The Life of Madison Dallas

Recovery

Madison's POV

I just wanted to leave. I hated being in the hospital. It's not like I haven't gotten any better. I'm fine, really I am. I've been in this dump for about a week now.

Suddenly the nurse walks in. "You're set to leave Madison."

"Madi. It's just Madi."

The nurse gives me a polite smile before walking out again. I check my phone once again. Ethan hasn't texted me in the last four hours. I'm a little worried. We always talk. Even when the conversation ends Ethan would find a way to start a new one. He's been a little odd since the day I arrived at the hospital.

Ethan is very loving. He's a great best friend. I just don't understand why my heart aches when he isn't around. I refuse to like my best friend.

"Well, Madi, you're all set to go." The nurse says before unhooking every machine from my sore body.

I sigh deeply and head towards the exit of the hospital. Why wasn't Ethan here? He was always here for me.

Finally, Ethan walked in. "Hey Madi." I smile and sigh of relief. "Ethan, where have you been?" He chuckled slightly. "I ran into my crazy ex at the store. I came as fast as I could."

"I'm being released." I say cheerfully. Ethan smiled showing his perfect white teeth. "That's amazing! I have some stuff for you. It's out in my car."

Ethan heads towards the doors. I get up in one swift move and instantly feel dizzy. "Woah-." Ethan whips around and catches me before I fall on to my face. He was always there when I needed him.

"Is it okay if I stay with you a while? They're probably putting you on bed rest or something."  I smile and nod. My main focus was just getting out of this damn place.

From there Ethan took me home. To my nice warm bed.

***

"Can I get you something Madi?" Ethan asks returning to my room. "No thank you Ethan." He smiles and heads for the door. "Ethan..." He faces me once more. "Will you lay with me?"

I watch as his smile broadens. I loved his smile. It was the most beautiful thing in the world.

Without hesitation he walks over to my bed and climbs in next to me. "So you're not going to school for a while?"

"I have to go back. I need to get my work done."

"I'll bring your work to you."

I sigh and lay my head on his chest. Listening to the sound of his heartbeat calms me. Oh, Ethan. I close my eyes as Ethan runs his fingers through my hair.

"I'm so sorry Madi." Ethan mumbles. "It's okay Ethan. It's not your fault." I can sense him frown.

Although he doesn't believe me, it really isn't his fault. He couldn't have possibly known that I was going to get hit by a car.

I open my eyes once more and look at him. "Ethan," I say, "will you sing me that song you used to sing me when we were little?"

Ethan smiles and says, "of course."

I re-close my eyes as Ethan begins to sing my favorite lullaby.

Ethan holds me in his arms as we sit together in a rocking chair. He rocks me back and forth while reading me Disney princess stories before bed. Nothing is working. "I have an idea." Ethan says. I look up at him with tear stained eyes. I'm tired, but I refuse to fall asleep. Not even for Ethan this time. "Would you like me to sing to you, Madi?" I rub my eyes sleepily and nod. Gently, Ethan picks me up and carries me to my crib. Momma won't let me have a big girl bed until I learn to stay out of trouble. Ethan lays me inside and covers me up. "Snug," He says tucking me in beside my ribs. "like a bug," tucking in my waist. "in a rug." My feet. I yawn once more and look at him. "Close your eyes." He says. I do as I'm told and close my eyes. Ethan clears his throat before picking up his guitar and strumming a couple chords.