my mum said from the other side of the door.
I sluggishly walked up to the door and opened it.
"Hey bestie...i knew you'll be sulking in your room and see, i wasn't wrong. See...i brought some junk food so we sulk together" Skye said already making herself at home on my bed.

"How's Ricky doing" i asked.
"He seems fine for someone just regained consciousness plus he was also asking of you" she replied.
"So..." i gestured for her to continue.
"I told him you were out of town for counselling session for PTSD" she said opening the ice cream and packet of chips.
"I just don't understand all this... I know Ricky getting shot was because of me but i don't think i should be treated like a criminal or as if i was the one who pulled the trigger. Is this some kind of drama where the mother usually says stay away from my son or ill make your life miserable? and Ginger, ill have to give her a piece of my mind sooner or later..."

"Acey calm down" Skye said shaking me violently. It was then i came back to my senses and all the lights in my room were flickering rapidly.
"You need to calm down and think of what next to do after all in the same dramas, the girl never gives up" she advised.

"That's true... Now nothing can stop me from seeing Ricky" i said scooping a huge chunk of ice cream into my mouth.

"Now that's my bestie" Skye smiled

End of chapter
Till next chapter
Aceylovelace