I could’ve been one of the four friends who were in the car behind the white pickup. They were in a sedan, and when the pickup cut them off, they braked, but not fast enough, and ended up crashing into the back of the truck. The driver and passenger in front died on impact, and the two friends in the back were rushed to the hospital. Only one of the four survived.
So I have to remind myself that bruises fade and broken bones heal. I’m lucky to be alive, even if the time between being broken and feeling normal again is going to seem like an eternity.
The day I’m discharged from the hospital my sisters are there, along with Declan. God forbid London would allow him to take me home on his own. She’s become a hovering mother bird. I send him to the SUV with my bag so I can get a minute alone with my sisters.
I take London’s hand in mine and give it a squeeze. “Hey, I know you’re still mad at Declan, and I get it, but if you can pretend to be civil this morning, I would really appreciate it. Going home is really stressful, and Harley mediating while you glare daggers at Declan and argue about what’s best for me, while somewhat entertaining, isn’t all that helpful. Besides, he already feels bad enough.”
London drops her head and sighs. “I want to make sure you’re okay and taken care of, but I can’t do that when you’re living at your place and not ours.”
“I know, and I appreciate that, but this makes the most sense. Declan has the ability to take the time off, and he’s better equipped to help me physically. Besides, he owes me, so let him do this, and if it’s not working, you’ll be the first to know.”
“I’m sorry if I’ve been overbearing. Just … seeing you like this is hard.” Her eyes are watery and she clasps her hands tightly in front of her, as if she’s struggling to keep them still.
“You’re not being overbearing at all. I know you’re worried, and I completely understand. I think we’re all feeling the same thing, thinking a lot about Mom and Dad, and how this could have gone a very different way. But I need you and Harley to focus on Spark House and let Declan focus on me.”
She blows out a breath. “Okay. But please promise if things aren’t going well, you’ll tell us. We will make it work, no matter what. You come first.”
I give her hand another reassuring squeeze. “Promise.”
Declan returns a few minutes later, and they wheel me to the front doors of the hospital. Getting out of a bed and into a wheelchair is one thing, getting my ass into the back of an SUV is totally another. I need help, a lot of it.
Declan wraps one arm around my waist and loops my working arm over his shoulder as we hop-hobble to the open door. I can’t even pull myself up into the vehicle because my ribs are still tender and I’m annoyingly weak.
It takes some planning and maneuvering, but I eventually manage to get into the back seat while London stands behind Declan with her arms crossed and her lips pursed. This is going to be a long recovery if she can’t forgive him.
Harley gets in on the other side and helps me adjust my position so I’m semi-comfortable. Once Harley secures my seat belt, she and London give me awkward hugs and insist I call them as soon as I’m settled. London wanted to follow us home, but they have a meeting in an hour and need to get back to Spark House—yet another reason why Declan taking care of me is logical.
I close my eyes when Declan shifts the SUV into gear and leaves the parking lot. It’s the first time I’ve been in a vehicle since the accident and the anxiety is overwhelming.
“You doing okay back there?” Declan asks, eyes flitting between the rearview mirror and the road every time we stop at a light.
I crack a lid. “So far so good. I’m sorry about London. I know she hasn’t been easy to deal with.”
His knuckles go white as his hands tighten on the steering wheel. “You don’t need to apologize. She’s being a sister and she has every right to be angry with me, considering I’m the reason you’re in this state.”
“The guy in the white truck is the reason I’m in this state.” According to the news, he was twenty-one years old. He slammed into a transport truck and did not survive the crash he caused. I don’t know whether it’s better that he doesn’t have to live with the consequences of his actions and all the people he hurt as a result or not. Regardless, it’s sad that he had to die due to carelessness, and a reminder that life is fragile.