Stumbling Over Love | ✓

Chapter 43

_Chapter 43~ To Protect You_

"Reina, you're awake!"

I was engulfed into a squeezing hug before I knew what was happening, wincing as a result of the pain that shot up my body. "Mom. Hurts," I choked out.

Immediately, Mom lurched away from me, eyelids high. "Oh gosh, I'm sorry! But you don't understand; I'm just so, so glad to see you're okay!"

Fluttering my eyelashes, I scrutinized my surroundings consisting of only white and then down to the bed I was lying on. A hospital? I guessed. I peered downwards at the cast that overtook my limbs and also the other wrapped bandages encasing my exposed skin. It hurt just to breathe, too.

"You were out for nearly twelve hours," Dad continued, placing a hand on Mom's shoulder and moving forward so that I could see him. "How are you feeling?"

I placed my free hand to my abdomen, shutting my eyes. "Hurt. Everywhere."

"I'd imagine," Dad said, maneuvering around the bed I was laying on and handing me an icepack to put on my side. "You got hit by an oncoming vehicle. Luckily, it wasn't going too fast and almost stopped in time, but as a result you've sustained a slight concussion, broken arm, bruised ribs... Also—"

"I don't want to know what else," I groaned, laying down appropriately. "That sounds horrible enough."

The room was engulfed by a silence that made me aware my parents found it difficult to really talk. Eventually, I heard snivels derive from Mom who fell into the stool beside the bed.

"Why do you always get yourself into these kinds of situations?" she demanded, tears brimming in her eyes. "You shouldn't have left the house."

"Dad told me to get groceries," I mumbled. "I wanted to make you dinner to apologize."

Mom sniffled. "I know! Why did you have to listen to him? I was perfectly okay with making it myself!"

Dad sombrely turned his head as a result. I could guess he most likely felt guilt due to his request...

"Your cooking is terrible when you're emotional," he confessed.

Never mind.

Mom immediately socked his arm. "It is not!"

He grimaced, placing his hand on top of his limb. "But you just toss in whatever without considering it. Hot sauce into rice when you're angry, pickles into omelettes when you're envious; even soybeans into cookie batter when you're—"

"Kosuke!" Mom yelled, scowling at him. "We are not discussing this matter right now! The point is, Reina got hurt because of your selfishness!"

Sending her an apologetic smile, Dad met Mom's eyes. "She really did want to apologize to us," he told her. "I thought it was a good idea."

"But Reina is our little girl," she said sadly. "Maybe that school is a bad influence after all."

"Kahoko, it's a fine school," Dad assured her. "There's always bound to be issues at any institution. Besides, it's already her final year. We can't possibly take her out."

"Still..." Mom said.

"I don't wanna leave now either," I mustered out. "I'm fine there."

Mom and Dad both turned my way in shock.

"Since when?" Dad inquired with clear surprise. "You've always begged us to transfer you out of the school!"