Remember This Part

3. A Highly Unlikely Coincidence

Thea.

When Dr. Kouassi announces that the woman will be alright, I let out a breath that I didn't know I'd been holding.

"Ms. Angulo had a severe case of hypoglycemia, but we've managed to get her blood sugar levels regulated," the doctor informs me. "I expect that she'll make a full recovery. I'm glad you were there to help her, Miss Sommer."

I smile gratefully at Dr. Kouassi, but my attention quickly returns to the hospital bed, where Ms. Angulo is soundly asleep.

"I'll be doing my rounds, but I'll check in again later," she continues. "If she needs anything, the nurse will be around to help."

"Thank you," I say. Dr. Kouassi gives me a reassuring smile, then she pulls back one of the curtains and exits our makeshift room.

I wait for the nurse to finish placing Ms. Angulo's IV before gently latching onto her hand again. Now that her body has stopped shaking, she looks so peaceful.

I can't explain it, but I feel so connected to her. Maybe it was just the intensity of everything that happened, or it was the kind look in her eyes right before she passed out in Seb's. Either way, I now have this need to take care of her and protect her from anything that might go wrong. I don't want to even think about what could have happened to her.

"Miss?"

I look up at the nurse, who now has his attention on me.

"Sorry?" I'd been so caught up in my own reverie, I hadn't even realized he was talking.

"I was just telling you that I'll be in here for the next couple minutes," he explains. "I can look after her, if you'd like to take a quick break. There's a cafeteria on the basement floor in case you're hungry."

"Oh, um, alright," I say hesitantly. I'm reluctant to leave her side, but it's almost 8:30 now, and I haven't even told Malcolm or Nika where I am. "Thank you."

I slowly stand up and leave the curtained room, entering a bustling hallway. I try not to inhale through my nose. The smell of the hospital makes me uneasy. It brings back a few terrible memories, all broken up into shards like glass. My gut is churning now, but that might also be because I'm dreading this phone call.

I turn a corner to give myself some privacy, and then I check my phone. Sure enough, I've got some worried texts from Nika and a couple missed calls from Malcolm. I reply to Nika first, because I know she'll understand.

Nika: Hey, when are you getting back? 

Me: There was an incident at Seb's. I'm with someone at the hospital.

She sends a message back almost immediately.

Nika: WHAT?? THEA, ARE YOU OK???

Me: I'm fine. A woman passed out, and I'm just staying with her until her family arrives. It's okay, though. Everyone's alright.

Nika: Aww that's terrible. Let me know if you need anything, ok?

Me: Sure. I'll tell you when I start heading back to campus.

Nika: Ok. I'll have applesauce and Eggos waiting for you.

Good. Now for the real challenge.

I get Malcolm's voicemail the first two times I try to call him. He picks up on the third, and he doesn't sound happy (as was expected).

"Hey, where...where are you?" he mumbles into the phone. I bite back a sigh. He's drunk. I can hear it in his voice. Apparently, he didn't even need that pack of Budweiser from me, which means I would've had to flirt with Trent for nothing. Douche.