Make the Most of It

11. New Patterns, New Places

It has been almost a week since Carter's accident, but it was finally the day that he could go home. He could've been let out this morning, but Aria and I both had work. I went to the hospital with her to help her and Carter get home since he had crutches.

We signed out and then walked out to Ari's car. She helped him get into the car, while I put the wheelchair in the trunk. Once we were all set, Aria drove us to Carter's apartmemt and we again helped Carter get into the house.

Then, Carter asked, "Hey Nikki, can you give me Zayn's number. I need to thank him for what he did. I owe my life to him."

"Yeah. You want me to call him now?"

"That would be great." I took out my phone and dialed Zayn's number. He picked up almost immediately.

"Please tell me you don't have another girl over." Aria and and Carter raised their brows at me. I 'waved' away their comment.

"Nope, it's all clear sweet cheeks." I grinned at the nickname. "And I also wanted to say sorry about how I ran off at the hospital."

"Yeah what happened?"

"It's nothing."

"Alright well it's ok. But, I called because Carter wanted to talk to you."

"Oh he's home?"

"Yeah, he got home today. I'm giving it to him." I handed Carter the phone, who then limped to the couch and started talking to Zayn. He started off with a million thank you's but knowing Zayn, he probably just said something like "I just wanted to help" or "it's no big deal."

Carter was silent for a minute after he thanked Zayn and then said, "It's a huge deal Zayn!" I rolled my eyes and shook my head, knowingly, and then followed Aria into the kitchen to help her cook dinner. We were going to make Carter's favorite, chicken quesadillas.

As we were setting the table, Carter came him with a huge grin on his face.

"What?" I asked him.

"I get to use cripple jokes now."

"Oh great. Did Zayn give you the idea?" He nodded, still smiling. "I knew it." We sat down for dinner and enjoyed Ari's wonderful cooking.

This is a great start. The hospital food was gross."

"Yeah tell me about it," Ari agreed. Then, we joked around for a bit until we were all done with dinner and I needed to start heading home. I decided to walk since it would only take about 10 minutes.

While I was walking, my phone lit up with a text from Zayn.

R u busy on Valentine's Day? We could go somewhere, as friends

I have a boyfriend, remember? Jake

Oh yeah..... Sorry

You need a girlfriend

What? No!

Yes. You seem lonely sometimes

What? I have plenty of girls to keep me company ;)

Random bed buddies don't count

Why not?

Just because. How about I set you up on a blind date? We could go on a double date with Jake and I

I don't know. It sounds boring. U have a bad taste in people

I agree, considering I'm friends with you

Touché. Fine set me up.

Awesome! I'll find someone and tell Jake about the double date.