Love Hurts in a good way

Chapter 5

Bess was being followed as she ascended the staircase. She intended to retrieve a book but sustained a paper cut in the process. Meanwhile, at home, Scott was preparing to embark on his run. He called out for Scala, exclaiming her name repeatedly. Upon finding Scala in her room, visibly upset, he inquired about her distress. Scala responded, "My belly hurts," to which Scott asked if she was hungry. Scala replied, "No, I want to cuddle, please." Scott explained, "I am going for my run; we can cuddle once I return." Scala nodded in understanding and expressed her affection, saying, "I love you." Scott reciprocated, stating, "I love you more, Scals. I will see you later."

Scott then departed for his run. As he jogged near the shops, memories flooded back, including an incident where he was tripped during a soccer game, Scala injuring her foot, and a moment from a gathering when he injured his knee. He continued running until he encountered Andie, the bookstore manager. Scott apologized for interrupting, but Andie reassured him that it was no trouble. Bess, observing from the window, noticed Scott conversing with Andie. After Scott resumed his run, Andie returned to the store and greeted Bess. They engaged in a discussion regarding Scott. Subsequently, Bess gathered some items and left to put them away. Meanwhile, Andie resumed her conversation with David, discussing Bess's shyness and her recent arrival in the neighborhood, assuring David that Bess would eventually acclimate.

Andie returned to Bess and encountered Jeffrey, informing Bess of Jeffrey's presence. Meanwhile, David departed for the evening. Bess was engaged in composing a document titled "Notes to Crush" on the computer. Andie recounted various experiences from her high school years to Bess, who expressed that having a crush was often problematic for her. Shortly thereafter, Scott arrived home and proceeded to search for Scala.

Scott called out, "Scala, Scals?"

He discovered Scala on the floor, visibly in distress.

Scott inquired, "Scala, what is wrong? Are you okay?"

Scala responded, "Scott, I am in so much pain."

Scott reassured her, "Alright, look at me; it will be alright, okay?"

Scala nodded in acknowledgment.

Scott continued, "Come on, since Dad is not home, I will take you myself, alright?"

Scala nodded again.

Scott lifted Scala into his arms.

"Just rest against me, alright?" he instructed.

Scala nodded once more.

They exited the house together.

"Scals, just lie down in the back seat, alright?" Scott said.

Scala nodded in agreement.

"Everything is going to be alright, I promise," Scott assured her.

Scala nodded again.

Scott then contacted their father to inform him of the situation.

Upon arriving at the hospital, Scott entered to seek medical assistance.

"I need some help out here," he called.

Julia approached and asked, "What happened?"

Scott explained, "My younger sister Scala is experiencing severe abdominal pain."

Julia responded, "Alright, we will get her inside and examine her."

Scott nodded in understanding.

"It is going to be alright, Scals," he reassured her.

Julia instructed, "Sir, you will need to wait here."

"Scott!" Scala called out.

"It will be alright, Scala," he replied as he took a seat in the waiting room.

Later, Julia returned to Scott.

"How is she?" Scott asked anxiously.

"She is stable; we have administered sleep and pain medication. Her liver is not deteriorating; in fact, it is improving," Julia informed him.

Scott expressed relief, "That is good to hear."

Julia remarked that Scala's abdominal pain was related to her liver, indicating it was significant discomfort stemming from that organ. She offered that Scott could visit Scala if he wished.

Scott replied, "I actually need to leave now; I will return in the morning to see her."

Julia reassured him, saying, "Do not worry; she is in capable hands."

Scala's partner, Scala, requested that if she awakens, he should convey his love for her.

Julia affirmed, "I will do so."

Scott then departed the hospital for the evening, heading home before going to the soccer field. Bess monitored Scott's location and discovered he was at the soccer field. She proceeded to follow him. Scott was engaged in kicking soccer balls into the net. Upon returning home, Scott searched for his key but instead encountered Jules.

Jules inquired, "Looking for this?"

Scott responded, "Jules, what brings you here?"

Jules replied, "I was waiting for you to stop acting foolishly."

Scott countered, "You are the one hiding out on my porch."

Jules expressed concern, stating, "I heard about Scala's situation. Is she alright?"

Scott reassured her, "Yes."

Scott and Jules then entered his room, where they shared a kiss. Jules removed her top to take a photo on Scott's phone, and he followed her outside. Scott confided in Jules that he needed her friendship. Jules kissed him on the cheek, saying, "I promise that will be the last time I attempt to kiss you." Scott responded with a smirk. Jules then left to return home for the night, and Scott went inside. Bess also returned home for the evening.