Page 45 of Tainted Rose

Scarlett

I’m so relieved they aren’t keeping Xander overnight that I can hardly see straight. With a wave to Beau and Micah, who’d just dropped me off at Uncle David’s garage to pick up my truck, I fire up the engine. Works fine. I shrug.

I jet home as quickly as Ruth will take me. I’m still wearing my clothes from my run earlier this afternoon—which seems like a lifetime ago at this point—and I’m pretty sure I stink. Luckily, either everyone at the hospital was too upset or worried to notice or too kind to say anything. I’d talked to Xander’s mom for quite some time while we waited for the MRI results to come back, and then Beau, Micah, and freaking Aria while they were waiting their turn to visit. It’s safe to say we’d all been pretty preoccupied.

Mild concussion. That was the verdict from Xander’s doctor. We can deal with that. I’d been so nervous when I learned he’d been unconscious, and then even more so when they’d put the neck brace on him. I’d decided in that very moment that nothing else mattered as long as he was okay.

I hurry upstairs and ditch my running gear at lightning speed. The second I step into the shower and feel the hot water beating down on my tense muscles, I let out a ragged sigh. I feel like I’ve been on edge for so many hours that my entire body is locked up and tight. After squirting some shampoo into my hands, I give my scalp a thorough massage and think about what I need to pack. I’d been utterly shocked when Xander’s mother suggested I come stay at their house tonight. Her explanation was that she wanted help dealing with her son, who is known for being a terrible patient, but she absolutely noticed the panic in my eyes when I mentioned going home. The deal had been sealed when she found out my aunt and uncle are out of town this week.

I finish up in the shower, dress, and start throwing things haphazardly into an overnight bag. It’s not like I need to think much—I need something to sleep in and one of my school uniforms. About halfway through the packing madness, my phone lights up with a text notification.

Max:What happened to Xander?

Daphne:The whole school is buzzing about it.

Daphne:Something about an accident at practice?

I feel badly that I hadn’t thought to text them sooner.

Me:Yep. Concussed on the football field.

Daphne:I know at lunch today you said you guys were not in a great place. We were a little worried.

Daphne:BTW, your life is insane right now.

Me:Don’t I know it.

Max:We wondered if you’d gone to see him.

Max:And if he was okay. Obviously.

Me:I did. Guys, he asked for me as soon as he regained consciousness.

Me:I was so scared.

Me:And I’ve decided something. Please don’t think I’m dumb.

Daphne:We’d never. Spill.

Me:He keeps saying that he’s trying to protect me.

Max:I don’t doubt that for a second, Cupcake.

Max:The question is why does he feel he has to?

Me:I don’t know. But I’m not going to worry about it anymore.

Daphne:Are you sure?

I take a deep breath. Yes. I’m sure.

Me:I told him I was.

Me:In other news: I’m staying at Xander’s tonight.

Max:Is Sebastian home?

Me:I don’t think so. He wasn’t at the hospital.

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