Mesmerized

don’t know if he’ll regain consciousness at all.”
    Jake peeked from behind the curtain and watched one of the doctors open Ben’s eyes and shine a penlight in them. 
    “Too bad. He’s so young.”
    “Was anyone able to find out what happened yet?”
    “No. The police were called because of the questionable circumstances, but I haven’t heard anything else. They said they would check security cameras for foul play."
    Jake waited for the doctors to leave before he snuck back out of the ICU. He ran his hand through his hair. He had this overwhelming sense of loyalty to protect Lily. 
    He hurried back to campus and wandered around looking for where the cameras might be. He spotted one that definitely pointed at the area Lily and Ben had been. “Damn,” he swore. He had no doubt the police would look at the tapes and question Lily. But, what could she say? There wasn’t an answer for what she did to him. 
    He leaned back against the building and thought about her options. She could wait for the police to show up, tell them she didn’t know what happened, and see where it went. Or she could leave now. He had no idea, which would be best for her.  He just knew he had to be with her.
    Jake rushed over to the dinning area hoping to catch Lily, but she wasn't there. He went and checked the common area incase she was waiting for him. He really needed to get her phone number. After walking around aimlessly he decided to go back to her dorm. Guys weren't supposed to be in the girls’ dorm and he was pressing his luck twice in one day. 
    He knocked on the door and was surprised when Hannah answered the door. "Jake? What are you doing here? You're going to get in trouble." She yanked him by the arm and pulled him in the room. 
    He looked around the room. "I was looking for Lily."
    "She's in the shower. She'll be out in a few minutes."
    "Can I wait here? It's important." 
    "I guess so. There's really nowhere for you to sit. If you don't mind standing." 
    Jake stood awkwardly by the door. "So how was your Thanksgiving?" He shifted uncomfortably from one foot to the other.
    "Same as every year. A house full of crazy people always leads to fights and some fun. The food was great, but it made me go off my diet. Lily better be prepared to do some long walks with me."
    The bathroom door opened and Lily stepped out in nothing but a towel. She looked up and screamed. "What are you doing here?" She pulled the towel tighter and backed into the bathroom shutting the door. 
    Jake just stood back and waited. "Hurry up. I have to talk to you about something important." 
    He didn't even seem flustered by seeing Lily half-naked, Hannah thought.
     Lily finally came out, wearing long, plaid pajama pants and a pale blue t-shirt. “I think you might want to put on something warmer than that. We have to go outside to talk.”
    "Lily, you promised me it was girls’ night tonight. We're supposed to go on a long walk, watch a chick flick, and then straighten my hair." Hannah sounded upset. 
    "We can still do all of that. I'll be right back I just have to find out what Jake wants.” Lily threw on a sweatshirt.
    Jake was standing impatiently at the door. "Let's go." He grabbed her hand and hurried down the stairs. Lily started to talk, but he shushed her. Once they got outside, they walked around back and found a park bench that didn't have much light. Jake looked around for security cameras, and didn't see any. 
    "Jake, what is going on? You’re acting all crazy."
    "Lily, I went to the hospital, and Ben is in ICU. It's not looking good. They were calling the cops."
    "Oh shit. My mother is going to kill me." Lily had her face in her hands and was rocking back and forth. "Do you think he is going to die?”
    Jake was silent for too long. "They said the chances were slim that he would regain consciousness. But, that's not all. There are cameras located where Ben tried to kiss you. The cops will be going through the tapes."
    Panic rose in her chest. "Give me your phone."
    "I don't think that is a good idea. We need to think it over longer." 
    Lily turned and made direct eye contact with Jake. "Give me the phone now." 
    Jake handed the phone to her. 
    Lily clicked the phone open and dialed her mother’s phone. Rubbing her arms vigorously, she realized just how cold it was out.
    As soon as her mom answered, she blurted, "Mother, I need your help. I'm in trouble."
    "What did you do, dear? I thought you liked that little quaint