Everything with you

Part 73

Emma

The room had just cleared out after Sophia and the kids left, their card and flowers still sitting proudly on the table by my bed. The door opened again, and this time it was Dr. Green, the one overseeing my recovery. She offered me a polite smile as she moved closer, stethoscope already in hand.

A few routine checkups later, listening to my chest, checking my stomach for tenderness, shining her light into my eyes, she finally pulled the chart closer. "Emma, you're ready to be discharged," she said. Relief washed over me, but before I could even smile, she continued, "You'll need regular physiotherapy sessions. At least three times a week for the first month."

My parents exchanged a glance, and then my dad spoke up. "That shouldn't be a problem. Could you recommend a trustworthy clinic near our hometown?"

The doctor paused mid-note, her eyebrows arching. "Hometown?"

"Yes," Dad said firmly. "We live in..." and he proceeded to give her our address like it was already settled.

My gaze shot between them and Justin. His eyes narrowed as he looked at me, reading my expression like an open book. "What's wrong?" he asked softly, his voice cutting through the silence.

My mom stepped closer, her hand brushing my arm. "What's wrong, sweetheart?"

I shook my head quickly. "Nothing, Mom. Just thinking."

They waited, but I knew I had to say it. "I have my exams coming up in two weeks. I've already missed a ton of classes. I can't just go back home now."

My dad frowned. "You can retake the classes next semester."

That actually made me laugh, sharp and disbelieving. "What, all eight subjects?" I asked, looking at them like they'd lost their minds.

Justin finally broke the tension, his voice steady. "She could actually talk to Dean. They'd definitely allow her some kind of academic break."

I shook my head firmly. "No. It would disrupt my entire plan. I've worked too hard for this semester already."

My mom sighed, exasperated. "Emma, come on. You have to get better. You're going to need help getting better. You obviously can't do it alone."

I opened my mouth to fire back, already feeling the heat rise in me, but Justin cut in first, calm but unyielding. "She can stay with me."

The room froze. My parents stared at him as if the words had landed like a thunderclap. Even I was caught off guard.

The doctor cleared her throat awkwardly, breaking the silence. "Well... I'll leave you all to discuss this further. Emma, let me know what you decide." She nodded at me, then quickly ushered her interns out. They whispered among themselves as they left, clearly aware they'd overheard something dramatic.

"You can't stay with him," my mom announced, her voice sharp, almost repulsed by the idea.

Justin didn't back down. "It would be temporary," he said quickly. "Just until her exams. She could also have Hayley over for support, and they can prep together with her friends. At least until her finals are done, she'll have her own bedroom and her own bathroom. And you could visit whenever you want. It's just a practical solution." He leaned forward slightly, eyes locked on my parents, trying his best to sound convincing but respectful.

Mom turned, not to Justin, but to Dad. "Are you okay with this? Because I'm not." Her voice carried that sharp edge that always made Dad answer carefully.

Dad rubbed his temples. "He's offering a solution, honey. She's not wrong about her exams."

I blinked, stunned, glancing at Justin. Of all the people to suggest it, I hadn't expected him. And yet... it was actually a great idea. Staying with Justin meant I could catch up on classes and maybe study with Joel or Bri from my other courses. No long commutes, no distractions. Just focus—and him.