When We Collide

Going Home

It's been a week now that I've been in the hospital and today I finally get to go home for some rest and relaxation. Though I've been doing that for the past six days. Being bed ridden is no fun. Eli has stayed by my side. He left to go shower and change clothes but that's while I was sleeping. But with my parents working and only able to call and check in on me he's kept me company the whole time. Stealing my Jell-O from me when they bring me lunch, I stuck my tongue out at him and he smiled. I've finally gotten to know more about him though which is a big plus for me. I want to know everything about him. We've resorted to playing card games to pass the time. I felt bad for him though, staying here with me this whole week. He must be exhausted.

I look over at him. Wondering why this perfect stranger has stuck by my side through all of this. "Eli why did you stay?"  I asked looking at him. "Well.." He trailed off. He looked nervous. "I'm not really sure." He whispered. He looks up at me through long beautiful lashes, "I guess I just wanted to stick around to make sure you were okay. And I guess at this point we're friends, so why not stick around? "He trailed off. I want to know Eli. More than I know him now. I reached up and touched the same scar as I did two days ago. He flinches back withdrawing from me mentally and physically. I cringe at the loss. Eli Peyton has a story, and I'm going to find out. "I'm sorry.. it's just.." I trailed off having no idea what to say or where to even start. So I shut my mouth and just wait. Hoping that he'd tell me or give me the slightest inkling. But, he doesn't and I don't push him. Just like he doesn't push me to remember what happened. At this point we have a silent understanding. Some memories are too painful to relive. Even the ones that are so far in the past, and the ones that were just seven days ago.

***

My mom called to inform me that she was held up at work and couldn't come get me from the hospital. She then requested that she talk to Eli, I handed him the phone both of us looked confused at this request, I shrugged and he took it. After a lot of "mhmm's" and "yes's" and head nodding he hung up the phone and turned to me. A huge smile spreading across his face. "Well, it looks like your mother trusts me enough to make sure you get home safe and settled in. My cheeks flush bright red. "umm.. Okay" I say back. Well this should be interesting, the thought sort of makes me feel uncomfortable, specially because I have no idea if my house is even clean. Last time I was home Sarah and I had a sleepover, playing Xbox. The house could be trashed. Well at least the living room. Might as well get rid of my Xbox too, I won't need it now that she's... No I'm not going to think about it. Shake it off Olivia. "Are you okay with that?" Eli asks, he continues, "I mean your mom said that her and your father were going out of town for business, and that you needed someone to look after you.." He trails off. This is so typical of my parents, coming and going. Once they see I'm somewhat okay they just take off. Business always first. "Something the matter?" Eli asked.

Me: Nope, nothing's wrong. I should've expected this from my parents. Work first, it's been like this since I was thirteen.

Eli: Didn't that get lonely?

Me: No, I had the Nanny, and Sarah.

Eli: I see..

Doctor Meyer comes in with a clip board. She checks over me and says I'm good to leave. She wrote me a script for more pain medicine just in case my headache comes back. Which I'm praying it doesn't. Eli left me alone so I could change and gather up my belongings. Before I head out the door I take one last look at my hospital bed, just wishing that Sarah could've been in a hospital bed like me instead of a casket. Eli is waiting out front in a silver F150, he gets out and makes his way to the passenger side opening the door and taking my bag from me all in one sweep. "So where to"' Eli asks putting the car into drive. "Go straight for about five miles and then a left on Robins, I'll tell you the rest from there." I reply. The radio is on but I can barely hear it in the background, Eli is drumming his hands on the steering wheel and singing along to whatever song is playing. I can't quite make it out. We reach Robins street in no time. "I'm the third house on the left" I say quickly. He pulls up slowly, he comes to my side and opens my door and grabs my bags. He follows behind me as I struggle with my keys. My hands won't stop shaking I can't put the key in the lock. He puts a hand over my shaking hands. "Here, let me." He says. The door opens and I'm hoping I remembered to clean it last Monday.