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ME: Please let me know you’re ok.
We watch the rest of the game, listening for information, the commentators providing none. All I can think is the last time something bad happened to someone I cared about, I didn’t even get a chance to say goodbye. That reality is causing a recurring sinking feeling in my gut that I can’t even begin to acknowledge.
After a few hours, when I can’t stand it any longer, I call my dad, and surprisingly he answers. Fifteen minutes later, I know Sean’s been admitted to the hospital. My dad relays the few details he’s able to find out, including the room number Sean’s been assigned, all without any questions.
I throw on some jeans and a shirt, leaving Ax with Nora while trying to assure myself that my maybe friend is going to be ok.
Chapter 38
SEAN
The nurse leaves the room, following the doctor who reviewed my results. It’s finally quiet, although now I’m only left with my thoughts, which immediately turn to Andie.
I wonder if she was watching and if she saw what happened.Did she get my message or try to call me back?I need my phone, but who knows how long it’ll take someone to bring my stuff from the locker room.
Blacking out on the field wasn’t part of the plan today. I flinch at the thought of her seeing what happened. For once, I really hope she wasn’t watching. Of all things, this is not what I need right now.
I knew I wasn’t in the right headspace stepping out on the field today, but this was just a bad hit. No one's fault, but it doesn’t change the fact that Andie didn’t need to see it. It would scare anyone, but for Andie, I’m certain it’ll bring about a reality she never wants to relive.
Gemma told me she’s scared and will run if I let her. This just gave her a perfect reason to run fast and far. I try to think of how to get her number, but my brain won’t work. The pounding is so intense vomit rolls up my throat with force, but given I’ve done that multiple times already, I swallow it down.
I work to push myself to sit up, but that only makes my head feel like it might explode, so I rest back again. I squint as the sliver of light filtering in from the door widens and brightens slightly.
As if she knew I needed her, Andie slips just inside. I’m so happy to see her, it causes a different kind of burn to creep up my throat. My whole body relaxes knowing she’s here and I can talk to her. I can see her face and tell her I’m ok.
She remains in the dim light, her hair pulled back. I can barely make out her eyes as they trace over me.
“Come here,” I whisper because any louder, I might actually puke. She shakes her head. “Andie, come here.”
Her voice is soft and weak. “No.”
I take in a slow breath, knowing this shook her, and that’s exactly what I was afraid of.
“Please,” I beg softly.
“I just wanted to make sure you’re ok. Are you?” She doesn’t move an inch.
“Yes. I have a concussion, but I’m fine. I have to stay for observation but will be out in the morning.”
She looks down at the floor, closing her eyes. “Good.”
“It’s the only time I wished you weren’t watching.” That earns me a fleeting smile, and a flicker of hope ignites that this didn’t just ruin everything.
“I’m sorry I missed your call.”
“I wanted to hear your voice.” I stare at her, wanting so badly to eat up the distance that’s growing between us. “Please come here.”
She meets my eyes. “I can’t. I can’t do this. I’m sorry.”
She starts backing out of the doorway. “Andie. Please, I can’t get up,” I beg again, but she’s gone.
I clench my jaw, wanting to scream and throw something, but my head won’t allow it.FUUUUCCKKKKKK!!!I rake my handsthrough my hair, and the shot of pain through my head is so intense I may black out again. I lay with my eyes closed with so much frustration that my body won’t let me run after her.
I take some slow, steady breaths, needing the pain to stop and my temper to cool. The physical pain lessens, but a deep burning ache scorches the hope I desperately need.
A subtle sniff has my eyes popping open. Andie stands next to me, tears running down her face.
“I don’t like you.”
