Shattered (Koa #5)

33. Asher

Chapter 33

Asher

N eela and Ty stayed with me at the hospital, not wanting me to be alone. Though we didn’t talk much, their presence helped. It lessened the panic I felt that I desperately needed to get back to Lila. Her friend Macy is still with her, and we have a line of communication.

I got a message back from Lila, and it took away most of the pain.

Everything’s going to be okay.

I was discharged from the hospital with some equipment in tow. I’ll be mainly in a wheelchair for the next couple of months, at least. They taught me how to transfer in and out of it, and I have a walker. It has two wheels and locks, which I can use to help me stand and transfer. I also have a shower chair and an adjustable commode chair to go over a toilet, which is the same thing that Bane bought for me and I hated him for.

God, it feels like so long ago.

The healing from this injury feels daunting, but somehow, it doesn’t feel shameful like I thought it would.

Neela and Ty drive me home while Nash carries my equipment in his truck. When we get to Lila’s house, more vehicles are in the driveway. Nash brings over my wheelchair, and I easily transfer into it from the car the way I was taught in the hospital. When Nash begins to push me, I don’t object.

When we get to the steps, I’m surprised to find a ramp built over the two steps onto Sunshine’s deck.

“Edgar put that in for you; he built one for his elderly neighbor, too.”

The ramp is made of wood and bows slightly when I’m pushed up it, but it feels solidly safe. There’s a smaller one built over the lip in the doorway. Neela opens the door for us, and we enter the house.

In the den, two men I haven’t met are finishing setting up my bed. One is middle-aged, with dark hair, a large nose, and some scars on his face. The other is younger, maybe early thirties, with buzzed blonde hair and bright blue eyes that meet mine as I enter.

In the kitchen, two women are stocking Lila’s freezer. A tall redhead passes some containers from a large bag to her friend in the freezer, a curvy woman in a dress with chocolate brown hair. The kitchen table is overflowing with flowers and cards, including a bundle of sunflowers in a vase. She’ll love those .

“That’s Allegra and Juliet. They did some meal prep for you guys,” Neela explains. “And that’s Gareth and Ian. Gareth is Macy’s husband, and Ian is Allegra’s fiancé.”

Ian is Lila’s ex-husband. One look at him, and I understand why. He looks soft and gentle. I’m sure he’s a nice man, but he’s not the man for Lila.

“You’re gonna have to write me a guide.”

Neela chuckles. “You’ll get it.”

“Is she okay?” Juliet asks, stealing the room.

“She’s on her way now with Macy,” Neela says.

Good, she’s almost home.

“We should clear out, guys; we don’t want to overwhelm her,” Gareth says.

“Does anyone know where Turner is?” Ty asks.

“He’s home,” Gareth says. “Give him some space.”

Ty scoffs. “Like he’s ever given any of us space.”

“Yeah, we all know he can be a prick sometimes,” Gareth says.

“Maybe, but Lila wouldn’t be alive right now if it weren’t for him,” I say.

The room goes silent as every set of eyes turns on me.

“Would someone just tell us what the fuck happened?” Juliet blurts.

“No. The guy’s an asshole, but I really think he’s an asshole because he cares.” I don’t know why I’m defending Turner, but I can’t fault him. We wouldn’t have gotten there in time if he hadn’t helped Bane and me. The way he took control of the situation while I was too scared to function is the only reason she’s still alive.

“That’s Turner in a nutshell. Tough love,” Ty says .

With nothing more to be said, I want them all out. “Thanks, guys.”

“We’re not here for you,” Juliet says. When the room stills, I feel every set of eyes on us. “We’re here for Lila. You just happen to be stuck to her. We don’t know what happened to her, but if it really is your fault, you will have all of us to answer to.”

“People make mistakes, Juliet,” Gareth says.

If the room was quiet before, now it’s dead silent.

“Gareth’s right,” Ty says firmly. “It’s what we do to make up for those mistakes that means everything.”

Neela wraps her arm through his as he speaks, and they share an emotional exchange.

“Let’s clear out, guys,” Neela says. “When Lila’s ready, we’ll be waiting.”