Lean on Me || Jill Roord

3. Step One: Surgery

Jill's POV

The car was silent; nervous tension had filled the air as soon as I picked Caroline up early this morning. I knew she was freaking out about this, and that was completely understandable. She hadn't said a word to me except a small 'hello' when she opened the door, though she almost seemed relieved to see me. I brushed it off though; I best not read into it too much.

As we entered the hospital, it wasn't too busy due to it being early in the morning, but that lingering feeling of dread fell upon both of us. I sat quietly with Caroline as we waited for her name to be called. Her surgery day had finally arrived, and nerves had finally kicked in.

Caroline had told me she'd never had a major surgery like this before. I tried my best to comfort her as much as she would let me. I'd persistantly bugged her about what she was going to do post-surgery for a full week until she finally agreed to let me stay with her for at least a week or so. Caroline had told Alanna and me that we didn't need to stay with her, but both of us were quick to shut that down. She caved when the doctor told her it was highly recommended to have someone around to help just in case.

With that being said, I'd be staying with Caroline for the next month to help her when needed and to just be there for her. I'd do anything to help her out.

"Thank you, Jill," Caroline whispered as she leaned her head against my shoulder. My thoughts quickly came to an end, and my heart sped up at the touch.

"Of course, Caro, I just want what is best for you. I won't let you go through this alone." Caroline let out a breath; it sounded like one of relief.

"Caroline Reeds?" An older lady dressed in purple scrubs called her name from the other side of the small waiting room. Caroline's head left my shoulder, and she took a deep breath before standing up. I stood up with her and wrapped her in a short hug, whispering in her ear. "Everything's going to go perfect. You'll be back on the pitch in no time."

She squeezed me tighter before letting go; she gave me a smile and made her way to the lady who gave me an encouraging smile. I watched as Caroline walked through the doors into the clinic; my heart hurt for her.

Back at Caroline's apartment, I began moving things around and setting up her room so the first week or so of recovery would be comfortable for her. Caroline had quickly become an important person in my life; it was really scary. I've never met a person who I've genuinely clicked with this much outside of my closest friend, Viv.

Something about Caroline intrigued me; she never gave away too much information. But it's not like she's trying to withhold information; it's more so she doesn't feel the need to give away extra, needed information. Sometimes it worries me, but I try to not let it. It's not my place to say anything. I've known her maybe a month or so, yet it feels like I've known her for years.

Maybe it's the way I can never read her face entirely; she doesn't give everything away. Her blue eyes that pull me in, making me feel lost within them. They were beautiful.

I checked my phone for the time once I brought myself back to reality and out of my thoughts. Caroline should be out of surgery now. Alanna said she would text me when she was able to see Caroline. Alanna had told me she would pick her up so I could get Caroline's apartment ready.

When I talked to Alanna the first time about how I was staying with Caroline, she seemed surprised. I asked why, but she sort of brushed it off, telling me she was glad Caroline agreed. I left it at that, but of course for the next couple of days it consumed my thoughts. What had she meant?

Alanna
Caroline's doing good
Should be heading back
soon

I sighed with relief reading Alanna's text. Though I quickly realised I needed to finish getting the apartment ready. I filled up two bottles of water and set them on Caroline's nightstand and made sure everything else in her room was set. I glanced over her apartment numerous times to make sure that nothing would get in her way that could compromise her knee.