Gabriel's POV
When we got to the hospital, the paramedics rushed Broba inside on the stretcher, and I followed close behind.
They wheeled her into a hospital room, and just as I was about to enter, a nurse stopped me.
"This is as far as you go, kid. You can wait here," she said, gesturing toward the row of chairs outside.
I sat down, my leg bouncing nervously. This was torture. She still wasn't awake, and the hives on her arms were only getting worse.
A few minutes later, the group burst into the hallway.
"Hey! We got here as fast as we could. Had to borrow some guy's car from the team," Alec said, panting.
"How is she?" Naomi asked quickly.
I sighed. "They won't let me in. She's still not awake." I ran my fingers through my hair. "God, I should've realized there were peanuts in the cake. I should've stopped her."
Matt placed a hand on my shoulder. "Don't beat yourself up, man. No one could've known. I'm sure she doesn't blame you."
"Wait," Ellie said suddenly. "Didn't we all fill out a health form when we first got here? The one for the chef?"
"Yeah," Thomas added. "It asked if we were vegan, vegetarian, or had any allergies."
"Broba and I gave ours in together," Hope said quietly. It was the first time she'd spoken since arriving. She was sitting with her head in her hands. "Which means Lacey had to know she was allergic. That bitch."
I clenched my fists. Lacey knew. And she still handed Broba that slice of cake, looking her straight in the eyes. I remembered that smile on her face as we ate—it wasn't innocent.
"She did it on purpose," Naomi growled, cracking her knuckles. "A bitch is gonna die tonight."
As if summoned, Lacey walked in with a bright, fake smile. "Hey guys!"
"You fucking bitch!" Hope screamed, jumping to her feet. "You poisoned Broba! She's deathly allergic and you knew! If my best friend doesn't walk out of that room okay, I swear I'll end you!"
Lacey gasped dramatically. "Me? Hurt Broba? I would never. She's overreacting—I barely even put any peanuts in the cake."
Hope lunged at her, but Alec held her back just in time.
"Someone restrain that psycho," Lacey scoffed. "She's crazy."
"Don't talk about my girlfriend like that," Alec snapped. "If anyone's the psycho here, it's you."
I stood up, trembling with anger. "Why'd you do it, Lacey? Broba's been nothing but nice to you. To all of us."
She leaned in slightly, her voice dropping. "Why did I do it? So we could finally be together, Gabriel. She was always in the way. Now she's not."
She reached out to touch me, and I stepped back.
"You gave Broba—someone who's sweet, kind, funny, and smart—something you knew would harm her just to get to me?" My voice cracked. "You're insane. I don't like you. I never will. If she doesn't walk out of this okay, Hope won't be the only one coming for you."
Lacey's smug expression vanished. She shrieked and stormed out.
"What a little…" Ellie muttered, watching her go.
Naomi sat next to Hope and rubbed her back. "She'll be okay, Hope. She's strong."
Just then, the doctor stepped out.
"She's stable. Breathing's still a bit uneven, but there's no lasting damage. Any immediate family members?"
We shook our heads.
"Her family lives in Seattle," I said.
He nodded. "Alright. You can go in to see her now."
I rushed into the room. Broba lay in the bed, looking pale and exhausted, but peaceful. The hives were fading.
"She's okay. That's what matters," Matt said quietly.
We stayed for a while until the others decided to head out—it was late and we had classes tomorrow.
"Come on, dude," Alec said to me. "Let's go. You can see her in the morning."
"I'm not leaving her," I said. "I'll stay up all night if I have to. I'm not going."
He gave me a small smile and patted my shoulder. "You've got it bad, don't you?"
I nodded.
"Alright. See you tomorrow."
The room quieted. I sat and watched her chest rise and fall, her hand warm in mine.
"Don't leave me, Peanut," I whispered. "You're a fighter. I know you are."
A few hours passed. I must've dozed off, because I suddenly felt movement from the bed.
I opened my eyes and saw Broba stirring.
"What the fuck...? Why am I here?" she asked groggily. Then her eyes landed on me. "Gabriel? What's going on? What am I doing he—"
She stopped mid-sentence. Her eyes widened slightly.
"Oh… yeah," she whispered.
I moved closer. "How are you feeling?"
She shrugged. "I've been better. But... it's late. What are you still doing here?"
"I was worried about you."
She smiled faintly and reached for my hand. "Thank you. But you should get some rest. I'll be fine now."
I hesitated, then nodded. "Okay. I'll come back first thing in the morning. Promise."
"Promise?" she asked.
I smiled. "Promise."
I leaned down, hugged her gently, and waved as I left.