Page 3 of Body Checked By the Defenseman

“She’s going to be okay. You heard what the doctor said.”

She pinched her lips like she didn’t trust the doctor’s words, then she nodded and went to her room. I’d never seen her crushed like this before.

After fifteen minutes, she returned wearing a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. They looked like pajamas, and her golden hair was brushed. It looked so soft and shiny, I wanted to reach out and touch her.

“I don’t think I can sleep. Can you come lie down with me?” she asked so innocently.

I took a big gulp of saliva. I could smell the sweet scent of her body wash from here. This was going to be brutal.

“Sure, Periwinkle,” I said and that bought me a crooked grin from her, but it was better than the drowning sadness seeping from her. I followed her to her room. Ruby got into her double bed. Her room was simple but nice. Abuela got them whatever furniture she could afford, and Ruby’s room was a girlie room with a pink floral comforter and pink throw pillows. Ruby pulled the blanket up to her chin, and I lay on the bed beside her, overthe blanket. I needed space from her. I didn’t know if she was aware of my body the way I was aware of hers, but I would never find out. She was forbidden fruit.

“I like that name,” she said.

I smiled and sighed into the darkness. I was a goner for her.

“What if she dies?” Ruby muttered, her words floating in the dark room.

“She isn’t going to die,” I whispered back. “She’s going to be okay. She has to.” It wasn’t a lie. I loved that woman and without her we were all screwed.

Ruby yawned and I yawned too.

“Thanks for being here with me,” she said.

“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” I answered, and it was the truth. Hayden was my best friend and Ruby was. . .special to me. I wanted to kiss her like it was nobody’s business.

She sighed and curled into my side. “Can I hold your hand, Mack?”

She was trying to kill me. “Of course.” I held her hand.

“You’re so warm and strong.”

“I think you need a bookcase for all your books,” I observed because this situation was torture, and I was feeling awkward. I had nothing better to say.

She laughed. It was a small laugh, but it was something. “I’m saving up for one.”

“I’m going to build you one,” I said to her.

Another laugh. “How?”

“The gardening company also builds fences. We always have some leftover material. I will save up enough wood and make you a bookshelf,” I promised.

“That’s very sweet of you.” She giggled.

I wasn’t feeling sweet. I was a horny teenager who wanted her, but I also cared deeply for her too. I would never do anything to hurt her. I only wanted her smiles.

“Try to sleep, sweet Periwinkle.”

Ruby’s breath evened out and her slow breaths made me feel sleepy. I woke with a startle when I heard the front door of the apartment open. It was Hayden, and I didn’t think he’d appreciate catching me in bed with his sister.

I quickly got up and left her room. I walked into the main room as he put his duffel bag down.

“What are you doing here, bro?” he asked with worry because I was never here this time of night.

“How was your trip?” I asked because suddenly the words seemed too difficult to say.

“The bus broke down. We were supposed to be back hours ago. But it was a good week,” he said, but I could tell he was waiting for my explanation.

I explained what happened and he broke down in tears. I had never seen my best friend cry until that day. I assured him the doctors thought she would be okay, and he thanked me for taking care of Ruby.

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