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ASPEN
The next morning, I wake wondering if the last few days were a dream, then I look down at my leg that’s encased in a cast, and reality smacks me in the face.
Turns out, I really was in a helicopter crash. Quinton rescued me, and his father threatened to have me killed. At least my leg is feeling better, probably thanks to the pain meds the doctor gives me.
I don’t understand my brain or why I even care to know how Quinton is doing, especially after what his father said to me yesterday, warning me off or else, but I do.
No matter what, he saved me. He went out into the wilderness and rescued me when no one else would, and that has to count for something, right? He said it was just because he owed me, but I don’t know if I believe him.
The nurse brings me breakfast, and I scarf it down like it’s my last meal, which it might very well be if Xander has his way. I can’t seem to forget the darkness in his eyes, the threat he made hanging in the air between us. I don’t want to think about what else he could do to make my life hell, but the evidence of him being a cruel bastard is already out there. If he could kill the mother of his child, he could do anything.
After breakfast, my eyes feel heavy, and I let myself fall into that space between wakefulness and sleeping. When the door to the room creaks open, my eyes pop open, and I force myself to look calm when I see the nurse standing in the room and not Xander. The man has found a way to frighten me, even without being present.
“Good morning, Aspen. How are you feeling?” The woman’s voice echoes through the room, and I stop myself from cringing at the sound. I recognize her being the nurse who took me to get x-rays.
I clear my throat a little. “I’m good, thanks for asking.”
She smiles, but I can tell it’s forced. “That’s wonderful. We’re going to release you in just a little bit. With the cast on your leg, it should heal up well. We will provide you with crutches. It’s going to be a pain to get around, but I’m sure your teachers will be accommodating.”
I want to laugh at the idea, but I simply nod and save myself the burden of explaining how the teachers and students are least accommodating to a person like me. Knowing I’m going to be released soon, my mind switches gears. It’s stupid to care about someone that doesn’t care about you or someone that refuses to admit they care, but Quinton saved my life, and I need to know he is okay.
“Could you tell me anything about Quinton?” I ask, expecting her to tell me she can’t disclose any information.
“We’re going to keep him for another night. He lost a lot of blood, and we need to make sure none of his stitches open up.”
I nod in agreement. My lungs seem to deflate, letting all the anxious air out of them at her response. I’m just glad he’s okay.
Almost like the nurse can sense what I’m feeling, she says, “What he did was very brave, risking it all to save your life. It’s a miracle that you survived that crash and he found you when he did. Mother nature is a force to be reckoned with; maybe what happened to you two is fate.”
I don’t tell her I agree, but I want to. I know if Quinton hadn’t gone out there to rescue me, I would’ve died on the very first night. I could have died, but it wasn’t my time yet, and I need to remember that, especially on the days when being here suffocates me.
“Anyway, I’ll have someone bring in the crutches before it’s time to go. The librarian is here waiting to see you. I told her I would check in with you first.”
The mere mention of Brittney makes me smile. “Please, send her in. She can help me up to my room since I’ve never used crutches before.”
“Of course, I’ll send her right in.”
I’m smiling from ear to ear when Brittney steps into the room. “Wow, can’t say I’ve ever seen someone so excited to break their leg.”
I roll my eyes. “I’m not excited about this stupid thing. I’m excited that you’re here, and I get to see you again.”
The smile slides off her face. “I swear to God, Aspen. I was worried sick about you. When I heard you left…” She trails off, and I don’t have to ask if she’s upset because her words and voice paint the perfect picture.
For the first time since making that rash choice to leave, I feel sorry. I’m not used to anyone giving a damn about me, and knowing my leaving hurt Brittney makes me feel worse.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper. “I didn’t do it because of you.”
“I know that much. It’s just, you could’ve come to me. We’re friends, and that’s what friends are for.”
Going to Brittney wasn’t an option. I wasn’t going to get her tangled in the web of my life. Friend or not, I would not endanger her just for a little help.
Another nurse interrupts our conversation, stalking into the room with a pair of crutches in her hand. She leans them against the foot of the bed and places sweatpants and a T-shirt with the school crest on them on the bed.
“I figured you could use some clothes,” she says. “I didn’t see anything that we needed to return to you, and they tossed the clothes you had on in the trash.”
I bite back a frustrated sigh. “Thank you,” I whisper.
The nurse nods and scurries out of the room, leaving Brittney and me alone once more. An uncomfortable silence settles over us, and after a few seconds, she speaks.
