Page 82 of Don't Love the Boy Next Door
“My head hurts a little,” I admit. “What happened? I wiped out on the field?”
Eric nods. “You hit your head pretty badly.”
I shut my eyes. “Did we win?”
“Yeah.”
Good. The last thing I need is to cost my team the win. We worked hard for this game.
Mom grabs both my hands now. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“I’m fine. Those pain meds are kicking in now.” I give her as wide of a smile as I can muster. I’m still in pain, but it’s nothing I can’t handle. And I don’t want to worry her. She and Eric still look concerned, though.
“How long have I been out?” I ask.
“A few hours,” Mom tells me. She fluffs up my pillows to try to make me more comfortable, but no matter how many times I tell her I’m fine, she refuses to listen.
“You’ve had many visitors,” Mom says with a smile.
I lift a brow. “Visitors? Who?”
“The guys from the team,” Eric says. “And lots of girls.”
“Which girls?”
He shrugs. “Kids from school, you know.”
I don’t know what I’m waiting for. For him to tell me a certain redhead dropped by? Of course Phoenix wouldn’t come. We’re not friends. We’re nothing. Schoolmates, I guess.
Mom gently pushes some bangs out of my eyes, giving me an encouraging smile. I think she’s reassuring herself that I’m fine more than I am.
“What exactly is wrong with me? Anything broken?” I ask.
Mom shakes her head. “Minor injuries and a minor head injury. The doctors want you to stay overnight for observation. You’ll probably be released tomorrow.”
We talk about random things. The doctors and nurses come in to check on me and they’re pleased to know I’m pretty much okay.
Mom turns on the TV and we busy ourselves with some lame shows that none of us are even interested in. Mom keeps glancing my way like she’s worried I’ll crack. Eric thumps his foot on the floor. Normally, I’d think he was playing a tune in his head, but this has nothing to do with music. I’m pretty sure this is all about Katie. I still don’t know what happened between the two of them. He refuses to tell me.
Later that evening, I get more visitors, guys and girls from school. It’s mostly girls, though, all touching me and crying over me. One girl thought I was in a coma and is so glad to learn I’m okay.
“I was so, so worried!” she shrieks.
“I’m fine, no worries.”
She continues to cry as if I didn’t say anything.
More and more kids come, even though visiting hours are over. It’s really late, but they still barge in. I don’t think the hospital staff can stop the massive crowd.
I’m not paying attention to any of my visitors, though. I mean, sure I thank them for dropping by, but my gaze keeps darting to the door, hoping she’d come.
Or maybe at least send a text?
Even when it’s super late and Mom and Eric have gone home for the night, my eyes are glued to the door.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Phoenix
