My body aches all over, but it’s nothing compared to the bubbling emotions of love coursing through me for the guy standing before me with his devilish smile and tears in his eyes. His kisses are delicate, as if he doesn’t want to hurt me.
“How are you feeling, honey?” Dad’s familiar voice fills the room.
I slowly swing my head in his direction, and two sets of worried faces look down on me. “I’m okay, Dad. A bit sore, but nothing I can’t handle.” Clearing my throat, I’m about to ask for some water when Seth holds out a cup and straw for me. I’m grateful for him. Our timing always seems to be wrong. One day it will happen. Watching his face, I see Olive in his features. My dream, vision, or whatever it was, starts filtering through my mind in small pieces. I want to ask Seth about her and his family but I can’t. I made a promise, and it’s one I intend to keep.
“No! You will let me in!” A familiar cry coming from the hallway has all heads turned.
“That’s Janie,” I tell Seth, who goes out and walks in with a red-eyed Janie, Chance following closely behind.
“So, he’s allowed in, but I’m not?” she calls back to the nurse, gesturing towards Seth.
I wince at her loud voice. It’s then I notice the large white cast on my leg. Oh, this is going to be fun.
“Janie, keep your voice down,” Seth practically growls at her. Chance slips his arm around her shoulder and whispers something to her. She blushes.
What’s going on between those two? “Okay, how long have I been out?”
“Just over twenty-four hours,” Seth answers promptly.
“Really? So, what’s going on with you two?” I point at Chance and Janie, who step away from each other within seconds.
“Nothing,” they respond in unison. The room erupts in the sound of laughter, but I quickly stop when pain shoots through my stomach, and I wince. My body throbs with so much soreness.
“Well, things are light-hearted in here, aren’t they?” A doctor walks into the room, greeting us all with a brilliant white smile. Her beautiful face moves to Seth and Chance. “Boys, what trouble are you into now?”
“Nothing,” they reply instantly.
“Hello Chloe, I’m Doctor Bentley. How are you feeling?”
She’s a mature lady, but I wouldn’t say as old as Sherri. Doctor Bentley still has colour in her hair, a light brown with specks of silver through it. She has kind green eyes, and a brilliant white infectious smile.
“I’m a little sore all over.”
“Yes, that’s bound to be how you feel after coming off a bike and getting hit by cars.”
“Cars?” After I say that, I recall that part of my conversation with Olive.
Everyone in the room gives me a sullen look.
“Yes,” Dr Bentley answers. “Now I’ll check everything and we’ll see about discharging you in the next few days.” She walks around my bed and writes notes on my chart. The room is silent as she does so. I feel overwhelmed with everyone watching me.
“How about we give you a minute?” Seth asks. Seriously, can he read my mind or something? A moment ago, it was the drink, and now this.
“Thanks,” I whisper. He leans over to kiss me again, this time on my lips. The gentle touch brings swirls of delight alive within me. He turns and leaves the room.
Janie’s beside me immediately. “I’m so sorry I wasn’t here sooner, my phone was off,” she cries, quickly wiping the tears from her eyes. Chance stands behind her, his hand resting on her back as she leans over giving me a hug.
“It’s okay; I’m alive. Come back and see me later.”
She nods and turns to leave.
“Feel better,” Chance says as he leans over, placing a peck on my cheek.
Sherri walks over to me. “I knew you’d be alright, you’re tough.” With a kiss on my forehead, she also leaves.
Now the room is much emptier; Mum, Dad and the doctor remain. I feel much better without all eyes on me. I wish Seth had stayed though.
“That young man really cares for you,” Dad says.
“Oh, Seth and Chance are wonderful. Been brought up to respect people.” Doctor Bentley puts in her two cents’ worth. She looks around at Mum, Dad and I. “Sorry didn’t mean to intrude.”
“That’s okay. It’s good to hear that coming from someone who knows him,” Mum replies.
My life is full of amazing people. Only weeks ago, I was questioning so much and now none of it seems important.
“Now your parents tell me you’d like to get a paternity test done, for yourself and your father. This isn’t something I specialise in, but if you like, I can organise a blood test which would need to be sent away for special testing.” She looks at me, waiting for my response. Do I still want to go through with it? Mum and Dad watch and wait.
“Umm . . . I’d rather not now.”
Doctor Bentley smiles and gives me a nod. “Things are looking good health-wise, but you’ll need to take it easy. You have a fractured leg, that will be in a cast for the next three to six weeks depending on how it heals; other than that, you’ll need to rest and the other bruising will eventually disappear.”
Well, that’s a better outcome than I expected. I could have easily died. She walks around to the side of the bed where Seth was sitting, taking hold of a button in her hand. “This here is morphine for your pain. It’s only a very low dosage. It will make you sleepy though; don’t press it too much. If the pain doesn’t go away, then please call the nurse.” She gives it a push.
“Okay, thank you, Doctor,” Mum says.
“Thank you.” I add as the doctor leaves.
Eyeing Dad, I see tears in his eyes.
“Honey, are you sure you don’t want to do the test?”
I nod before he even finishes the sentence. “No. You’re my dad as far as I’m concerned, and that’s what’s important. Nothing else.”
Dad leans over, wrapping me in his familiar bear hug; it hurts a little, but it’s worth it. His embrace comforts me.
“I’m so glad you’re okay,” Mum cries as she enfolds me after Dad steps away. “We were so worried when we got the phone call.”
“It’s alright, Mum . . . I’m okay.”
“Seth is a wonderful young man, too. He never left your side, except when he had to change after he first got here. Sherri said she had to push him out the door to get him cleaned up. She’s lovely. They’re really looking after you here, aren’t they?”
Stifling a yawn, I reply, “Yeah, they took me in. It’s a great feeling.”
Mum’s hand glides down my cheek. “You need to rest, honey. We’ll go back to the hotel and return in a short while.”
“Okay.” I barely get out the word before darkness takes over.