Who's the One?

Chapter 4

My eyes flutter open and there are two faces staring at me.

"Hey. How are you feeling? We've missed you", whispers Danielle.

"I'm better, I've missed you guys too", I sit up. "I'm glad you came by."

"So, your mom told us about Dylan. You guys are so getting back together right?" squeals Anne.

"Oh. No, we're not. My family is just having his family over for dinner."

"Lucky! Dylan is so hot, I can't believe you're not trying to get back with him", says Anne gripping my hand.

"Well, I don't know. It's kinda stupid, but well..." I hesitate, looking at my best friends.

"Spill", demands Danielle.

"Well, my brother's best friend Steve is kind of on my mind. The day of the party we had a couple interactions, he was being really sweet. I don't know I'm probably reading too much into this."

"Wait. Steve? Steve Adams the super cute guy on the football team? You've got all the luck with hot guys", complains Danielle.

"Yep, that's the one."

"But he's a senior, that's about to graduate. Plus, he's your brother's best friend. You think your parents would be okay with you and him, like together?" Danielle gives me a doubtful look.

"I don't know, just forget I said anything about Steve." I shake my head, "Talking to Dylan stirred up some old feelings."

"Well duh. You guys were great together, and the only reason you broke up was because he moved. He was your first boyfriend, it's natural to feel that way", Anne points out.

"I know, but Steve is still there, just his smile, the way he looked at me."

"Maybe you should try things with Steve. If things don't work out you'll still have Dylan", suggests Anne.

"But what if things work out and Dylan is hurt because he wanted you back?" questions Danielle.

"Or Dylan is planning to ask you out but you ruin it by talking with Steve", Anne points out.

"Well. How about I talk to both of them, as friends. That way I can get to know Steve and maintain a friendship with Dylan."

They're both in thought. I sit waiting for a response.

"I think that's a good idea, just as long as you don't lead them on", supplies Danielle.

"I agree with Dani. Just keep it friendly."

"Then it's settled. I'm just friends with Dylan and Steve."

It's great to have time with my best friends. I love the advice they gave me. It'd be nice to be friends with Dylan and Steve, I just hope they don't get the wrong idea.

About an hour later Anne and Danielle went home. I pick up a book and start reading.

Four chapters later, my favorite nurse Patty comes in with lunch. "Hey sweetie. I've got good news for you."

"You got me an extra pudding cup?"

"Sadly, no. But, you're being released today! You're going home."

"No way! Really? Finally!"

"I know, so we've contacted your parents, they should be here soon."

"Thank you, Patty, for everything."

"Oh, no need to thank me, it's my job."

"But you're extra sweet to me, it means a lot."

She smiles at me, "You're welcome. I hope I don't have to see you in here anymore."

"Hopefully." We laugh, then she leaves the room. I eat my half decent lunch. I pack up my books and little gifts and wait for my parents.

I'm just hoping my mom gets here soon, I'm so ready to get out of this hospital gown.

"Knock knock", I hear Mom's voice on the other side of the door.

"Come in Mom!"

"Hey, sweetie. I'm so excited for you to come home." She looks at the clothes nervously.

"What's wrong?"

"Well, I didn't know what you'd want to wear. I just grabbed jeans, a t-shirt and your purple hoodie."

"Mom! I like my black hoodie better. You ruin everything!"

My mom's eyes widen and her lips move but no words come out.

I laugh. "Mom I'm joking. They're just clothes, that's perfect. When have I ever been that dramatic?"

"Lily, oh God. You scared me. Don't mess with me like that. I thought the hit to your head changed something."

"Nope. I'm still the same old me." I smile widely.

She puts the clothes on my lap. "Okay, I'll let you get dressed. I forgot your socks and shoes in the car. I'm going to go get them."

"Oh, can you take my bag to the car?"

"Of course. I'll be right back."

"Mom?"

"Yes?"

"I love you."

She embraces me tightly. "I love you Lily."

Once she left, I struggle to pull my jeans up. It's a lot harder than you'd think. I can't stand, or move my foot. I somehow manage it. As I pull on my hoodie my mom walks in with my socks and shoes.

"I'm exhausted. Can you put those on for me?"

She laughs. "Of course."

I have to crutch my way to the car, and it's not a good time. They dig into my ribs. But the drive home is quick. Walking into my house was amazing.

My dad rushes over, "Honeybee!"

"Hey Dad." I hug him, and my crutches fall.

"I got it!", calls Max. "Welcome home clutz."

"Oh thanks, loving big brother."

"Want to hop on my back so I can take you to your room?", offers Doug.

"Please!"

"Hop on Baby Sis. Max, take her crutches."

I hop up as best as I could and Doug runs me to my room. I laugh and kiss Doug's cheek. "Thanks brother!"

"You got it. Now take a nap. Tonight we celebrate by camping out in the living room, movies and junk food. You, me, and Max. Just like when we were kids."

"Guys", I tear up, "You are the best brothers a girl could have. Get in here, group hug."

We embrace each other, and I thank the universe for giving me a great family.

"Okay, rest up."

I nod and hop on my bed. I try to get into a comfy spot, but I hear a knock on my door.

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Hey there readers!

The picture is Danielle, one of Lily's best friends.

It might be a little slow right now. Things will pick up though, don't worry. Please stick around. Comment and all that jazz :)

Thanks for reading!

-Emili