Page 117 of Fall With Me (Sugarland Creek)

“Whaddya mean?”

“It's Mrs. Donovan. Ellie's in the hospital. She fainted.”

Chapter Twenty-Seven

ELLIE

“Hey, cousin. Glad to have you back.” Angela smiles as my eyes peel open, and I realize I'm in a hospital room.Again.

But at least I'm not bleeding or have a headache.

“How'd I get here?”

“Your mom called an ambulance because she was worried you were having another epileptic episode.”

“Did I?”

“Nah, you just fainted. Your dad caught you before you could hit your head again.”

“Where’re my parents?”

“They're speakin' to the doctor now. Something about tests…” She waves her hand in the air. “You're gonna be fine though.”

“I can't believe you're really here,” I murmur, scanning my eyes over her. Seeing her in regular clothes and makeup for the first time in over a decade is strange.

“Before you collapsed, it seemed like you had some memories resurface. How much do you remember?” She grabs my hand and squeezes.

“I think…right before the race when the Smith twins gave me something to drink. And some pills.”

“You took pills? Why would you do that?”

“They said it was something to help my stomach…I dunno. It seemed harmless.”

“Are they barrel racers, too?”

“Yeah, and I'm pretty sure they wanted me out of the competition. Whatever they gave me did the trick.” I groan thinking about it. “So damn stupid of me but in my defense I was gonna be sick and needed something to calm it before I threw up.”

“Well, either way. You have to press charges.”

“I can't prove it, Angela. It'd be my word against theirs, and mine isn't exactly trustworthy with a brain injury. They'll deny it anyway.”

“Well damn. That's bullshit. Do you remember visiting me?”

“Kinda…but it's foggy. I'm still piecing other shit together too. It sucks fightin' with your brain to remember things you should know.”

Frustration rolls through me as I shift to get comfortable in this damn bed.

“I know, sweetie.” She rubs my arm. “As soon as you're out, we'll go over everything and fill in any gaps you still have.”

“I don't think that's the problem…” I swallow and my throat burns as I try to clear it.

“Whaddya mean?”

“Landen…what you told me about him. I remember all of that.”

She scoffs at the mention of his name. “I'm only lettin' it slide that you somehow ended up engaged to him because you lost your memory. But if you want, I'll tell him myself that your relationship is over.”

“No, my problem is that you lied to me.”

---