truth or dare - game on series #1

Cameron

The hospital waiting room felt way too quiet. The air was too clean, the lights above me buzzed like they were about to go out, and every second felt like an eternity. I was sitting there, elbows on my knees, hands clutched together so tight my knuckles were sore.

I hadn't moved since they brought Stella in. I couldn't. The image of her on the floor, shaking, it kept hitting me over and over. Bree screaming for someone to call an ambulance while I just stood there—frozen.

God, I didn't do anything.

The guys were still here but I couldn't really focus on them. They were talking in low voices, trying to keep it together, but I wasn't in the mood for conversation. Not now.

"She woke up, man," Drew finally said, nudging me. "She's good."

I didn't move.

"You should be relieved," Liv added, sitting across from me, her voice soft. "She's fine."

But I wasn't relieved.

How could I be?

How the hell was I supposed to feel okay knowing she'd been dealing with this on her own? That she had epilepsy and never told me? Never told anyone except Bree, and I guess her family?

I thought I knew her. I thought we were close. But I didn't know this.

Bree walked back into the room, her face blank. My heart jumped and I shot up from my seat.

"What's going on?" I asked, my voice a little too sharp.

Bree crossed her arms, taking a deep breath. "She's okay."

I let out a breath, my shoulders loosening just a bit. "Can she go home? Does she need to stay?"

"She'll be fine," Bree said. "She just needs rest. The doctor said she can go home soon."

I nodded, a little relief creeping in. Good. She'd be back in her bed, safe. And I'd stay close.

"You should go home," Bree said, cutting through my thoughts.

My head snapped up. "What?"

"You all should leave," Bree said again, looking right at me. "Get some sleep."

I clenched my jaw. "I'm not leaving."

Bree let out a breath, already knowing what I was going to say. "Cameron—"

"No," I interrupted, my voice more harsh than I meant. "How can you say that?"

Bree's eyes softened, but her tone didn't change. "Because Stella needs space. You guys just found out about something she's been hiding for years. She's overwhelmed."

I shook my head, feeling like a weight was on my chest. "I just... I need to see her."

Bree hesitated, stepping closer. "She knows you're here," she said gently. "But right now, she's processing. You've got to give her time."

The others were still there, watching me, waiting for me to say something.

I clenched my fists, frustration boiling up. I hated this. Hated that I couldn't do anything.

"She shouldn't have to go through this alone," I muttered, mostly to myself.

"She won't," Bree said softly. "She has me. And when she's ready... she'll have you too."

I turned my head, letting out a frustrated sigh. I hated it. But deep down, I knew Bree was right.

"Come on, man," Luke said, standing up and clapping me on the back. "Let's go."

Drew and Liam got up too, giving me a quick pat on the shoulder as they headed for the door. Liv gave me a look, like she was silently telling me to trust Bree.

I forced myself to get up and follow them out of the hospital.

But as much as my body was screaming for sleep, I knew one thing for sure.

I wasn't sleeping tonight.