My first crush (COMPLETED)√

Chapter 9

"You should go home," Sharon's mum said gently, addressing everyone who had been hovering anxiously around the bed. Her voice was calm but firm, wrapping around the room like a soft shield.

"Your parents might be worried," she added, glancing at me with concern.

I tried to open my eyes, wincing as a sharp ache ran through my back.

"Ow..." I groaned softly, every movement sending a jolt of pain through me.

"My poor baby... ooh! It's alright, baby. I'm here. I'm here," my mom whispered, brushing my hair back from my forehead, repeating the words as if sheer repetition could chase away my fear and pain.

"Mum... I told you to stop calling me that," I murmured, my voice hoarse as I tried to sit up.

"Stop trying. You're too weak," she admonished gently, helping me lie back against the pillows.

I turned my head slightly and saw my friends, Bella and Helen, hovering nearby, their faces etched with relief. And there... Stephen. He was standing awkwardly, trying to look concerned, but there was that familiar glimmer in his eye, the one that made my heart skip and ache all at once.

"How are you doing now?" Stephen asked softly, his voice laced with something between guilt and relief.

"I'm okay," I whispered, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

"You're not okay," my mom said sharply, her eyes narrowing at him as if daring him to disagree.

Bella and Helen immediately moved closer, each of them wrapping me in a gentle hug, their warmth grounding me.

"Why did you do this to yourself, huh?" Helen asked, her voice half scolding, half worried.

Bella snorted and shot a pointed glance at Stephen. "Maybe we should say who caused it," she added, her tone playful but edged with accusation.

"I... I was..." I started, my throat tight, words catching in my mouth. Fatigue weighed me down like a heavy blanket.

"Stop talking. You're tired," my mom interrupted firmly, placing her hand lightly over mine.

"Stay strong and be careful," Bella whispered. "You need a lot of rest."

I gave her a faint, grateful smile. "Thanks... for caring," I said softly.

"Hey, what about me? Don't I care?" Helen piped up, pretending to pout.

"You both care," I said, a small grin breaking through my fatigue. My eyes flicked toward Stephen. He met my gaze, silent but unmistakably there.

"Now that's better. We're going home now. We'll come to visit tomorrow," Helen said cheerfully, trying to lighten the mood.

"Okay... bye," I murmured, my voice still weak.

"Bye. Eat and rest, okay?" Bella added, giving me an encouraging smile. I nodded faintly in response.

I assumed Stephen would leave too, but he didn't. He remained by my side, just standing there, silent, his gaze fixed on me.

"Baby, let me get you something to drink. You must be thirsty," my mom said, gently nudging him aside.

"Ugh... Mom!" I groaned, half amused, half embarrassed.

"Sorry... I'm used to it," she said with a small laugh, and walked out of the room, leaving Stephen and me alone.

The silence stretched between us, heavy and electric. My heart raced. Who would speak first?