Page 90 of Sporty Girls Don't Fall For Loners

I don’t say anything as I think over her words. Even if I do feel more than friendship for her, it doesn’t matter. Besides, like I said, Zoey only sees me as a friend.

“Have you thought about asking her out?” Heidi asks.

I shake my head. “Of course not.”

“Why not?”

I wave my hand. “Doesn’t matter. It’s not important.”

“It seems important to you.”

I don’t say anything because I don’t know what to say. I’m not the kind of person who puts himself out there. Asking Zoey out—which I’m not even sure I want to do—would make things weird. We’re in a good place right now and I don’t want to ruin everything because I’m confused about how I feel. And anyway, she told me she’s busy with school and football.

There’s a commotion outside, with lots of nurses and staff gathering around and chatting and laughing. I’ve never seen such happiness here before. For the most part, it’s pretty quiet, and some would say there’s a gloomy atmosphere here.

“What’s that about?” I ask Heidi.

“Didn’t you hear? Mr. Whitman from next door woke up this morning.”

I gape at her. “You mean…wasn’t he in a coma?”

She nods. “For nearly a year, yes. And he woke up this morning. He was taken to the hospital to be evaluated, but we’re hoping he didn’t sustain too much brain damage. We’re hopeful he can live a full, healthy life.”

My lips tremble as I force a smile. Of course I’m happy for him and for his family. One of the best news a family member can get is that their loved one has woken up from a coma—and with little to no brain damage. At the same time, a twinge of jealousy takes hold of me. He woke up. Mom didn’t. I’m a jerk for feeling this way, but I can’t help it.

Heidi pats my arm, giving me an encouraging smile. “Miracles can happen, Kade.”

I know she’s referring to Mom. I don’t believe in miracles. I believe in justice—making the guy who did this to Mom pay. But that won’t bring Dad back or make Mom better.

Heidi rubs my arm before leaving my room and telling me she’ll see me next time. I stay with Mom in silence, my thoughts a mess. A doctor comes in to chat with me about Mom’s progress. Not that there’s much to tell. Then he leaves.

I lean back in my seat, shutting my eyes. I shouldn’t think about what would happen if Mom suddenly opened her eyes. It’ll only make me feel worse than I already do. But my emotions get the better of me and I’m forced to sit through a scenario in my mind that probably won’t happen. Because Mom’s been like this for so long, and even in the slight chance she’ll wake up, the doctors say her brain would be too damaged.

Sighing, I bend forward, trying to force my thoughts away. It’s hard for me to be positive and happy and live my life when she’s like this.

“But I want you to be happy, Kade sweetie,” I imagine her telling me. “Go hang out with kids your age. Make mistakes, get in trouble, but learn from them. Grow up to be the wonderful young man I know you can—will—be.”

Tears flash in my eyes, but I hold them back from spilling down my face. “Yeah, Mom,” I choke out. “I’ll try.” I slide my hand into hers. “I promise I’ll find the guy who did this to you and Dad. One day, when I’m older. I won’t eat or drink or sleep until he’s locked behind bars where he belongs. Where he can’t hurt another person again.”

A breeze blows into the room from the open window. I have a feeling it’s Dad telling me he’s here and is watching over me and Mom. And that he’ll never leave my side.

“Thanks, Dad,” I whisper.

I stay with Mom (and Dad) for a little while before deciding it’s late and I should get going. Before I leave, I promise to visit again soon.

Zack looks up as I get in the car, giving me an encouraging smile. “Everything okay?”

I nod as I buckle in. “She’s still the same.” He’s about the start the car when I say, “The person in the room next door woke up from his coma after nearly a year.”

He turns to me. “That’s great news.”

I nod again, swallowing the lump in my throat. “Y-yeah. Great news. I’m happy for him.”

He rests his hand on my shoulder. “It’s okay to be jealous or upset, Kade. You can be happy for him but still feel sad at the same time.”

I don’t say anything as I stare out the window. “They told me the chances of her waking up are slim. And even if she does wake up, she won’t be the same.”

“Kade—”

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