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38
Tristan's hands shook as he waited in the waiting area for emergency surgeries. When he got the call from Max that Nick had shot Nina, he rushed to the hospital.
He left Nadia at home with Shauna, not wanting to upset her. He just told her he may have to work later than normal. 
If he could, he would kill Nick himself, but Naomi was the one that pulled the trigger that ended his life. He didn't know how Nina would take the news of Naomi now being in jail for Nick's murder and being a part of his drug empire. 
Tristan looked beside him to see Tasha crying while Max consoled her. Greg was there too, which didn't surprise him since they had gotten just as close as she did with Max.
Nina looked in front of him to see Nina's mother wiping the tears from her cheeks and praying to God that if Nina survived, she would get her act together.
"How long has it been since the surgery started?" Tasha asked.
"It's been two hours," Tristan said. "The doctor said it can be up to three hours or more."
"I wish I could kill Nick myself," Tasha said.
Everyone in the room nodded their head in agreement.
"It's my fault," Tristan said.
"How is it your fault?" Max asked, rubbing Tasha's back.
"I shouldn't have kicked her out. She would still be at my house where she would have been safe," Tristan said, placing his head in his hands.
"Tristan, none of this is your fault. How would you have known he would show up at her house that day? Don't blame yourself," Tasha said. "You guys broke up so it was normal for you to need some space from her."
Max murmured his agreement with what Tasha had said. 
"I love her and I don't want to lose her," Tristan said, blinking back his tears.
Tasha stood up and gave him a hug. "She's a fighter. She will pull through."
Tristan nodded his head. "You're right. She'll make it through. She has to."
Once he said that the doctor stepped through the door to speak to them. Tristan stood up and walked towards the doctor with Nina's mom right on his heels. Everyone else gathered around as well.
"How is she, doctor?" Tristan asked, searching the doctor's blue eyes.
The doctor was older, he looked like he was in his fifties and his hair was cut short like a buzz cut. The doctor smiled at them.
"Well, as you may know, she was hit in her thigh. There was a lot of hemorrhaging."
Tristan held his breath.
"But the surgery was successful. We just need to keep an eye out for any complications."
Tristan sighed.
"My baby is going to make it," Nina's mom said.
"Thank you so much," Tristan said.
"No problem. You can see her in another hour since she's in recovery. Then she will be moved to her own room."
Everyone else thanked the doctor as well. There was a sigh of relief throughout the whole room, hearing that Nina was going to be safe.
Tristan had let Nina's mom see her first now that she was in her own hospital room and now it was his turn.
"Do you love Nina?" Nina's mom asked once she was outside the room.
"I do," Tristan said with no hesitation.
She smiled. "Good. I haven't always been the best mother to her and now that her grandmother is gone and now Naomi is locked up in jail I feared that Nina would be alone."
"I'll take good care of her," Tristan said placing a hand on her shoulder.
"I know you will," she said patting his hand and then walking away.
Tristan inhaled and then exhaled before walking into Nina's room. He took tentative steps into her room and stopped once he saw her.
Nina was pale and her lips were chapped. Her eyes were closed so she still wasn't awake yet. She had an IV running in her left arm along with a blood pressure cuff that was now taking her vitals.
Tristan frowned. It hurt him to see her looking almost lifeless. He was just thankful that she pulled through the surgery. He didn't know what he would do if he were to lose her.
Tristan sat down in the chair next to Nina's bed. He grabbed her hand which was cold and lip. He brought her hand to his mouth and kissed it.
"I'm so sorry. Please wake up," he said placing her hand back down on the bed but he didn't let go of her hand.
"Tristan?"
Tristan glanced up to see Nina's eyes open and blinking like she was trying to get her bearings.
"Oh babe you're awake," he said squeezing her hand.
"Why are you crying?" she asked.
Tristan reached up to touch his cheek and it was wet with tears. He didn't realize he was crying. He wiped his tears and smiled.
"I'm happy you're awake. I will go get the nurse."
Before Tristan could stand up, Nina grabbed his wrist.
"Don't go," she whispered.
Nina looked so vulnerable that he sat back down. He could always press the call button which he did.
Nina glanced away from him and stared at her lap. "Why are you here?"
Tristan frowned. "What do you mean?"
"After everything I've done, I know you hate me."
"Nina, I don't hate you. I admit I was angry with you but I could never hate you," he said, scooting his chair closer to the bed.
"I'm sorry for everything I've done. It was nerve my intention to hurt you. I'll make it up to you for the rest of my life," she said.
"Don't worry about that. I just want you to focus on getting better," he smiled moving her braids from her face.
"Tristan?"
"What is it?"
"Do you still love me?" she asked glancing back down at her lap.
Tristan grabbed her chin so that she was staring directly at him. "With my heart and soul."
Tristan leaned in and gave her a peck.
"I love you too," she said, with a small smile.
***
Tears everywhere. Are you guys glad Nina pulled through? Let me know what you think. If you enjoyed this chapter, don't forget to comment, vote, and share :).