delicate

7

I looked up when the door opened. I felt tears well in my eyes. I wiped them away as I sat up. The doctor took a few steps into the room.

"We need to take her for testing." A few nurses entered the room behind her. "It will be a couple hours before she's done. You should go home and get some rest."

I nodded once. I watched them roll her out of the room. "Thank you." I looked at the doctor.

She nodded before following them. I looked at the empty hospital room. It felt cold and barren. Even more so now that she isn't in here.

I looked down at the floor and closed my eyes.

Ryan went to get something to drink. Caroline still isn't answering her phone. Damon and Stefan stopped by yesterday with Elena. Bonnie was here earlier. I've relied on Ryan to help me not lose my sanity, but it hasn't been working because my trust for him is wearing thin.

"Where did they take her?"

I opened my eyes and looked up at Ryan, who was now standing a few feet from me. "They took her for testing or something. She won't be done for a while."

He tilted his head and crossed his arms. "Maybe we should get out of here until she's done. Waiting around like this isn't doing any good for you."

I swallowed. I nodded slowly, accepting that he's right.

-

He drove because I'm too jittery. Stepping into the house felt like entering another dimension. It was chilling and weird. I took a shower to calm my nerves, staying in way longer than I should've. After getting dressed, I decided I can't stay in the house without feeling nauseous.

"I can't be here." I kept my palms pressed flat to the bed. I looked over at him sitting next to me.

He put his hand on mine. "Where do you want to go?"

"I need to let Damon and Stefan know what's happening with her." I could feel the tears coming up my throat, but my eyes stayed dry.

He nodded once. "I'll drive."

"You don't have to go." I don't know if he should, actually.

He lifted my hand, sliding his fingers between mine. "I want to be here for you, Evelyn."

I breathed in shakily as I nodded. He pulled his hand from mine and wrapped his arm around me, pulling me to his chest and hugging me tightly. I wrapped my arms around his body. I stared at the window as I hugged him.

I suddenly felt everything at once.

"Ryan."

"Yeah."

I was afraid to say my next words. "I don't think it's working between us."

He doesn't startle at my words or seem surprised. Though I can't see his face, I know he's not angry or upset. "Yeah. Me either."

I pulled back and looked into his eyes. His hands remained on my body. He stared into my eyes. I swallowed. "We're a lot better as friends."

He nodded slowly. "I know."

I looked at his lips. "I'm sorry."

He moved his hand to the side of my face, making me look into his eyes again. His thumb brushed against my jawline softly. "You have nothing to be sorry for. Especially not this. I should be the one apologizing for this. I told you I had feelings for you."

"You lied?"

He shook his head. "I love you, I just wasn't sure in what way."

I parted my lips as I thought of something to say. "I love you too."