A Drop in the Ocean

Chapter 9

"Is it really you?" I continued in pure shock.  My surprise was unbearable.  All I wanted to do was walk over to them and hug them.  Never letting them go.

"It's us," Brooklinn replied with a huge smile on her face.  Aaron's arm was around her waist.  They looked genuinely happy.  

"You guys are still together," I stated.  They both nodded with the same nod that I'd seen whenever anyone would talk about Lindsey and Paul's relationship in front of them.  "Am I plugged into anything?"  I looked over to see I was attached to IV, but I could roll that around.  I wasn't hooked up to an EKG this time, so I was probably good.  I scooted my legs out from under Calum and swung them over the side of the bed.  Luke rushed to help me, I put my hand up and shook my head.  "Not this time, Lukey."  He gave a me a look and backed off.  "If you ever want to put your arms around my waist, the only thing you have to do is ask," I told him. 

The other boys laughed, and when I looked up, Luke's face was flushed red, and he was looking down at his feet.  I stood up, holding onto the IV rack for a bit of support while the dizzy spell passed.  Luckily, they'd left my undergarments on me while I was in a hospital gown.  It was still embarrassing, but not as bad.  

I slowly trekked my way over to Brook and Aaron while pulling the IV behind me.  When I got to them, I pulled both of them into a hug. 

"I really missed you guys," I said.  I could almost feel the tears welling up behind my eyes.  

"We missed you too," Aaron replied.  We finally pulled away, and I smiled at them.  

"So, what brings you down under?" I asked in a nonchalant way.  Brook set her head on Aaron's shoulder, and a smile spread across his face.

"Well, we were actually going to come and see you, but then your sister called and told us you were in the hospital," Brook answered, looking a bit sympathetic to my situation.  I nodded.  The two of them intertwined fingers, and I saw the light glint off something on Brook's left hand.

"What-" I started while quickly snatching up Brook's hand and looking at the stone on her ring finger.  "You sly dog!" I exclaimed and high-fived Aaron.  "A-aron's got himself a bride!"  The three of us laughed.  I hugged the both of them with a smile.  Two of my best friends were getting married.  "Do you have a date?"  Brook shook her head.

"No, not yet.  We were going to set a date once we graduate," she replied.  I was so proud of them.  However, seeing how in love they were sent a pang through my chest.  I know that Peter would've loved to see them like this.

"Well, I'm excited for both of you," I congratulated.  I finally remembered that there were four boys standing behind me.  "Hey, these are my bandmates!"  I introduced the boys to these two.  Just then, a nurse came in to find me standing.  She opened her mouth to tell me to get back in bed, but I stuck up my hand in irritation.  "I feel fine, and I want to stand."  She backed off.  "Wait, I do have a question."  She turned back to me and waited.

"What?" she snapped.  Bitchy much?

"How did these four dimwits get in here?" I continued, sticking my thumb over my shoulder and pointing to Luke, Calum, Michael, and Ashton.  She looked confused.

"What do you mean?" she asked, obviously very confused.  Jeez, you'd think this hospital would employ less daft nurses.

"Well, I'm not related to them.  I thought only relatives could visit me?" I asked.  She gave me wide eyes and raised her eyebrows.  I heard Calum mutter, "Dammit."

"Whoops.  Did I blow your cover?" I grimaced as I turned around to face them. I couldn't help but smile.  I can't believe I'm friends with these idiots.

"We said we were your cousins," Michael explained.  I laughed.  Just then, a doctor came in, probably the doctor who got me all situated.  

"So, looks like you are free to go, Miss Connelly," he told me without even looking up from his clipboard.  I gave a little dance and a small cheer.  In my head, I was singing "I Feel Like Dancin'" by All Time Low.  My clothes were sitting on the bedside table, and I slipped on my jeans under my hospital gown.  I noticed Luke scratching his neck and looking down at his shoes in discomfort.  His cheeks were flushed red again, and I chuckled.  

"A little nervous there, Lukey," I smiled.  His head shot up and his eyes were wide.  He shook his head a little too quickly, answering my question.  I just let it go and slipped on my shoes.  The nurse came and took the IV out of my arm and let me finish dressing.  

"We'll wait outside for you," Calum said, and everyone shuffled out of the room.  I slipped off the gown and put my t-shirt on.  I put my jewelry back on, including the hedgehog necklace my mother got me for my tenth birthday.  I wore it everywhere.  I stepped out and met Nora and James, who signed me out.  I texted my sister that I was out, and she told me that it was good.  She also told me I was an asshole.

Sometimes, I love my sister when she gives me shit.  Which is good because she does it.  All.  The.  Time!