Who to trust

Chapter 3 Hug

I woke up when I heard rustles of paper bag. I opened my eyes, I saw the lady arranging clothes. We were the only ones in the room.

"You're awake." She said. "Listen, Mia." she sat on the stool beside my bed. "I'm sorry about telling your dad when you said you didn't want to. I was just scared for you. I don't want us to fight again, please forgive me, sweetheart." She was on the verge of crying. She looks so pained and sad because of our fight, I felt guilty.

"It's okay." I said, not making it anymore of a deal. "I understand."

"Thank you." She wiped the tears that escaped from her eyes.

I was looking at her intently, and I just noticed how the lady looked quite a mess. Her gray hair was in a messy pony tail, dark circles under her eyes, she looked so tired.

Moments later Dr. Montes entered the room. The lady stood up and greeted him, "Dr. Montes, hi."

"I'm just checking on Mia. How are you, dear?" He asked, referring to me. Dear.. why does it sound familiar? Suddenly I felt so close to him. His intimidating character dissolving.

"Fine." I gave an awkward smile. I'm not really sure what to say.

"Have your parents filled you in about your accident?" He asked softly, careful with his words.

I looked at the lady for a moment. "No, not yet actually." I haven't actually thought about it until now.

"Oh is that so?" Dr. Montes looked at me then the lady with a confused look.

"Dr. Montes, can we.. speak for a while outside, please?" The lady said stuttering and walked towards the door.

"Yes, of course." Dr. Montes looked at me with confusion and a worried face before leaving the room with her. "Dear, please stay strong." His cold aura gone, he was completely warm with a hint of sadness. It was my turn to be confused.

***

"Okay, just a few more," a PT (physical therapist) assisted me as I walked on the treadmill.

It's been 2 days since I started doing this exercise thing. A PT went to my room. He asked if my condition was good to start exercising my body little by little. My bones feel rusty, so I decided to comply. I need to move my limbs if I want to recover quickly.

I've been doing different exercises for about 30 minutes now. And to be honest, I kinda feel tired already. I guess my body's not used to doing a lot of activities just yet.

"Okay, we're done. Good job." He cheered for me. I tried to smile, hoping it didn't come out as a grimace. He wrote something on the paper he was holding from the moment we started. "We'll have another session tomorrow. Would that be okay?"

"Yes, of course." I answered, not really sure if I had a choice.

"Let's get you back in your room." He helped me sit on the wheel chair again. Thank goodness for this chair.

I played with the ball while I sat. When we got in my room, I wasn't really expecting anyone to be there. But when the door opened, the loud TV welcomed me inside. It was loud I had to shout. "Turn it off!" then it went quiet. The TV was completely black, I noticed a boy standing in front of it holding the remote.

"Sorry." He said as soon as we locked eyes. It was the same boy from that night I first woke up. The one who ran outside the room to call a doctor for help.

The PT pushed the wheel chair close to my bed, the boy quickly went to me so he could help me climb in bed. "Thanks," I said to the both of them.

"I'll be going now. Call me when you need anything." With that the PT left.

I looked at the teenage boy who was awkwardly standing beside me. "I'm sorry about the TV, I just wanted to block some thoughts out of my head." he explained. I felt sympathy towards him. His eyes looked tired. He looked empty inside.

I reluctantly smiled at him not really sure what to say at his statement. "It's okay. Just.. don't do it again."

"I missed you." My heart softened at his statement. But I'm not sure how to respond, I don't remember him, so I just stared at him blankly.

Suddenly he leaned in for a hug which surprised me.

"Everything was a mess without you. I didn't have anyone to talk to." I listened to his cry. I wanted to pat his back for comfort, but I was hesitant.

He sounded so down. I remember the lady having the same mood as this boy. Did I cause of a lot of mess?

"While you were sleeping, cops went here to ask about the accident but you were, well, unconscious. But it's all taken care of. I think they've already got your statement, right?" He let go of the hug and looked straight in my eyes.

Earlier there were detectives who came to ask about the accident, I couldn't give much information though, because I don't really remember. "Uh yeah, they did. There wasn't much to say since I don't remember anything. And the lady told them not to push any deeper since it might lead to another severe headache."

"Lady? You mean.. mom?" There was pain in his voice, which made me uncomfortable now. It's like all I'm doing is bring sadness to everyone.

Looking down at my hands, I answered him, "Uhm, yeah. Her." I played with my hands to lessen my awkwardness although it didn't do any good. I was about to ask something when he spoke.

"You really don't remember anything?" He asked so quietly, I almost didn't hear it. "Not even mom? or.. me?"

His voice cracked like he's about to cry so I panicked. "Don't- don't cry please. I'll- I'll try to remember, so please stop." I said lifting my hands in front of me, gesturing him to calm down.

He sighed his tears away. "Yeah. Sorry about that." He laughed bitterly. "I get emotional when I'm.." He shook his head and didn't continue what to was about to say, but instead introduced himself, "Anyway, it's me... Maven, your favorite brother." He smiled, but I can still see sadness behind it.