Him and Her

Fourteen

Fourteen

Eric

"It's a long story." She sighs.

"I have time." I answer.

There is a long pause where she doesn't say anything. "I got t-boned last night on my way home." She states.

I gasp. "Are you hurt anywhere?" I ask.

"The doctor said that I have a small concussion, then I had surgery on my leg." She explains.

"Woah— that is awful!" I exclaim. "What about tutoring tomorrow? Will you be in school tomorrow?"

"I won't be in school tomorrow. Maybe you can ask Mr. Red if someone else can help you?" She suggests.

No! I don't want anyone else to help me. No one else is good enough. "No, you can still help me." I try to think of a way I can still see her tomorrow.

"Okay, over the phone?" She offers.

Then it hits me. "Or. I could come over to your house?" I suggest.

"Uh—" She pauses to consider my thoughts. "I-I guess that could work." She replies quietly.

"Really? Great! I could come by right after school?"

"Sounds good." She responds.

"Perfect! I'll see you then! Do you need anything? From the store? Or from school? I offer.

"No, I don't need anything. Just tell Mr. Red that we will continue tutoring." She says.

"Okay, do you need anything else?" I ask her.

She giggles a little bit, making me smile. "That is very kind of you, but thank you. I am all set."

She is even kind when physically broken, and most likely in pain. Whenever I ask if she needs anything she declines. She is so selfless, and thinks about anyone before she thinks of herself.

"Well, I will send you my address." She states.

"Okay," I am a little disappointed that the call is over. "Just give me a call if you need anything." I say.

"Okay." She laughs a little bit again. "Have a good night, Eric."

"You too. See you tomorrow." I can't bring myself to hang up, so I wait until she does.

Once she does hang up, a large smile spreads across my lips. But then it leaves when I remember that she was in an accident. Poor girl. She has been through so much. I should have driven her home. Maybe if I had, she wouldn't be hurt and sad at home all day. Ana loves school, so I know that staying home tomorrow and missing it is going to be hard for her.

I make my way down stairs to find my mom and dad sitting in the living room watching television. "Guys?" I croke.

They both turn and face me. Their eyes widen. Mom gets up and gives me a tight hug. My eyes feel red and on the verge of tears. "What happened?" She pulls back and holds my face in her hands.

"Ana was in an accident. That is why she wasn't in school today." I managed to say.

They both gasp. "Oh my gosh! Is she okay?" My mom questions.

"Yea, I guess she is now. Her one leg got messed up. She hurt her head too." I explain.

"That is terrible!" My mom exclaims.

"I know! And- and she is picked on. Bullied a lot! Ana is so smart and beautiful. She has gone through so much. If I would have driven her home that wouldn't have happened." I blurt out.

"Son." My dad says as he and my mom pull me into a hug.

Out of nowhere my eyes tear.

"You really care for this girl." My mom states out the obvious and rubs my back.

I do care for this girl. I really do.