While the others talked and joked with Vivian, I couldn’t help but pace the floor. I hated hospitals. The tangy scent of metal and alcohol wipes. That smell of saline when they first put in an IV. The subtle flicker of florescent lights seemed to drain the energy from me.
Just as I was about to head to the nurse’s station, Dr. Kassad walked into the room, a smile on his face.
This was good.
“I’m happy to report that your results came back negative, and all you suffered is a nasty bump.” He looked over at me. “She’ll be just fine.”
I ran a hand through my hair, gripping it by the roots, and sucked in a deep breath.
This was very good.
“Thank you.”
“You see?” Vivian looked to her brother. “I’m fine, so good thing you listened to me for once and didn’t call Mom and Dad. The last thing we needed is them in the same room.”
“That’s the only reason I listened to you,” Benny said. He looked over at me. “Are you taking her home?”
“Yes.”
“You should probably feed her too; her stomach is even louder than her mouth… which is saying a lot.”
She playfully hit his arm. “You should talk.”
Crystal nudged him with her foot. “Hey, no harassing the patient.”
“Maybe I’ll start harassingyouinstead.”
Crystal laughed and Benny smiled at her, more softly than he had at his sister.
It wasn’t long before the discharge papers were signed, and Vivian was dressed in sweatpants and a hoodie. I’d never seen her this causal, but I liked it. Isabella and Crystal hugged her before leaving, and her brother kissed the side of her cheek before mussing her hair. She shoved him back. I laughed at the way they interacted. I didn’t have any siblings by blood, but I did have Brock. He was like a brother to me and an adopted son to my parents.
I pulled the car up to the entrance and helped her in. “What would you like to eat? I can call for takeout.”
“Carbs. Lots of carbs,” she said. “And cheese.”
“JM Curley has a delicious macaroni and cheese.”
She groaned. “Yes! Could you order the one with caramelized onions and mushrooms?”
“Whatever you want.” I tapped my phone and searched the number as I got into the car. I ordered a dinner-sized portion to go. “Do you want to come back to my place, or yours?”
“It’s late, I should probably go back to my place. After I down that meal, I think I’ll be ready to pass out.”
“If you’re not up for the dance lesson tomorrow, I can cancel with Katerina.”
“No, I’m fine. I really want to learn that dance before I leave.”
A bittersweet feeling rushed over me. Sweet because Vivian wanted to keep going, bitter because of the reminder that she was leaving soon… and I was already in love with her.
* * *
Text
To: Crystal
From: Isabella
I: You were right. She’s definitely falling for him, and he’s head over heels for her.
