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I was about to set my phone on silent when I noticed her stirring. Her beautiful eyes met mine, pulling me under a powerful wave of emotion.
“You’re here.” She smiled.
“Hey, gorgeous.” I kissed her hand. “Don’t fight sleep if you’re tired.”
“How long have you been sitting there?”
“I just arrived.”
She ran her fingers through her long, dark hair and sighed. “I know, I look like crap.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. You always look beautiful, Aria.”
She had no idea what she did to me. And I didn’t think I could ever explain it.
“I’m so high on these pain meds they keep giving me, so I’m gonna enjoy the rush and pretend not to care about how crappy I look at the moment.”
“You donotlook crappy.”
“I’ve looked better,” she said, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear.
“Who are you trying to impress?” I teased. “Doctor Peters? He’s happily married.”
Her laughter made me smile.
“You don’t need makeup and fancy clothes to impress me, Aria. Trust me on that. Everything about you is amazing.”
The truth was, she could have walked around in a paper bag dress, and I still would have found her attractive.
“You’re awake, living and breathing. It’s a miracle.”
“Everyone keeps saying that.”
“Because it’s true.” I caressed her hand. Her genius mind was always a mystery to me.
“Ryan and Jess stopped by earlier,” she said.
“I bet they were happy to see you.”
“Yeah… everything still feels so surreal.” She paused. “I won’t be able to attend grad next week. It sucks that I’ve missed my finals.”
“You don’t have to worry about your SATs, since you already wrote it last fall. I’ve spoken to your principal and your teachers; they understand your situation, sweetheart. You can write your finals in late July.”
“All right. I can handle that.”
“I can always pay off your principal, though.”
“Noah!”
“I’m kidding.”
I was hoping this news would have made her happy, but she looked sad.
“Aria, I know it sucks that you missed your prom and can’t attend your graduation ceremony, but we can host a party at our place once you’re better.”
“That won’t be necessary. Thank you, though.”
I was hesitant to open up the next subject, but eventually pushed myself since we were already discussing her academic future.
