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“Your sister is ready for visitors now,” she informs me, her voice clipped but not unkind.
“Thank you,” I manage, my cheeks burning with embarrassment. Turning back to Brielle, I see a similar flush gracing her cheeks. “Would you like to come with me?” I ask her.
Brielle hesitates, biting her lip as she considers my question. “Are you sure?” she asks, glancing toward the waiting room where Levi and Grayson sit, still fast asleep. “You might prefer to have your friends with you right now.”
But I don’t want them right now, not as much as I want her—not really. “No, I want you by my side,” I assure her, my eyes locked on hers so she knows I’m telling the truth.
Her smile lights up her face, chasing away any lingering doubts. “Alright, let’s go then,” she agrees, taking my hand and giving it a reassuring squeeze.
26
BRIELLE
I can feel my heart pounding in my chest as I walk alongside Conrad, my fingers fidgeting nervously at my sides. My mind is a whirlwind of thoughts—should I even be here? What if I’m intruding on something personal?
As if sensing my anxiety, Conrad reaches out and grabs my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. His touch sends a tingling sensation up my arm, calming me ever so slightly. With a deep breath, he pushes open the door to the hospital room.
The girl lying in bed immediately catches my attention. She has blue eyes that sparkle like sapphires, dark auburn hair cascading over her shoulders, and a striking resemblance to Conrad. Despite the tubes and machines surrounding her, there’s an undeniable beauty and strength in her features.
“Hey, scooter,” Conrad says softly, walking toward her.
My eyes widen as I take in the extent of Nina’s injuries. Her cheeks and eyes are marred by dark bruises, and one eye isn’t fully open, making my stomach tighten with concern. The various machines she’s hooked up to beep and hum, emphasizing the severity of her condition.
“Hey, Conrad,” Nina says weakly, a strained smile crossing her lips. She winces when Conrad moves to hug her, protecting herself instinctively.
“Sorry, scooter,” he apologizes, his voice laced with worry. “I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
Her smile turns genuine, though still pained. “It’s okay. I’m tougher than I look.”
I watch their interaction, feeling a mix of admiration for her strength and sorrow for what she’s been through. It’s clear that she’s in pain, but her determination to put on a brave face for her brother is nothing short of inspiring.
“You sure did a number on yourself, didn’t you?” Conrad says.
The raspy sound of laughter fills the room, and I can’t help but be drawn to the source. Nina’s eyes sparkle with amusement as she lists her injuries in a joking manner. “Bruised lung, internal bleeding, concussion, fractured ribs, and a broken leg—but other than that, I’m doing just great!”
It’s hard to fathom how someone could maintain such a cheerful attitude in the face of so much pain and trauma.
“Wow,” I breathe out, genuinely amazed. “You’re incredibly brave, Nina.”
She smiles, wincing slightly from the effort. “Thanks. I’m sorry, who are you?”
“Brielle,” I introduce quickly. “Sorry, I should have said something sooner.”
“That’s okay.” She smiles at me.
Conrad squeezes Nina’s hand gently, his eyes filled with love and concern. “You’re the strongest person I know, scooter.”
“Damn right!” she exclaims, grinning through the pain. “But seriously, I’ll be fine. The doctors say I’ll make a full recovery eventually. Just gotta take it one day at a time. So, Brielle, you’re a friend of Conrad’s?”
Something like that. “I am.”
“You must be something special then,” Nina says, smiling warmly. “He doesn’t just let anyone in.”
“Thank you,” I reply, my cheeks flushing at her words.
“Seriously though, you’re gorgeous,” Nina continues, unabashedly admiring me. “No wonder my brother’s so smitten.”
“Me? Gorgeous?” I stammer, taken aback by her compliment. Glancing at her bruised face, I can only imagine how stunning she must be when not injured. “You’re the beautiful one here. Once these bruises fade, you’ll look even better.”
