AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"Much better. That was such a scare."
I nodded, sitting on a small chair next to her bed. "Yeah, it was. Do you have any idea what you reacted to?"
"Honestly, no. I've never had allergies in my life. The nurse suggested I go to an allergist and get tested."
"Yeah, you should do that." I was apprehensive. My heart was still racing in my chest. Watching her struggle for breath had been terrifying.
"You don't have to stay here. I'll wait a couple hours and then take a cab home."
"Of course I'm waiting with you. As far as I'm concerned, there's nothing worse than being on your own in a hospital."
"But you don't like being surrounded by sick people."
I wrinkled my nose. "No one does, but I love you, and I want to stay here with you."
"You're a great friend," Larissa murmured. She looked tired now. Even I was feeling the adrenaline leave my body.
I kept my eyes trained on her, looking for any signs that she might swell up again. Thankfully, she didn't. She did nod off after about half an hour, though, which left me with nothing to do, so I put in my earbuds and opened the Netflix app on my phone, starting an episode ofThe Big Bang Theory. After watching three episodes, I exited the app. I was starting to get restless, and Larissa was still sleeping. Was that normal?
I noticed five notifications on my phone. All the messages were from Jake.
Oh God. I completely forgot I was supposed to message him.
Jake: So... what’s the promised destination where I am whisking YOU?
Jake: Natalie, are you okay? Get back to me when you can.
The last one was from a few minutes ago.
Jake: I'm starting to really worry here. Please reply as soon as possible or I might come to bang down your door just to make sure everything's fine.
I replied immediately.
Natalie: That wouldn't help at all because I'm not at home. I'm in the ER.
I hadn’t even closed the messaging app when the phone beeped with an incoming call. I glanced around. There was no way I could answer here, and I didn't want to leave Larissa alone.
I rejected the call and texted him.
Natalie: My friend got an allergic reaction to something we were eating, so now she's hooked up to an IV. I'm probably going to be here for a few more hours. It’s very loud in here and impossible to hold a conversation.
Jake: Tell me when you’re done. I'll pick you up.
Natalie: Oh my goodness, are you sure?
He didn't have to do that. He was plenty busy, and he didn't have to spend his free time chauffeuring us around.
Natalie: It's probably going to be late by the time she's discharged.
Jake: It doesn't matter. Just text me when you’re done, and I'll pick you up.
Natalie: Thank you.
I was feeling warm all over. My stomach was somersaulting. I smiled for no reason at all, even though I was surrounded by sick people and the chair was uncomfortable.
Jake Whitley is picking us up.
