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Twenty Six

Back at home, Michael was hovering around, doing his best to take care of me.

"Mick, really. It's just a broken collarbone. I can take care of myself just fine," I told him for the umpteenth time since getting back from the hospital the day before.

Admittedly, I couldn't do everything, but I wasn't about to ask for help with things like brushing my hair or opening a can.

"Would you just let me be a good boyfriend and help you out?" He sighed, defeated.

I had always been independent and now having use of only one arm was frustrating. I spent my days taking care of others at work and suddenly being the one who needed help was something I was not used to nor entirely comfortable with. I sat down on the couch and gave in as he made me lunch.

"Thank you," I smiled softly as he handed me a sandwich. "How'd you know I got hurt, anyway? Who told you?" I asked between bites.

I saw him cringe slightly. "I should tell you...you're probably gonna end up in the show. I'm sorry. It was a pretty heavy accident, and they live for that stuff."

I sighed and readjusted my sling slightly. It was only a matter of time before the cameras got me. I had to be thankful it was due to a rescue rather than my relationship with Michael.

"Yeah, I figured," I replied.

"Have you told your parents about your injury? Or your brother?"

I shook my head. I knew my mother would worry and blow it out of proportion but with my brother coming in soon, it was only a matter of time before they found out. I checked my phone for the time back home and rolled my eyes. It was only 9:30 pm back home - my parents would still be awake. I clicked on my dad's number and, FaceTiming him, I braced myself.

"Hey sweetheart!" My dad beamed. It only took a moment for him notice my sling. "What did you do?"

"I had a little accident at the beach and broke my collarbone. I'm okay though. Just took a bit of a spill," I said.

I could hear my mom in the background. "You make sure you get Michael to help you," she told me, appearing on the screen.

"It's just a broken collarbone, mom."

Poking his head into view, Mick smiled. "Don't worry Mrs. Anderson. She's a perfect patient and letting me help her as much as possible," he reassured, causing my dad to laugh.

"So she's not letting you do anything, huh son?" My dad called out, causing Mick to chuckle and shake his head quickly.

Dad knew me well. I might have gotten my dad's looks but I got my mother's stubborn independence.

"Charlotte, are you out of work?" My mother's brow was furrowed, no doubt concerned for her daughter for many reasons.

"Don't worry mom. I'm only out for a couple of weeks while it heals. I should be good in six, maybe eight weeks. Mick insists on helping me, despite my protests." I smiled and nudged him, gently.

Even though I gave him a hard time, I was grateful he was there and willing to help me.

"Are you alright with Alex coming still? He might be able to postpone his trip until you're fully healed." My dad questioned.

I knew he meant best but really, I wasn't about to let a broken bone put my life on pause. After reassuring my parents that no, my brother should not delay his trip, we said our goodbyes and I let them get to sleep.

"Happy?" I asked Mick, looking at him.

"Heaps," he answered, kissing me.