Too Close For Comfort (LH) (PT1&2)

20. Official

"You ready kiddo?" My dad asked. He had just finished filling out my discharge papers.

"I've been ready since I entered this five star hell hole," I glanced over at Heather, forgetting that she was standing there, "No offense."

"None taken," she smiled, handing me a small gift bag, "glad you're feeling better."

"What's this?" It was fairly light.

"Just a little something," she shrugged. Inside the bag was a small sign that said, 'those who mind don't matter, those who matter don't mind.' I knew my dad who was peeking over my shoulder had to be confused, but I definitely understood.

With a wide smile plastered across my face I hugged the best nurse I had ever had, "thank you Heather."

"I hope to see you around, but not around here. Take care," she hugged me back before excusing herself. She had other patients to nurse back to health.

"I think that's everything," patted my back, "you've got to come back in a few weeks to get the stitches out."

"Thank god!" I tossed my head back feeling relieved, "let's get out of here!"

Luke carried our bags, staying pretty quiet for the most part. I should have known he was plotting. He had been too well behaved these past few days not to show out in some way. In the elevator he stood close enough to make me uncomfortably squished without actually squishing me.

I cleared my throat, coughing some, casually getting his attention. This gigantic jerk looked back at me with a smirk and winked. Obviously there was only one reasonable thing to do, ever so lightly knee the back of his thigh.

He grunted, almost falling when his knee buckled forward. He would have taken out both our parents in the process. "Sorry," he quickly apologized, glaring back at me. I put on my best innocent smile, twirling my hair around my finger as if I had nothing to do with what just happened.

Daniel laughed, he saw the entire thing.

Outside the mischief continued: bumping into each other, getting in each other's way.

"Someone's feeling better," Liz whispered. Her shoulders shook when she giggled.

"Come on kids before one of you wined up back in there," Daniel tossed his head back in the direction of his car. He was at the end of the massive parking lot.

Luke stopped halfway, and adjusted the bags on his shoulder. "You riding with them or you riding with me?" He spun around faster than I could blink and stared at me.

"I didn't know there was an option," I looked behind him at Daniel and Liz who only now realized we weren't following them.

"You're riding with me," Luke informed me, "Katie's gonna ride  with me! We'll meet you at the house!"

"Alright drive safe!" Liz waved, dragging Daniel off before he could argue.

Luke pressed his hand against my back and guided me to his car. When we were out of view his arm snaked its way around my shoulders, pulling me closer to him.