Pure Connections

Chapter 25

    "He's going to be fine."

      Jennie's eyes fell shut as she huffed out the breath that had been caught in her throat since the second she'd gotten word Sehun was in the hospital. As she reopened them, Doctor Ramon offered a placating smile, clipping a pen onto the pocket of her coat. The she/they embroidered beneath her name drew Jennie's attention, and it occurred to her that she'd never seen pronouns on a doctor's coat until now. If she wasn't still so wired over being made to wait an hour before anyone had even properly spoken to her, she would've been a bit more impressed.

      "He has a mild concussion, and a non-displaced fracture in his right arm, which puts him in a cast for six to eight weeks, but he should regain full motion without surgery."

      "Wow," Zia breathed. "This is good news, right? I mean, I know he probably can't go back to work before his hand's healed, but this feels like great news."

      Doctor Ramon's gaze shifted to Zia, lingering as she pushed a strand of dark red hair out of her face. "It's excellent news."

      "Can they see him?" Lisa took a hesitant step closer.

      Jennie reached for her hand, intertwining their fingers. She tried not to think about the second of palpable tension that passed between them before Lisa's grip relaxed. Later, they could get to the bottom of it. For now, Lis had verbalized the exact question at the forefront of Jennie's mind.

      "Yes. Right this way."

      "I'll wait here."

      Jennie furrowed her brows, turning to Lisa. "You don't have to wait outside."

      "I know, but—" She winced. "These things are usually just family, Jen."

      "I actually think it's better if I wait here, too."
     
      Jennie's gaze snapped to Zia. "Zi..."

      "I know." Zia held up a hand. "I swear this isn't some weird, temperamental stunt. I know you want me in your life, Jen, and I'm glad Sehun's okay. Really. But we had years to work up to this. He hasn't. If the reason we're all standing here is any indication, I don't think he's ready."

      For the first time since their hug when Lisa had showed up, she closed the gap between them and cradled Jennie's face, her voice soft as a whisper when she said, "Zia's right. You should go. We'll be here when you get out."

      Jennie searched her gaze, trying to make sense of the delicate shift in the way Lisa looked at her. The words will you lingered on her tongue, because six hours ago Lisa had promised they would talk later, but she hadn't picked up when Jennie called. Not the first, second, or third time. If Sehun hadn't been hurt, would she even be here right now? But then Lisa's lips brushed hers with a jolt that went straight to her chest, and she knew nothing felt with this much conviction and care could ever be broken by a few shallow words, irresponsibly thrown around by someone who was supposed to know her better. She loved her brother beyond reason, but he didn't get to ruin this for her.

     "Okay." She stole another kiss, then pulled away with a smile, glancing from Lisa to Zia. "I know it's too early to worry about embarrassing stories being exchanged and Zi's about as threatening as a golden retriever, but something about leaving my sister and my girlfriend alone is still compelling me to tell you two to play nice."

      Their laughs rang out in unison, though Lisa's lacked its typical vibrance.

      Zia flashed a girl scout sign. "We'll play nice. Scout's honor."

      Jennie gave Lisa's hand a gentle squeeze before she pulled away and disappeared down the hall with Doctor Ramon.

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