Right my Wrongs

Chapter 2- Stopped me in my tracks

                                                                             Ivy

"Excuse me," I say, approaching the old receptionist at the hospital. She turns her head towards me, her pen resting on her ear, giving me a queer look. "Is there a patient named Noah Brown?" I say.

"And you are?" the old lady asks in a plain tone.

"I'm Ivy Brown, his sister," I reply, trying my best to stay composed despite the lingering influence of alcohol.

"Room 111. It's the fifth room on the left," she informs me.

As I enter the room, I catch sight of Noah whose left leg had a plaster cast on it, looking at me signaling me to stay quiet. As I look towards the other side of the room, I notice Mum sleeping soundly on the couch. I go up to her and cover her with my jacket.

"You love getting into trouble don't you?'' I whisper to Noah.

"Stop bickering. I'm hurt.'' Noah pouts. "You reek of alcohol.'' He adds and makes a disgusted face.

"Uh...by the way how did it happen?"

"A brat from the opponent team pushed me.''

"What a bitch. Who was he? His parents were called right?''

"Don't cuss in front of me! I'm a child! And yeah everything's fine. Mom handled it. You tell me...How's college treating you so far?"

"It's alright I guess. I got a paid internship, it's at a publishing house.'' "That's dope...What about boyfriends and stuff?'' He chuckles, clearly trying to lighten the mood.

"Noah, let's talk about this stuff when you're alright. You should rest.'' I say and he nods reluctantly. "When do you get discharged?'' I add.

"Tomorrow morning.'' He replies.

I gently shake my mom awake, and she stirs, half asleep. "Huh? What happened?" she murmurs, still groggy.

"Nothing, Mom. I'm going to book you a cab so you can go back home and rest. I'll stay here with Noah tonight," I explain softly.

"But you have college tomorrow," She protests.

"It's okay, Mom. Trust me. I'll handle it," I assure her, hoping to alleviate her concern. After a moment of hesitation, she nods in response and I book her a taxi back home.

After sending Mom back home, I quickly check in with Noah to see if he needs anything before settling down on the couch. My head feels heavy from the effects of the alcohol, and I'm too tired to call or text Jason. I hope Liz and Samuel are taking care of him and keeping him company. Exhausted, I close my eyes and drift off into a deep sleep.

The morning alarm disrupts my slumber, and I groggily open my eyes.  With half-opened eyes, I observe the rain pouring steadily against the window, casting a gloomy ambience. Careful not to disturb Noah, who is still asleep, I quietly make my way to the receptionist to complete the necessary paperwork for his discharge.

After ensuring Noah's safe return home and parking the car, I book a taxi to get back to the college. I forgo the idea of retrieving my belongings from my room and heading straight to my class since I'm running out of time.

I take the second last seat and rest my head on the table, intending to give my eyes a moment of relaxation. However, the fatigue takes over, and before I know it, I doze off in the midst of the class.

"Attention everyone." The professor's loud voice jolts me, but I choose to remain in my slumber, not bothering to look up. "So, today we have a new student with us, Spencer McKeller. Spencer is a transfer student from London and I'd appreciate it if you all cooperate with him and assist him if he needs any help." His words filter into my consciousness, but I don't make the effort to engage.

"Excuse me...Can you please shift?" I hear a voice with a distinct British accent, thick yet gentle, breaking through my drowsiness. Slowly, I raise my head, my eyes meeting a pair of piercing hazel eyes that seem to blaze with intensity. The owner of those eyes has short brown hair peeking out from under a cap, dressed in a black turtleneck and an overcoat. His nonchalant gaze meets mine, and a small smile plays on his lips, capturing my attention and momentarily stopping me in my tracks.

"What?" I say, slightly startled, as I snap back to reality.

"I want to sit here, can you please shift?" he repeats politely. I quickly gather my thoughts and nod in response as I slide over making space for him to sit beside me.