Hard Times

9

When Stacie woke up, she found herself in the hospital once again. Wires attached to her along with an IV. She groaned quietly and lifted her hand to rub her face. Her head was really starting to hurt and her throat was sore. She coughed, looking around the room. She was alone. Shifting, she tried to sit up on the bed just as the door to the room opened.

Taylor and her mother entered the room.

"Mom?" Stacie mumbled, her voice was raspy.

"Hey, honey." Angie said, moving over to the bed and taking her daughter's hand.

The sixteen year old's eyes fluttered closed. "The baby?"

"It's okay." Angie said, squeezing her daughter's hand.

Stacie instantly relaxed, gripping onto her mother's hand a little tighter. "I'm sorry for running away."

"Shh," Angie said softly, reaching out to brush her daughter's hair from her eyes. "Just rest."

Shifting on the bed, Stacie opened her eyes. "Can we go home?" She asked softly.

"Not yet." Angie said softly. "The doctors are still running some tests."

Frowning, Stacie stared up at her mother. "Running tests for what?"

"Just to make sure you and the baby are both okay." Angie said softly, "it's nothing to worry about."

Nodding her head, Stacie shifted uncomfortably. "It's really hot in here."

"Taylor, open the window." Angie said softly.

Taylor moved over to a window and opened it, the cold air instantly rushing into the room.

Angie placed her hand to her daughter's forehead and frowned. "You're burning up. I'm going to get a doctor." She pulled away and moved to leave the room.

Stacie shifted uncomfortably on the bed and coughed softly.

"Stacie." Taylor said softly, approaching the bed. "I'm sorry about what I said yesterday. I don't know where it came from."

"I forgive you." Stacie whispered softly, leaning back against the pillows again.

Taylor reached out to take his sister's hand. "I just worry about you."

"You don't have to worry about me." Stacie told him, shifting on the bed as she starts coughing again.

"I'm your big brother. It's in my job description." Taylor said softly.

Stacie swallowed thickly and looked over at him. "You basically called me a slut."

"I'm sorry." Taylor said, looking down shamefully. "I didn't mean it. I love you, Stacie. I would never mean to hurt you."

The leggy brunette goes to respond but pauses as her mother walked in with a doctor.

Taylor lifted his head to look at his mom and the doctor.

"Mom?" Stacie mumbled softly, looking over at her and then the male doctor. She seemed uncomfortable.

"Everything okay honey?" Angie asked, approaching her daughter and taking her hand.

"My head and throat hurt." Stacie admitted softly.

The doctor approached the bed slowly. "Can I examine you?"

Tensing, Stacie instantly shook her head. Her hand gripping onto Angie's even tighter.

"Maybe we could have a female doctor." Angie said, looking at the doctor beside her.