Flawed Perception

Chapter 15

Chapter 15

When the beach began to get crowded we agreed it was time to head back. The drive home was nearly the same as the drive to the beach, quiet but comforting. When we were nearly to the hospital I got a call from my mom saying I couldn't see Andy today. They were running some more tests and he would be in and out all day. She told me to go home and rest.  

"Okay, mom. I'll talk to you later then," I told her as I hung up. 

"So, no hospital visit today I'm guessing?" Jeremy asked.  

"Nope, straight home for me." I could see the disappointment on his face. He didn't want our day together to be over, and I wasn't sure I did either.  

He drove me to the apartment. He parked in the same spot as before. As I got out I looked at his expression, there was something he didn't want to face later, something I provided a distraction from. 

"Do you want to sit outside and talk?" I asked him. His expression perked up suddenly and he got out of the car. 

"Sure, why not," he told me trying not to sound too relieved. I smiled to myself. He followed as we walked up the stairs to my apartment, stopping at the top. I took a seat on the top stair he sat beside me, much closer than we had been at any point today. "So..." 

"Yeah..." I replied awkwardly, trying my best to think of something to talk about. "I had fun today." 

"I did, too. It's nice to hang out with you again. We should do it more often." I nodded in agreement. It grew silent for a moment. 

"Does your mom visit the hospital often?" I asked.  

"Yeah, I guess," his reply was flat. I couldn't put my finger on it, but something seemed off. "Does Andy get to come home soon?"  

"I think so. They're running tests today, but yesterday they said they only needed to watch him for a couple more days," I told him. I sat still for a moment, thinking about everything I had been through, especially with Andy. That night was one of the scariest of my life. "I'm just glad he's okay." 

"It must have been scary. I don't know what I would have done, to be honest. I heard you passed out?" 

"I did. I don't remember much, though. I remember Andy getting sick, then calling 911. Then the paramedics came and... I heard the flat line, and..." Thinking back on what happened was taking its toll on my emotions. I felt tears brimming. Jeremy seemed to notice. I looked down as I felt him lightly set his hand over my own. I looked up to see a reassuring expression. 

"He's okay now, that's all that matters," he told me. I nodded. I sat beside him, our hands linked, just staring at him, allowing myself to bathe in the comfort he provided. I was content, until I heard footsteps below. 

It was Nick. My heartbeat quickened and my breaths became quick. For some reason I pulled my hand away from Jeremy and distanced myself. I couldn't explain why even if I had to. Something about this situation seemed so wrong. I stood up. 

"Thanks for today, Jeremy," I told him trying hard not to sound as flustered as I felt. He was surprised at the sudden chance in my demeanor, but at that moment I didn't care. 

"Yeah, anytime." I couldn't tell if he was being sarcastic or genuine. Without a glance back in my direction he stood up and walked down to his car. I felt a pang of guilt in my chest as he drove away. I was now left with Nick, who was still downstairs, now leaning on the railing.  

"What was he doing here?"  

"Why does it matter?" I snap back, I can't say my nerves had nothing to do with my attitude. He began walking up the stairs.