Perfect Flaws

19. Scorching Surprises

Elijah

Surprise.

That is what I felt immediately.

The absolute element of surprise when the bullet shot through my flesh. It wasn't because I was shot, and that's never happened before.

I knew I'd be shot, and ultimately I knew I'd be distracted by her. I'm not complaining, but my independence is.

I was surprised by the pain that followed. Everyone knows being shot is painful, but to actually feel that pain is entirely different. Mentally, I didn't realize how much a bullet fucking hurts.

Not to mention the adrenaline shock. The next time I see that shithead, and I will see him, he'll be dead.

I can't believe how long I've managed to stay awake too.

Rhea checks on me every few seconds, asking me if I'm still alive. Of course I answer in some way to subside her fear and panic.

"Elijah answer me! Shit! Elijah I swear!" I faintly hear.

Before I can muster any kind of strength and answer her, I hear shuffling around me. The next thing I know, icy and death-like water splashes over my head, completely shattering my drowsiness.

"What the hell!?" I yell.

"Oh thank god," she whispers, as she sits me down on my bathroom toilet, leaning me back.

"Holy shit, I'm cold," I wince.

She shrugs, "Well, I had to make sure you're breathing."

I glare at her with my weakened strength.

I hear laughing come from the door, and I immediately recognize the annoying voice.

"Remind me to give you my life savings for that," Dal chuckles, staring at Rhea.

Rhea half smiles, looking back at me with complete worry.

"Alright, Alright let me help the dumbass," Dal reassures her, as she moves out of the way for him.

"Elijah, this is what you get for being a prick everyday," he affirms, as he motions Rhea to give him his bag.

"Fuck off," I warn.

"Well then, you'll be dead, and I couldn't bear to put Rhea through that," he winks at her.

"Dal, one more fucking word, and I will grab that scalpel and puncture your jugular to the point it's just a gaping hole," I threaten, straining through the pain.

Dal laughs, "Yeah, okay, sure."

Rhea intervenes, "So... are you sure you can do this?"

Dal nods, becoming serious.

"We've been trained in things like this since we were little. I can get the bullet out, but it's going to hurt like hell."

Fuck, he doesn't have the meds.

"Rhea, don't watch," I mutter, "It won't be pretty."

She scoffs, "I've gathered that." Instead of leaving, she stands there, leaning against the door as she watches me. Her stubbornness is evident in her eyes.

Dal begins pulling out the tools he needs.

I lean back, feeling the drowsiness overcome me. I feel something, somewhat heavy in my hand. When I squint my eyes open, I see Rhea crouching next to me, as she holds my hand.

"Don't die before I get to kill you myself," she whispers.

I grin, having no energy to laugh, "Apparently, you're too good, you'd cry before your hands even touch me," I mumble.