Chapter 26
Immediately, Clarke began resuscitation. She wouldn't stop until the paramedics arrived, but Lexa had lost too much blood; if she didn't get more soon, nothing would save her.
The paramedics arrived and took over the doctor's task. Titus had already told them the young woman's blood type. Immediately an IV was put in her and she was taken to the ambulance. All this had happened so quickly that the blonde had not accompanied Lexa. Instead, she sat motionless and said the only prayer she knew.
In peace may you go from the shore,
in love may you reach the next,
and have a happy crossing,
until our last journey to earth,
May we meet again
She wanted to see them again. She did not want to and could not lose them.
She sat motionless for a few minutes before Titus stepped up to her and offered his hand.
"Let's go see her."
"I thought you didn't want me to? You don't want us to be close or the rumors to continue after the interview at Charles'."
"She should be surrounded by people she loves and who love her now. I'll notify Anya."
She was grateful to the man for taking this on.
"Ashes to ashes
Dust to dust
Today we say goodbye to a loved one taken from us far too soon."
"Titus Flamekeeper, do you admit to shooting and hitting actress Lexa Woods?"
"Yes sir."
"You stated it was in self-defense?"
"Yes sir."
"Now that we have all the details of your case, we strongly recommend that you undergo firearms training and sentence you to 160 hours of community service."
Titus nodded and after it was official he went his way, he had to pay a lot of fine and he knew it. He was ashamed of what he had done, especially that he had not hit the right person, whether it was Clarke who was going to get it or Costia was an open question.
The blonde was in the front row. Grief had a firm grip on her. Now, as the priest spoke his parting words, she collapsed. The two strong arms of Bellamy caught her as the tears had now finally taken her. She could not believe what was happening; they had had far too little time together. She should have told her she loved her much more often, but she hadn't and she deeply regretted that. Again and again she wished her back. She wanted one last moment, but it was not granted to her. Never again would she come to the door and embrace her and give her so much strength. Never again would she see her.
"All witnesses have been examined and the jury has found them guilty of attempted murder. Herewith you, Costia Trikru, are sentenced to 20 years in prison, due to psychological stress you will be sent to a psychiatric hospital. Following this stay, you will serve your prison sentence."
The judge banged his gavel and Costia was led away.
The sky was gray and it was raining. The cemetery was full of people, many laying flowers on the coffin. The priest said the last words of his prayer before the coffin was lowered and earth began to cover it. Bellamy was still holding Clarke close. He was her support during this difficult time, her rock. Never had she needed him more than now.
A few days before
"She's losing too much. We have to stop this bleeding or she will bleed to death on the way to the hospital, the extra blood won't help her."
Lexa was already in the ambulance, which drove at the greatest possible speed towards the hospital. Finally they found the cause, a vein had been hit. One of the paramedics squeezed it off and so they were able to stop the bleeding for the time being. Nevertheless, it was life-threatening. The operation was prepared and would take several hours.
While doctors first sedated the brunette and then cut her open to remove the bullet, Clarke and Titus made their way to the hospital and nurse on duty Harper McIntyre.
"Just now Lexa Woods was brought in. Where is she? How is she?"
"Excuse me? I'm not allowed to give you any information unless they're a close relative."
Titus gently pushed the blonde aside.
"I'm Titus Flamekeeper. Your manager."
The nurse looked at the records and shook her head.
"I can't let you see her, I'm sorry. Please sit down."
"You can't be! It will be ages before Anya is here, and how are we supposed to wait for answers until then?" she had said, addressing the manager. The head nurse overheard this and thought for a moment, maybe the blonde was on the list and so she stopped the young woman.
"What's her name?"
"I'm Clarke Griffin."
She looked and nodded.
"You're listed as an emergency contact."
Lexa had listed her as an emergency contact? When? And more importantly, why? She almost couldn't believe it, but after the nurse proved her identity, the statement was confirmed.
"Miss Woods is in surgery right now. The bullet needs to be removed and possible bleeding stopped. After that, depending on how it goes, she'll be put in an induced coma so she can heal better and she'll also be hooked up to an EEG."
The blonde nodded, she knew the procedure.
"How long will she be in surgery?"
"Probably 5h, but only if there are no complications."
"She's still bleeding."
"Blood saturation is getting weaker and her pulse is becoming unstable."
"Increase oxygen and do another EEG and get the defibrillator ready, just to be on the safe side."
Everyone set to work and the doctor palpated Lexa's hand, which was ice cold. Immediately he suspected an open vascular injury, which was found in the chest. The bullet had caused far greater injuries than first suspected. An interposition device, a vascular graft, was used in combination with the catheter technique to close bleeding side branches and with the use of a stent graft to seal the vascular leak.
She was then placed in an induced coma, the doctors had done what they could currently do, the rest time would tell.
They took the actress to her room, hooked her up to the appropriate equipment, put in a direct line and got Clarke, who from then on did not leave her bed. At least not until that day. The day that changed everything for her. Never again would her life be the same.