My Hockey Boy

Chapter 22

Haley's POV

The sun shown brightly through the blinds, lighting the white walls of the hospital room. I awoke, picking my head up from Charlie's chest being careful not to wake him. After our kiss last night, it felt like everything was better but I don't think one little kiss can magically make everything seem like it didn't happen. But for right now, it'll have to do.

Charlie's mother grinned at me, waking up after most likely hearing my slight movements. I gave her a sincere smile as she held out her hand for me to take. Which I did.

"Thank you so much for staying here." She whispered before looking over at her son. "For being there for him."

It seems as though I couldn't find the words to say. She had to be one of the sweetest, most lovely women I had ever met and I felt happy knowing Charlie had someone like her in his life. We sat there for a moment, smiling at one another as Charlie's movements behind us signaled for us to move our attention to him. He stretched his arms out in either direction before locking his eyes on mine. He stood from his chair, walking up to me before swiftly snaking his arm around my waist. I said nothing, wanting to kiss him but halted my actions remembering his mother was only about a foot away.

"I was just thanking Haley for staying here an entire night. That goes for you as well. But go home, shower, change your clothes. If you really feel it's necessary then you can come back for evening visiting hours but you and me both know Charlie that those chairs aren't exactly comfortable." His mother smirked, raising her eyebrows as I chuckled under my breath.

"You're right. My back's killing me but I'm not leaving you." Charlie's stubbornness kicked in once again.

Mrs. Adams rolled her eyes, smiling at her son. "I told you Charlie, I'm fine. Ive got Susan checking in on me every hour. Don't worry everything's under control." She assured him.

"Okay. I'll be back later." I didn't expect Charlie to give in so easily but he did, grabbing his keys and phone before I grabbed my bag.

I waved goodbye as Charlie and I exited the room, his hand being felt on my lower back as he guided me down the hospital hall. My fingers gripped the strap of my bag tighter than usual and I didn't seem to know why. I almost felt nervous. I've never been nervous around Charlie but now I guess I was considering our little "moment" last night. I didn't know what this meant for us. Were we back to normal? No. At least I don't think we were. Even if I did say those words.

We waited for the elevator after the little round button lit up from Charlie pressing the down arrow. Once the ding sound was heard, we stepped in. Silence soon filled the air as Charlie leaned against the metal railing inside the closed space. I was surprised he hadn't said anything by the time we had reached the lobby. I stepped out of the elevator first, Charlie following behind me as we reached the parking lot. I turned to walk in the direction of my car but was stopped by Charlie's hand gripping my forearm.

"Come with me." He softly spoke, pulling me to face him.

"I don't know . . ." I started but was silenced by Charlie's voice.

"It wasn't a question." He remarked in almost a harsh tone but I seemed to ignore it.

Instead of protesting more, I decided to nod my head and watch as Charlie's touch slid down my arm to my hand, leading me to his car instead. I climbed into the passenger side as he closed my door for me, him making his way to the drivers side before climbing in and starting the engine.

The radio was kept on a low volume as my state was directed out the window, watching the sky and clouds as we drove past them. I jumped slightly as Charlie's hand was felt on my knee before moving to my thigh but I didn't move it or try to peel it from my body, instead resuming my daydreaming as I watched the sights pass by. Soon we had arrived in front of his house.