Page 121 of Fall With Me (Sugarland Creek)

Okay, well now I have evenmorequestions than answers.

“Stop fidgetin', you're making me anxious,” Noah scolds. “Sit down at least.”

“I'mfine…” I crack my neck and each one of my knuckles, and once I'm out of things to crack, I pace the waiting room.

“Landen? Noah?”

My attention draws to Mrs. Donovan. “She's awake and ready to see y'all.”

Noah jumps out of her chair. “Finally!”

I side-eye her as she runs past me.

Following behind, I blow out a tense breath and enter the hospital room.

“What have I told you about dying on me?” Noah scolds, wrapping her arms around Ellie.

“Hey, at least I'm three for three on not dying.”

She's making jokes, that's a good sign.

Ellie looks at me and smiles. “Hi.”

“Hi,” I respond.

Noah glances between us. “Uh…I'll give y'all a moment.”

When she walks past me, she pats my chest. “Good luck.”

“Thanks,” I murmur.

I go to Ellie's bedside and roam my eyes over her body. “You're okay?”

She nods. “Yeah.”

“I—” My words are cut off by her trying to speak at the same time. “Go ahead,” I tell her.

“I'm sorry, Landen.”

I gulp because this is it. She's breaking it off.

“Can I at least get the opportunity to fight for you first?” I ask, pushing back the emotions threatening to surface. “Even if it's just five minutes.”

Her expression shifts and she nods once. “Okay. Go.”

“Oh, um…alright.” I hadn't expected her to agree but I'm going to give it my all regardless.

Inching closer, I stand taller. “I understand that someone you trusted, looked up to, and idolized told you a version of the truth, but I hope you'll give me a chance to prove how this person lied and exploited you. Angela and I dated on and off through high school and?—”

“You can stop.”

My mouth clamps shut.

“I don't need to hear about Angela.”

“Oh. Okay…well. Then allow me to tell you about Talia and Tucker,” I plead, feeling the sweat across my forehead.

She nods once again, and I spend a solid three minutes speaking as fast and eloquently as I can about how amazing my friends were and how bright of a future they had with each other.

---