Page 3 of Passionate Hearts

“You have a broken arm and leg. How are you going to manage?” Emily asked. Emily arched her eyebrow.

“I work from home. Besides Brianna will be there if I absolutely need something,” River assured. Emily shot her a doubtful look.

“Brianna has been worried sick ever since some lady called her after the accident. Do you want to see her?” Emily asked.

“Of course. The least I can do is reassure her after I scared her this morning.”

As Emily stepped out of the room River breathed a sigh of relief. She adored her parents, but they could win gold medals when it came to hovering. River tried to run her fingers through her hair in an attempt to straighten it, but the endeavor was pointless. There was an almost too quiet knock against her door.

“Come in,” River called out.

She expected a nurse to walk inside her room. Instead, Brianna walked through the door holding two balloons, flowers and a card. River forced herself to hold back a laugh.

“This is for you,” Brianna announced with a huge smile.

“You really didn’t have to do that,” River explained.

“Sure I did. You’re hurt so at the very least I needed to bring balloons and flowers,” Brianna explained.

“Well, thank you,” River said, genuinely touched by the sentiment. Brianna took the chair where her mother had sat only moments before.

“I was really scared when I got the call about you,” Brianna whispered. She stared at her hands, refusing to make eye contact.

“I know. I’m sorry,” River apologized.

“It’s not your fault. I just. I wanted you to know that it had an effect on me. What would I even have done if something had happened to you?” Brianna’s voice was still quiet, a contrast from her typical boisterousness.

“Aww, friend! Nothing happened. Well, nothing that can’t be mended. Just a couple of broken bones.” River tried to sound cheery. She was fairly certain she had failed.

“By the way I told my mom that I was going to be coming back to the apartment when they release me.”

“Of course, you should definitely come home,” Brianna beamed. Even though the two of them had done a great job of keeping things friendly but not romantic, River had to admit Brianna’s smile had always found a way of worming itself into her heart.

“I told my mom that I should be fine. But that you would be there if I absolutely needed anything. Is that okay?” River asked.

“Oh, my goodness. It’s definitely fine. You should come home and recover. You’ll be happier in your own space,” Brianna insisted.

“Thank you so much.”

“It isn’t as if I was going to kick you out for having an injury,” Brianna laughed.

“I know. I know. You’re very kind. I guess I just still don’t know what to expect once I get home,” River admitted.

“I’m sure whatever happens we can figure it out together,” Brianna smiled.

“You truly are the best.”

“I am pretty great. You want me to send other people in?” Brianna asked.

River hesitated, unsure how to ask the question she wanted the answer to.

“Has Tiff come yet?” River asked. She saw a flash of something in Brianna’s eyes. Was that pity?

“She’s not going to make it tonight. She’s really sorry. But she’s going to come give you a ride home from the hospital in the morning.” It was clear that Brianna was trying to put a positive spin on the situation. River couldn’t leave her friend disappointed.

“I understand. It’s been a really busy time at work for her. Why don’t you send in some of the others.” River plastered what she hoped was a convincing smile on her face. Brianna brightened and nodded her head.

River was exhausted, but she didn’t have the heart to send her friends away. The day had been awful, and she wanted to see the people who were closest to her. Brianna leaned down and gave her a huge hug. River caught the scent of lavender from Brianna’s perfume. The smell was comforting. She waved goodbye to Brianna and prepared herself for the onslaught of friends about to come her way.

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