and she looked healthy for a change. “He’s been here every day with you, worried sick. I guess I was wrong about him after all. He’s kind of growing on me.”
Hearing that made me feel good, but for a moment, I was afraid I’d woken up in an alternate universe. “Where’s Dillon?” I asked, hoping more questions would sort it out.
Clara handed me a bottled water she had taken the cap from. “Here, drink this. You sound like you’ve gargled glass.”
I took a drink as she continued.
“Dillon’s been around too. He had to go and meet with his coach. He’s been worried as much as the rest of us. I guess you’ve grown on him too.”
“How long have I been here?” It felt like only a day had passed, but she made it sound like it had been much longer.
“Just over a week,” said my mother.
“A week?” Had I lost an entire week? I had way too much to do. We had one more game to go, despite no chance of making finals, but we wanted to end strong. And there was school. I had worked hard all year, and now I was an entire week behind? I tried to sit up in bed, but Clara put her hand on my chest to stop me just as the pain in my side made me wince.
“Take it easy, sis. You’ve had surgery. They took out your spleen, and you’ve been in a coma. We’ve been waiting for you to wake up on your own since yesterday. They had no idea how long it would take.”
I let that all sink in and decided instead of focusing on what had happened to me, which I obviously couldn’t change and had no control of, I would focus on how to move forward. “Is Seth coming back?”
Before she could answer me, the nurse came in with my father. “Welcome back,” said the woman, who had a kind smile and her hair pulled up in a twist. “You can’t say you haven’t had a good rest.”
“When can I go home?” I was anxious to get my life back to normal. I had school and tests coming up, not to mention I had to cheer Seth on. He didn’t need this kind of distraction from his game. I had vowed to myself not to interfere with his game.
“You’ll be here a bit longer, I’m afraid. Just a couple of days most likely. But you’re doing really well. I think we’re looking at a Monday release.”
“Was Seth hurt?” I asked, looking at Clara for the answers.
“He had a concussion and a black eye, but he’s going to be fine.”
The nurse spoke up. “Something tells me that hard head of his could handle the lick he took.”
“Oh? You’ve met?”
“Yeah, I was working the ER on a fill-in when you two showed up. I don’t know how romantic you’ll think it is, but he gave you a pint of blood. He was very determined to help you at all costs. I’ve never had a patient make an escape to go and check on their loved one.”
I couldn’t believe he’d done that, but something else she’d said got my attention. “Wait, I needed blood?” The idea of Seth being a part of me was a little more than I expected to hear.
“Yeah, I’m sorry I couldn’t help you,” said Clara. “But Seth volunteered. If I was healthier, I could have.” I could tell that she was beating herself up about her health. I didn’t want her to blame herself and get to feeling down again just because she couldn’t do anything to help me.
“It’s okay, Clara. I know you would have if you could.”
The nurse excused herself as my mother spoke up. “You are both very lucky.” She kissed my head and smiled at Clara. “You girls are so strong. And Seth? Well, he seems really sweet. Your father likes him too but hopes you’ll take things slow.”
My father stepped up to the side of the bed. “And don’t worry about the car, kiddo. I’ve already got a replacement for you.”
“Thanks, Dad.” I was glad he was there. I hadn’t even thought about the car, but I bet it was totaled if I needed a replacement.
My father’s phone rang, and he glanced down. “Hey, kiddo, I have to go.” He turned his attention to Clara. “Are you staying with your sister?”
“Yeah, I can stay a while. You two should go home and get some rest.” I had a feeling Clara was