Fire on Ice

Part 11

Nora's POV

My head is pounding right now. I've barely open my eyes before I'm greeted with one of the most unpleasant headaches I have ever had. Where am I? I groggily raise my hand to my head as my eyes begin to adjust to its surroundings. My eyes land on a dark figure uncomfortably sprawled on the guest chair in the corner of the room. It takes a moment for me to realize that I am in the hospital courtesy of Kevin and the dark silhouette I'm staring at is Nikolas.

I hold back my laughter as I take in the image before me. A 6'3 man sound asleep on the tiny hospital sofa they have in each room. As I become more awake the memories from yesterday start flowing back and all I can focus on was how concerned Nikolas had been. They way he was so attentive and caring surprised me, but I am grateful because I don't know what I would have done without him.

As I stare at him my mind begins to focus on the thoughts swirling around in my head. Why did he care so much? I thought he hated me. After yesterday I don't know where we stand and I sure as hell don't know what's going to happen next.

"Take a picture it'll last longer" I hear him say in a sleepy voice that catches me off guard. I smile at his reference to when we first met. Every time I think that he can't get any more attractive he proves me wrong. I shuffle uncomfortably as I realize I was staring at him as I was lost in thought.

"Nora" He starts saying something in a serious voice but at that moment the doctor walks in.

He smiles when he sees that I am awake and introduces himself, "I'm Doctor Brown. And you must be Nora."

I smile in return and rasp out, "Yes, nice to meet you." He turns to Nikolas, "And you must be the fiance." Nikolas widens his eyes a little but quickly recovers, "Uh, yeah, I am." He coughs weirdly making it obvious he is uncomfortable. Dr. Brown laughs and turns back to me, "I heard he was making quite the scene yesterday, making sure that he was with you at all times. He even followed us up to the MRI room, which is very much against hospital policy." I immediately blush, not knowing how to react. The silence gets too awkward to bear so I quickly stutter, "Yeah well that's Nikolas for you". The doctor smiles and Nikolas looks like he wants to die.

"Well anyway, we got your scans back and would you like the good news or the bad news first?" My heart starts pounding at that. I don't have time for injuries right now, especially ones that cause the doctor major concern. I lose the ability to speak so Nikolas answers for me, "The bad news."

"The bad news is you have a lumbar sprain in your back, so you won't be able to fully train for at least two weeks." My stomach drops and I feel like I can't breathe.

"Um okay." I can feel the tears start to well up and Nikolas takes my hand. I know that two weeks isn't a super long time, but I am already behind with my training and this isn't helping.

Nikolas says, "So what's the good news?"

Dr. Brown smiles at this, "I have a few pieces of good news. First, you have a very minor concussion that won't inhibit you from going about your daily life. I would just suggest staying away from super bright lights that may irritate your eyes. The second thing is that you won't be able to skate for just the first week, and for the second you can get back on the ice but stay away from any rigorous moves that could cause further damage."

At this I relax a little and assure myself that everything will work out. "Thank you, Dr. Brown" I manage. "How long does she have to stay here?" Nikolas asks. I can't help but detect a small hint of concern in his tone. "We are going to keep her until tomorrow morning for observation for the medication we gave her. You can never be too safe." With this he smiles and leaves me and Nikolas alone again. We are met with an awkward silence.