A Second Chance at Forever (Eleanor and Bernard) novel Chapter 24

Hailey was startled by Eleanor's continuous screams and hurriedly nudged her.

"Eleanor, what's wrong?"

Eleanor's consciousness gradually returned, and she slowly opened her eyes, seeing only a worried Hailey, with Bernard and Garett nowhere to be found. She realized she just had a nightmare, dreaming about her past and people she'd rather not see.

Trying to shake off the images in her head, Eleanor swallowed her dry throat and tried to grab some water, only to find an IV in her arm.

"You had a high fever, so I brought you to the hospital," Hailey said, seeing that Eleanor was all groggy. She helped her drink the water at the side.

The water revitalized Eleanor little by little...

"Hailey..."

"Yeah?"

Hailey gently responded, arranging her sweat-drenched hair and tucking it behind her ear before softly asking, "Are you hungry?"

Eleanor shook her head with difficulty. "Did the doctor tell you anything?"

She hadn't figured out how to tell Hailey about her heart failure just yet, but being suddenly sick and rushed to the hospital probably clued her in.

"The doctor didn't say much. They just put you on IV fluids since you were unconscious from the fever. They took your blood as well. The test results should be out by now."

After saying that, Hailey got up to get the report. "I'll grab it right now."

Eleanor quickly stopped her. "I'm a bit hungry... can you help me get something to eat first?"

Hailey nodded. "Wait for me, I'll go buy you some light food."

As Hailey left with her bag, Eleanor mustered the strength to sit up. She walked over to the machine and took out her test results.

Her heart failure could be found through the blood test. She didn't want Hailey to see the results, fearing it would sadden her and that she would have to face Eleanor's impending death.

They had relied on each other since childhood, being each other's rock.