Page 60 of Bleeding Hearts

Asher’s name flashes across the screen, and I swipe to answer, figuring I won’t be able to hide the small bandage from him later anyway.

“Hey,” I speak into the phone.

“Hey, is everything going okay? Do you still want to meet for lunch?” he asks, reminding me that I was supposed to meet him.

“So, about that.” I sigh. “Things were going fantastic before I managed to let my knife slip and cut my finger. I’m totally fine, the cut was nothing, but I guess it was a little deep, so I’m just at the hospital now getting a few stitches. I should be out of here soon and I can meet you then.” I word vomit on him, explaining the situation.

“You’re in the hospital?” he asks, his voice more serious than I normally hear it. “Which one?”

“Portland General,” I say. “But seriously, I’ll be out of here in a few minutes, I’m sure, don’t worry. I’m just going to Uber back.”

“Don’t you dare. Stay put. I’m on my way.” He hangs up the phone before I even have a chance to respond.

I drop my head into my hands, preparing myself to deal with protective Asher. I’ve only seen him that way once. When he lost all sense of his lightheartedness and humor and took on a protective stance most would fear. And he was protecting me.

It was months ago.

Kaden and I didn’t grow up together, and our pasts were rocky territory for us. We were still skirting around each other, trying to have a brother-sister relationship but struggling.

We got into a huge argument that night, and he said some pretty awful things to me that I later forgave him for. Because I knew he didn’t mean them and he didn’t know the full truth about my childhood.

Asher didn’t forgive him as easily, though. I’d never seen him that angry before. If looks could kill, Kaden would’ve been dead on the spot. He still refused to talk to him even after I forgave him, pissed that he spoke to me the way he did.

I never wanted him to be mad at Kaden; he’s his best friend and I’d never want to pit him against him. But in that moment, I have to admit how good it felt to have him on my side. To have him protect me even when he didn’t hear the whole conversation, didn’t know the context.

He just stepped up and fought for me anyway. I’d never had that before.

Asher comes rushing into the hospital not even ten minutes later, which makes me think he probably broke all types of speeding laws to get here. I don’t actually know how he even got back here past the front desk, but he managed it.

“Are you okay?” he asks, gently lifting my hand to look at the bandage before bringing his panicked eyes toward mine.

“Hey, relax.” I reach out with my uninjured hand, grabbing his arm to reassure him. “I told you, I’m fine. I promise.” I hold up my hand to show him. “See, all stitched up and ready to go. I’m just waiting to be officially discharged.”

“I was just worried.” He sighs, his body relaxing as he sees that I’m okay with his own eyes.

“Alright, let’s get you out of here.” The nurse smiles cheerfully as she walks back into the room. “Oh, hello.” She startles as she notices Asher.

“Don’t mind him. He was just too worried to believe that I was perfectly fine and had to see it himself,” I say, and she laughs.

“Sounds like you got a good one.” She winks.

I know I should correct her, but I don’t want to. It seems that neither does Asher because he doesn’t say a word, simply keeping his eyes on me.

I sign and fill out the papers and then we’re officially sent on our way. We’re walking down the hallway to the exit when a voice stops Asher in his tracks.

“Asher?” the voice calls.

Asher freezes, a panicked look overtaking his face again as he slowly turns around to face the doctor that called his name. He’s an older man who has the biggest smile I’ve ever seen on his face.

“I knew that was you. How are you, kid?” He reaches out his hand, and Asher reaches out, half-heartedly shaking it. “What are you doing here? Is everything alright?” His voice flips to one of concern.

I watch the interaction carefully. Curious as to how the older doctor knows Asher but struggling to figure out the connection.

“Dr. Thomas, good to see you.” Asher perks back up to his normal self, putting a smile on his face, acting as if his strange behavior never happened. “Everything’s all good. My friend here just needed some quick stitches.” He nods his head toward where I’m standing next to him.

“Hi, I’m Demi. Nice to meet you.” I reach out my uninjured hand and he clasps it, shaking it gently. “How do you two know each other?” I ask, watching for a change in body language from Asher.

“Asher was my star patient,” Dr. Thomas gushes over him. “He also ate more Jell-O cups than I think any other kid has during his time here.” He laughs.

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