Amazed

11

"How do you feel, Rocky?" Mom asked me.

I had just gotten out of the emergency room. The doctor told me I had sprained my ankle and gave me a boot to wear for six weeks. It was big and clunky; I did not like it at all. Grayson was told that he had broken his wrist and he got a cast. He was kind enough to help me walk.

I smiled at them. "I could be better."

"Trying to walk and chew gum at the same time?" Dad joked.

"Just walking this time," I said.

"Good thing you didn't break anything like Grayson here did," Dad said.

Gray grimaced. "Never trying to be cool ever again."

I looked around for my new friend Caitlyn, but didn't see her family or her. "Did Caitlyn leave?"

"Yes, her dad took her home for dinner," Mom explained.

I nodded. I'll text her later. I wanted nothing more to go home and relax now. Today had taken a lot out of me, and it was only two o'clock. I think the hospital had worn me out.

"Alright kids, let get you guys home," Dad said, and turned to Mom. "Should we stop and get ice cream?"

"I think that's a wonderful idea," Mom said.

"Ice cream!" I squealed, and the twins laughed.

We headed out of the hospital. I didn't want to put anymore strain on Gray, so I walked on my own. It was slow going, but everyone was patient and walked slowly. Gray held my hand through it all. I was happy at the gesture, but I was also confused. Did this mean he liked me? Were we dating now? I looked at him, and he stared straight ahead. He probably only thought of me as a friend.

We finally made it to the car and we all piled in. I was wedged in between the twins, thank god I was tiny or else I would've been squished. Mom and Dad kept us talking and laughing, and it felt nice. Dad seemed to really be getting along with them, and my heart swelled. He was changing, and for the better. We were one step closer to all being friends.

We stopped at the ice cream parlor, and headed home. The twins wanted to hang out some more, so we settled on the couch. We ate our ice cream while we watched a movie. Mom made check ups on Grayson and I, making sure nothing was hurting. Gray told her that he's fine every time, and he never got annoyed with her hovering.

Finally night rolled around, and the twins decided that they should head home. They told us goodbye, and they hugged me. After today, I felt I really needed them.

"I like those boys. They're nice," Mom told me as soon as I shut the door.

I smiled. "I really like them too."

"Some more than others," she said, winking at me.

I rolled my eyes. "Not happening."

"Why not?" She whined.

"Mom, I don't even know if he likes me like that. He might just think of me as a friend," I told her.

"I see the way that boy looks at you. There's definitely more than 'just friends' there," she smirked.

I groaned. "What are we having for dinner?"

"Enchiladas."

"That sounds really good right about now," I said

I followed the heavenly aroma of Mexican food to the kitchen, and I began to eat.

"How are you feeling?" Dad asked, worriedly looking at me. He's been in edge ever since he met us at the hospital.

"I'm fine. It's just awkward to walk. It brings back memories to the time I broke my leg," I said, chuckling.

Dad cracked a smile. "You cried like a baby when that happened."

"No I didn't!"

"You definitely did. You puked when you saw the bone sticking out of your skin," Dad told me, a smirk on his face.

"Alright kids, stop bickering," Mom said, a smile on her face. "Let's just be thankful that Rocky and Grayson are both safe and recovering, and that we have this amazing food for dinner tonight."

"You're right, Liz. Thank you for preparing this fantastic meal for us, and thank the Lord our little Rocky is safe," Dad said.

"Thanks Mom," I told her.

After dinner I waddled my way back upstairs. Bear was there to help me, always patient with my slow pace. I changed into pajamas, and he was by my side. It was just like old times, and I cuddled into him when we were both in bed. His warmth was comforting, and I ran a hand through his fur. He sighed in content, and I think we were both smiling.

Suddenly I remembered that I had something else to do. I quickly grabbed my phone, and texted the new number I had.

Rocky: Hey, this is Rocky. Is this Caitlyn?

I didn't have to wait long. A few seconds later my phone vibrated and I had a text from Caitlyn.

Caitlyn: Hey! It is Caitlyn. What are you up to?

Rocky: Just laying in bed with my dog. What about you?

Caitlyn: Baking cupcakes.

Rocky: At 9:30 at night?

Caitlyn: This is actually a normal time compared to when I usually bake. It's usually at 1 in the morning.

Rocky: Why so early in the morning?

Caitlyn: I get bored.

I laughed at that. She was crazy, and I loved it. It was like being with the twins. It brought out a side to me that I didn't even know existed, but this was more of a profound connection. I clicked with her better than I did the twins. Maybe it was because she was a girl and the twins were guys? I've never really had a girl friend so it felt nice to have someone who completely understood everything.

We talked for hours after that. I found out that Caitlyn's parents were divorced and she was staying with her dad for the summer in New Jersey, and her mom lived in Illinois. She loved to cook and bake and wanted to go to college to be a pastry chef. She was shy and quiet around people she didn't know, and was no stranger to anxiety and panic attacks. Around people she did know and was comfortable with, though, she was a loud and sassy girl. She wasn't big on books but loved horror movies.

At around twelve in the morning, I got a text from someone other than Caitlyn.

Grayson: I can't sleep lol.

I chuckled and replied.

Rocky: I can't either.

Grayson: I want to swim!

Rocky: We can't though!

Grayson: Why not?

Rocky: We're broken.

Grayson: Oh. Right.

Rocky: We can have a movie marathon tomorrow though!

Grayson: That'd be great! Come over to my place at 10:30?

Rocky: I'll be there.

I set my phone on my nightstand and cuddled deeper into Bear's warmth. I was excited for tomorrow, and the smile never left my face.