Page 21 of Aspen Heat
"What will happen to Aspen?"
"He might be suspended for his careless behavior. He knows better than this."
I see a big man open Aspen's truck and I go to him. He seems to recognize me even though I don't know him.
"Hey Melissa, I'm Bastian Lomont. I'm a friend of Aspen's."
"Nice to meet you. Can I hitch a ride with you to the clinic? I want to be there with Aspen."
"Sure thing, hop in."
I get up to the passenger's seat and there's a pang on my chest as I remember how Aspen is always buckling me up to keep me safe. Now I have put him in danger and I'm anxious to be by his side. The car starts moving and I seem to be hypnotized by all the endless trees that we pass.
"Aspen's been talking a lot about you lately. He seems smitten."
"He's been very good to me, even though I treated him badly at first."
"You mean him breaking down your door?"
"Yeah."
"He said he fixed it, though."
"He did. He brought me here as a surprise to see the new door. I swear to you, I didn't know it was dangerous to go back there."
"He's going to get a lot of heat for that."
"What do you think I should do?"
"For now, keep an eye on our boy. I'm sure the squad leader or another superintendent will approach him once he's awake."
My heart aches for Aspen and as we get closer to the hospital my heart is going a mile a minute. I'm in love with Aspen Brooks and I can't fight the feeling anymore. I put my hand on my chest and take a deep breath. His friend looks at me funny, but I don't care.
Will Aspen resent me for damaging his career? Will I have to give him up, just as I've found him. All these thoughts and more are twirling through my mind and when we stop I'm surprised we are already at the Black Timber Clinic.
"You might need to tell them you're his fiancé for them to let you see him."
"Wow, does anyone follow the rules in that fire department?"
"When we have to."
His smile is big and there's a glint of mischief in his eyes. I get out of the car and go to the emergency area of the hospital. The place is busy as I try to get the attention of one of the nurses. I flinch as I tell the lie that I'm Aspen's fiancé and they show me where he is.
He hasn't regained consciousness, so I sit on a chair by his side until they move him to a room. They tell me he's otherwise fine, this might just be a concussion and they're glad someone can be here with him. Guilt fills me as I realize I put us both in danger.
I pull out my mother's necklace and feel the cool metal against my skin. Yes, this is priceless, but so is Aspen's life. I grab his hand and attempt a prayer. I'm not really religious, but I do believe in God so I'm hoping to get him on our side.
After about two hours, a parade of visitors starts coming through. I'm not sure why they let them in, but they're adamant that they want to make sure their colleague is doing well. Everyone is very nice to me, making me feel more guilt than before.
It's not until the next day when I'm woken by moans next to me and I realize Aspen might just be waking up. I'm still holding his hand and feel it squeeze mine. My heart soars and I almost jump into bed with him. I do remember to push the button for the nurse and when she calls through the intercom, I shout that he's awake.
It only takes a few minutes for the doctor to come and check him out and he gives me a thumbs up. He's kind of young, and the gesture shows his age, but I know about him and know he's a good doctor. Aspen hasn't stopped looking at me since he woke up and I lean closer to him once the doctor leaves us.
The nurse comes in with some ice chips for him and hands the cup to me so I can take care of this amazing man that I love so much. I feed him an ice chip and he frowns.
"Water?"
"I don't think you can have any just yet."
