Page 31 of Drew
“Let’s just finish, so we can visit your parents,” she pants out as her breathing returns closer to normal.
“Just another couple of blocks,” I assure her as we slowly jog the rest of the way.
“Good,” she says between deep breaths. “I may run regularly, but I should know better than to go against a giant D-1 athlete. Your leg span alone is three times mine.”
“Hey, I can’t help it if you’re short,” I tease, hoping to get a rise out of her.
She doesn’t disappoint. “Hey, for your information, five-eight is a respectable height. You’re the one with the giant genes, Jacobs.”
She earns a deep belly laugh with that. Damn, this girl is something else.
When we reach my house, an unfamiliar car’s in the driveway, which pulls Abby and me up short.
Before Abby can ask the question clearly written across her features, I quickly explain, “It seems my mom’s sister has arrived.”
As soon as she sees us coming up the sidewalk, Kathy rushes out of her car and pulls me into a hug. I try to keep my distance, knowing I stink, but she won’t have it. “Come here, you,” she practically commands, so I bend down and hug her fiercely. As I pull back, she brushes her palm along my face. “I’m so glad they’re all right. I don’t know what I’d do without them.”
“Me neither,” I agree. Kathy looks to Abby, and I quickly make introductions.
“Kathy, this is Abby. She was gracious enough to drive me home yesterday. We called the hospital this morning and found Mom and Dad are still out of it but on the mend. If you give us a chance to clean up, I’d be happy to drive you to see them.”
Kathy reaches out to Abby and pulls her in for a hug as well. “It’s so nice of you to bring our dear Andrew home. I can’t imagine what went through his head when he got the news. No one could reach me until they were out of surgery—and even then—knowing they were okay, it still scared the life out me.” She looks to me. “I was so worried. I came straight here, figuring you might be sleeping…” She shakes her head, then mumbles, “I should’ve known better.”
“I’m fine,” I assure her, with a side-arm hug before ushering her inside. Feeling Kathy relax in my arms shows me the stress she’s been under. I love her even more for coming to check on me first, though I know neither of us will completely relax until this entire mess is behind us. She’s the only family I have left.
OceanofPDF.com
13
Drew
When Abby,Kathy, and I enter my parents’ hospital room, I’m relieved to see both of my parents alert and most importantly, alive. Even though I was assured they were okay, I’ve been preparing for the other shoe to drop. My heart soars when their faces light up with smiles to greet us.
“Drew,” Mom gasps as an arm reaches for me. My heart aches at the possibility of never being able to hold her again. I reach out and squeeze the hand she’s extended, then lean down and kiss her cheek.
“I love you, Mom,” I greet her, my voice gruff. Even though I know she’s all right, I’m assaulted with an unexpected wave of emotion. My throat tightens and tears prick at the back of my eyes, as I take her in.
Thank God, she’s all right.
Her bright blue eyes have dark circles under them, though I’m not sure if it’s from the accident or exhaustion. Her normally straight brown hair, is in disarray from the events of the past twenty-four hours. Her other arm rests across at her waist and has a cast up to her elbow. She must’ve broken her radius closer to her wrist, than elbow—or it would be a full-arm cast.
“Love you, too, Drew. I’m sorry we worried you. You must’ve been a wreck when you got the call.” Her eyes shine as if she’s on the verge of crying, and my gut twists.
I do my best to put her at ease. “I’ve had better days, that’s for sure. But I’m much better knowing you’re both all right. Besides, Abby took charge and made all the arrangements to get here. I hardly had anything to worry about.”
“Abby?” Mom looks in her direction, her face fills with gratitude. “Your dad mentioned a friend being with you. Is this her?”
Abby steps forward, with one hand grasping her other elbow and a nervous expression on her face. Her eyes had been downcast toward the floor before Mom mentioned her name, as if she didn’t want any accolades for helping. “Yes, ma’am. But it was no problem. Drew would’ve done the same for me. I’m glad you’re okay.”
Mom lets go of me and reaches her good hand out to Abby. “Thank you so much for taking care of our Drew. He’s good under pressure, but I’d been worried about the hospital being too much for him.”
Geesh, Mom. Way to lay it all out there.
“Uh… I’m standing right here,” I remind them, but it lands on deaf ears.
Abby squeezes Mom’s hand and quickly comes to my defense. “He’s a trooper. Sure… There was some initial shock, but when it was all said and done, his only concern was to get here to you.” That’s not how I recall the last twenty-four hours, but who am I to argue?
“I’m just thankful you’re both okay,” I say to get the focus off me as I look to Dad. “How are you feeling?”
