Page 84 of Taking Care of You
Taking a deep breath, Ethan looks at his parents, then at me. I smile at him and he gives me a cute grin back.
Facing the reporter, he says, “It took me a while to figure out which school I wanted to go to. While I wanted to attend an institution that has a great track and field program, I also wanted to attend a school that would help foster my aspirations to become a pediatrician after graduated. For that reason, I decided on USC. In the fall, I’ll officially be a Trojan.”
His announcement has reporters talking over each other, asking questions and clamoring to get theirs answered before anyone else. Cameras flash, and the look of happiness on Ethan’s face is breathtaking. I knew he was happy to be a Trojan, but Ithink telling the world made it real for him. I’m beyond happy for him.
After the thirty minutes are up, Frank announces the end of the press conference, and everyone starts to pack up. A few people come over and shake Ethan’s and his parents’ hands, asking Frank and Grace a few questions about their volunteer work. While that’s going on, I try to slink back and give the family their time, but Ethan has my hand in a death grip. Sighing, I stand there and wait for him to unhand me in his own time.
It only takes a few minutes and then we’re alone. We walk into the hallway and Frank turns to Ethan. “You did well, son. I’m really proud of how you handled yourself in there.”
Ethan gives him a hug, after he lets my hand go. “Thanks for stopping the questions about creep. I don’t want these people to make him feel uncomfortable.”
“I know, son.” He lets Ethan go and gives me a hug. “Sorry they put you in that position, Koby.”
I smile at him, choked up that Ethan and his father wanted to protect me. “I’m fine, Frank. Thank you.”
Just then, the bell rings, and the hall starts to fill with students. Grace grabs Frank’s hand and tells us, “We’ve checked you two out for the day. Meet us at Josie’s and we’ll have lunch to celebrate.” Josie’s is an upscale restaurant that’s pretty much reservations only, but it’s Frank and Grace. I’m sure they’re regular customers and probably have their own table set aside.
I’m not sure how she checked me out, since she’s not my parent or guardian, but I don’t ask questions.
“Okay,” Ethan tells his parents and they head to the door. When I turn to look at Ethan, I see Dawn from the corner of my eye and her face is beet red. She turns around and stomps off, her friends hurrying behind her. She must tell them to leave her alone, because they stop and stare after her. I swear that girlneeds some therapy. After all these months of Ethan and I being together, I thought she would have left us alone by now.
Pushing her out of my mind, I look up at Ethan and see him beaming down at me. “How did I do?” he asks.
I roll my eyes, then tuck myself to his side. “You know you did well. Don’t ask me to stroke your ego.”
He barks a laugh. “Nah, no ego stroking. I have something else you can stroke, though.”
Shaking my head, I look up at him. “I knew you were going to say that.” He laughs again and we walk out of the double doors to get to his car.
Before we can walk too far, he pulls me into his arms. We stand in front of the school, my arms around his neck and his around my waist. He kisses me slowly and I melt into him.
Breathing shakily when we pull apart, I ask. “How do you feel?”
“Good,” Ethan answers, a bright smile on his face. “I’m glad I did the interviews. I can’t wait to run for USC.”
I grin up at him and slide my hands over his shoulders. Not feeling the straps of his backpack reminds me I forgot mine. “Shit. I forgot my backpack in the library. Gimme a second and I’ll meet you at your car.”
“Okay, creep.” I turn away, and Ethan, the weirdo that he is, smacks me on the ass. I yelp, jumping as he lets out a deep laugh. He walks backward, giving me a face of innocence before he turns toward the crosswalk that leads to student parking, shoving his earbuds in his ears and fiddling with his phone. He’s going to blow an eardrum. I can almost hear the music from here.
Turning away from him, I face the double doors until I catch a flash of color from the corner of my eye. It’s a bright red car, driving erratically and picking up speed. Picking up speed and barreling straight towards Ethan.
Dawn’s car.
I don’t think, I just take off, hoping to get to him in time. Barreling through the crosswalk, I shove Ethan as hard as I can, knocking him out the path of the oncoming car.I feel a painful crunch in the lower half of my body, and then my world goes black.
28
Iwake up to a beeping noise around me, a tightness around my bicep, and a heavy head. My throat feels scratchy and I feel a dull pain in my left leg.
I open my eyes slowly, blinking quickly to clear the tears that gather from the bright lights. God, why are the lights so fucking bright?
Turning my aching head slowly, I see Ethan with his head on the bed, arms folded, his hand in mine. I raise my left hand, rubbing his soft hair, loving how it feels under my fingers. He stirs, then leans into my touch. Then he stiffens. His head whips around so fast I startle, and it makes my head ache worse.
“Shit, baby. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” He stands up and reaches towards my head but moves his hand back before he makes contact. “My parents are right outside, talking to the doctor. Let me get them.” He walks over to the door and sticks his head out, then comes back to sit by my side.
“How long was I out?” I ask.
“A few hours. They just finished your surgery about an hour ago.”
