Elliana X Jason

Twenty Four, Deflated

"So, lots of good news." The nurse said.

Jason jumped up from his seat.

"She broke a rib, and bruised a couple others. It must've been quite some fall!"

Jason nodded, eyeing Emily, who'd fabricated the lie.

"And you said she fell on a branch?"

"Yep." Elliana said. "Pine tree. The worst kind. So... sharp."

"Her shoulder's got a really nasty cut. Fortunately, it's nothing serious. We'll fix all of it. She'll have to stay in a wheelchair for just a little bit, but we're sure she'll make a full recovery."

Jason flopped back into his seat, as Emily and Elliana let out audible sighs of relief next to him.

"Can we see her?" Elliana asked.

"Not right now. She's still under a few sedatives."

"Why?"

"She was in a lot of pain. I'm surprised she lasted so long. You said she was outside for a few hours after the fall?"

"Yes." Jason said.

"And she never told you how bad it was? She was really suffering, in there."

"I..." Jason trailed off, not knowing how to speak.

"Anyways, I'll have to ask you kids a few questions." The nurse said. "Preferably with your parents around."

Elliana and Jason looked to each other in a panic.

"Well, I'm an orphan." Jason said.

"Oh." The nurse looked incredibly surprised. "I'm sorry. Who's your legal guardian?"

"Uh... my sister." Jason said.

"How old is your sister?"

"Nineteen."

"Alright then. And you two?"

"I'll go call my parents." Emily said.

Elliana blushed. "My mom is the only one with legal custody over me, and she's out of town right now."

The nurse smiled. "Oh! You were in that big court case last year. You're the daughter of... uh... Harlow, from the vampire show!"

"Harlow Finley, yeah. That was one of my mom's favorite projects."

The nurse looked starstruck, but managed to shake it off after a minute.

"So, who are you staying with for now?"

Emily jumped in. "She's staying with me. My parents have her mom on speed dial. We'll let her know everything that's going on."

"Fantastic. I'll have Ryan's doctor come see you in a few minutes. Will your parents be here by then?"

"Yep." Emily said. "I'll call Ryan's parents too."

"Perfect, I was just about to ask for that. Thank you." The nurse walked away.

Emily walked down the hall, out of earshot, with her phone to her ear. Jason looked at Elliana, who was smiling.

"What?" Jason asked.

"I don't know. Today's a new day. It's a perfect time to smile." She said happily.

"Ryan's unconscious in a hospital." Jason deadpanned.

"Fair enough." The smile remained, though.

Jason wanted to be worried for Ryan, but he found himself becoming more and more aware of Elliana sitting in the chair next to him. He turned around, prepared to talk to her, but she beat him to it.