READY FOR LOVE | JENLISA

Chapter 71

Lisa

My crutches click loudly against the tiled hospital floors as I struggle to hop my way through the corridor. Everything still hurts, all my bruises are starting to turn a nasty yellowish colour while the road rash is scabbing over nicely.

After my accident, Jennie and I stayed in Florida for a few more days to rest, cooped up in the hotel room, before attempting the uncomfortable five hour drive back home. I profusely apologised to her for ruining our vacation, but she insisted that she didn't mind.

Since the incident at the nursing home, I've blocked my mother's number, her calls had been persistent ever since then, and I've dodged any unknown caller I.D.'s to avoid her at all costs. I have nothing else to say to her anyway. For a minute, I was scared that she was going to find out about my accident or find out which hotel I was staying at and come hunt me down, but I haven't seen her since we were at the nursing home, thankfully. And I plan to keep it that way, as harsh as it may seem to be.

Back at home now, Jennie helps me through the hallways of the hospital after completing the follow-up appointment with my doctor. He said everything is going to take time to heal, but everything should heal properly. As far as my football career goes, as I've suspected, he doesn't expect me to bounce back and be the athlete that I once was, basically crushing any dreams that I have of making it to the NFL.

A heavy rock of disappointment and uncertainty sits in the pit of my stomach as I scramble to figure out what the hell I'm going to do now. I know I'm going to graduate in a few months with my degree in sports and exercise science, but I've honestly never given much thought about actually using it. I've always pictured myself going straight to the NFL, not even needing my degree, but now I have to digest about that being not a possibility anymore.

Jennie walks beside me like someone who would walk with a toddler, tense and observant, ready to catch me in case I fall over. I don't know how she expects to catch me though, given that I'm taller and bigger than she is.

Halfway down the hall, a voice calls out Jennie's name and we both look over our shoulders, finding Miss Cora coming up behind us.

Cora smiles. "I thought that was you." she says, walking up to us and hugging Jennie.

"Hi, Cora." Jennie greets her, hugging her back.

Cora glances down at her watch, her brow furrowing. "You're early."

Jennie lets out a small laugh. "Oh, no. I was going to run home first before I came back up for dinner." she says, and I suddenly realise that it's Tuesday. "I'm here now for her appointment." she clarifies, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder. "You remember Lisa, right?"

"Oh, yes, I've seen her once or twice before." Cora confirms.

I remember briefly meeting Cora the day when I brought Jennie to the hospital after she passed out, but things were so hectic that day I don't think that we were ever formally introduced. But after everything I've come to find out about her, I can't help but feel like I already know her, and I can't help but look at her differently. I suddenly have a strong urge to throw my arms around her and hug her tightly, but I refrain from doing so.

Instead, I give her a polite smile, tucking my right crutch into my armpit to give her a handshake. "It's great to see you again."

She smiles at me, her pearly whites standing out against her tanned skin. "Likewise."

"Let me just run Lisa back home and I'll be back up in about a half an hour or so." Jennie says.

"That's okay, baby. I can just wait around here somewhere while you guys catch up." I insist, not wanting Jennie to drive me all the way back to the dorms and then drive back here again.