Between Heartbeats

*Present*

Since the morning Isla was admitted, she had been in a daze, her mind swimming between reality and the fog of pain medication. The steady hum of hospital machinery had become a constant companion, the rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor grounding her in the present. Though her injuries weren't life-threatening, the bruises from the crash were deep, and her concussion left her with lingering headaches that made it hard to think clearly.

Aiden had been by her side from the moment she was wheeled into the emergency room. His eyes, usually so full of confidence, now carried a weariness she had never seen before. He hadn't left her once. Through every doctor's update, every shift change of the nursing staff, and every restless night, Aiden had stayed, watching over her tirelessly. His stubble had grown rough, and the dark circles under his eyes told a story of sleepless nights. He barely ate, only moving from his chair to check in with the doctors or to adjust Isla's blanket when she stirred.

"You should get some rest," Isla whispered weakly one morning as she watched him sitting slumped in his chair. His eyes flicked up, softening as they met hers.

"I'm fine," Aiden replied, his voice quiet but resolute. "I'll rest when I know you're okay."

Her heart ached at his dedication. Since the accident, her mom, Mrs. Parker, had been in and out of the hospital every day. She would bring comforting things from home-fresh clothes, her favorite lavender-scented lotion, and even a few of Isla's books, though Isla barely had the energy to read. Her mom fussed over every detail, from her meals to her medication, constantly pressing the nurses and doctors for updates on her condition. She had even brought traditional Scottish porridge one morning, hoping it might remind Isla of home and lift her spirits.

Her friends had come too, offering distractions and moral support. Maya, in particular, had been a beacon of positivity, visiting nearly every day. That morning, she had swung by with flowers and the latest gossip, keeping the mood light, though Isla could see the worry behind her friend's smile.

"I swear, if you don't hurry up and get out of this bed, I'm going to drag you to class myself," Maya teased, gently poking Isla's arm.

"Can't wait," Isla responded with a tired grin. "You'll have to carry me at this rate."

Maya stayed for a while, sharing stories from campus, but soon had to leave for her next class, promising to visit again later. As the room grew quiet once more, Isla found herself alone with Aiden, who had been silently watching her and Maya the whole time. He seemed lost in thought, his expression unreadable.

"Aiden," Isla called softly, drawing his attention. "You've been here since I was admitted. You've barely slept. I appreciate everything you're doing for me, but you need to rest."

Aiden shook his head. "I can't rest until I know you're safe."

There was something deeper in his voice-an edge of guilt. Isla reached out, taking his hand, and squeezed it gently.

"You're doing enough. More than enough."

Aiden lowered his gaze, running his free hand through his disheveled hair. "I can't shake this feeling that all of this is because of me. If I hadn't-"

"Don't," Isla interrupted, her voice firmer now. "This isn't your fault. We don't even know who's behind everything yet."

She paused, remembering something she had been keeping to herself. Her heart quickened as the memory replayed in her mind. "Aiden, about the video you showed me-the one with Tiffany's driver in the pub parking lot..."

Aiden's expression darkened. "Yeah, what about it?"

Isla hesitated, but the realization had grown stronger in her mind since she first saw the footage. "I didn't think much of it at the time, but the guy in the video-Tiffany's driver. He reminded me of someone."