Chapter 36 Chapter 36 Riley awoke to a conversation around her. She vaguely recalled Patrick climbing into the backseat of a car with her before she had fallen asleep, or passed out, she wasn't sure. Her whole body still hurt terribly and she struggled to open her eyes. "We need to call him," Patrick was insisting. "Penny said she didn't want him called," Lana replied. "It's her decision." "We told him we'd call if she got worse." Max sounded stressed. "How long has she been sick?" Wesley demanded. "You all seem to know this has been going on." Patrick sighed. "She's been sick since she got here. It's been getting worse all week." "Why the hell didn't I know about this?" Wesley exclaimed. "I didn't want you to know." Riley forced her eyes open. She swallowed, wincing at her painfully dry throat. She was lying in a hospital bed. She could see several machines beside her and an IV attached to her arm. Patrick and Max were standing on one side of her bed, Wesley on the other. Lana was closer to the door and Angie was standing at a small counter behind Wesley, filling some syringes. "Thank the Goddess, you're awake," Max muttered, rubbing his forehead. "How are you feeling, Riley?" Lana asked, coming closer. "I've had better days," she replied, licking her lips. "Can I get some water?" "I'll get you some," Angie said, glancing over her shoulder at Riley before heading out the door. "What has been happening?" asked Wesley, rubbing his forehead. "They're telling me you've been sick, but you didn't tell me. How am I supposed to have your back if I don't know what's going on?" "I just didn't want you or Leo to go to the commander," she whispered, closing her eyes against the sting of tears. "You're already hiding enough information from him for me." Wesley shook his head. "You do realize you're in a hospital now. I'm going to have to call the council. I can't hide this information." She nodded. "I know." He raked a hand through his hair. "Hell, Riley. You should have some more faith in me." "Wesley," Lana interrupted, "I know you're upset, but this isn't helping right now. He looked slightly chagrined. "I'm sorry." "You and I can call your commander together in the morning," she said calmly. "It's too late to call tonight. I'll give him my opinion on her condition and maybe he will give me a chance to figure this out." She looked at Riley. "But, truth be told, the council has the best hospital facilities, so if I can't get you better, it would be good for you to go there." The door opened and Angie walked in carrying a plastic cup with a straw. She handed it to Riley who took a long swallow. It felt soothing against her sore throat. 1/2 Vote 543