He Doesn't Know

Thirteen

On the way to the hospital I called Connor's parents and they're getting the next flight out. I run inside while Fallon finds a parking spot. Connor's name is off to the side of the door, but I can't seem to find the strength to open it. Taking a deep breath I finally find the courage to open the door, but when I see the person lying in the bed I begin to feel tears falling down my face. I slowly make my way over to the bed and take the hand, that's not in a cast, into my mine. Connor's face is puffy from most likely being beaten, his nose looks broken and his left eye is badly swollen. Tears begin to fall much faster and I can't control the sobs. Here is the guy, I recently loved more than anything, laying here from almost dying. Around his chest area is another cast clearly from broken ribs and a leg is wrapped in a cast as well. I lay my head on the bed next to Connor and begin to sob for the man I thought I'd hate for the rest of my life, but now the thought of losing him from the world is unbearable.

"You must be Vera," I hear a voice behind me say. I quickly turn around and see a man in a white coat. "I'm Connor's doctor, Dr. Sager. I was informed that you'd be coming in," he continues to talk. I nod and ask him, "Yes I'm Vera, what happened to him? What happened to Connor?" He gestures for me to take a seat again, so I sit back down next to Connor. "He was brought here from being badly beaten on the street. From the injuries on his face most likely he was hit multiple times and might have fallen to the ground where the person or persons kicked him while he was down. He has two broken ribs and a broken right leg and right arm. Except his leg was broken in multiple places. We have wrapped him up in the appropriate casting and he has been given drugs to help with pain. He's resting at this point, but I must warn his recovery will be rough." There are no words I can express in this moment, making me feel small as if there's nothing I can do for Connor at this point. There's a small knock on the door and Fallon's face appears in the crack as it opens. Dr. Sager nods at me then takes his leave. A sigh escapes my lips as I feel tears start to fall down my face again, except this time I get up and run into Fallon's open arms. "It's awful Fallon. I don't know how anyone can be this cruel," I barely get out through my tears. He tightens his grip around me and pats my hair as he tells me, "We both know Connor could come off as a cocky douche." I pull back and look at him with slight disgust. "Fallon he's your best friend. How could you say such a thing? You're implying that he's the person to blame, why? HE COULD BE DEAD FOR FUCKS SAKE!" I begin to raise my voice as I step away. Fallon frowns a little and replies, "I'm sorry that's not what I was trying to do. I was simply trying to lift your mood up. I'm sorry I wasn't trying to come across insensitive. I know Vera he could have died. I'm not good with these situations and you know that." His words cause me to cry even more as I remember sophomore year in high school.

---

"Where's Fallon today?" I ask Connor as I walk up to him on the way to lunch. He gives me a cheap smile and looks at the ground before answering, "Vera promise you won't mention to him that I told you?" I nod and wait for him to continue. "His grandfather passed away this morning," Connor finally tells me. A gasp escapes my mouth and I don't know what to say. I know how close Fallon was with his grandpa. "Is he okay though?" I ask. Connor shrugs and takes my bag from me as we reach the table. "You know Fallon. He doesn't ever show emotion when he's upset except for maybe anger. I've known him most of my life and I've never seen him cry, not even when his dog died when we were eight," he replies. I sit down and text Fallon if I can come over after school. I get an answer right away, No. I put my phone away and ignore his decline, I'll make him some food and visit him later.

"Want to come with me later to Fallon's house?" I ask Connor as he sits back down from getting our food. Connor softly smiles at me as he answers with, "You know I have practice late today babe." I nod my head understanding his dilemma. "Don't look at me like that. Coach would kill me if I skipped with our game tomorrow. Besides I know very well Fallon doesn't want to see anyone right now anyway," he comments while grabbing my hands into his. He places a kiss on my cheeks then on my lips and looks into my eyes. "I know Connor. I understand, but I'm just going to drop off some food for him," I say before taking my hands out of his to begin to eat.