The Guy Who Gave Up His Jersey (New Version)

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"Every time you hear the beep sound I need you to raise your hand, okay?" Greg said as he prepared to start the hearing test.

Today was going to be my last day at the hospital before I get discharged to go home. My hearing was at a normal level and it was less frequent it would go away. Greg wanted to do one last hearing test since he wanted to feel one hundred percent positive, I was going to be released in good condition.

I nodded and proceeded to raise my hand everytime I heard the beeping sound. A part of me was relieved I was going home, the staff is great but I missed my own privacy. Nurses came all hours in the day and night taking blood pressure, giving me medication, and sending me to have tests done. I get they were doing their job and they weren't trying to bother me, yet every time I'd try to get shut-eye, someone would bother me.

I never thought I'd admit this but I miss being at my house. My bedroom was calling my name and the satisfaction of being able to sleep in my own bed tonight was getting me eager.

Greg finished the test and smiled staring down at the people before him. "You did great, you're hearing seems to be at its total capacity."

"In all honesty, I hear you clearly and loudly today than I have in the last week."

"Good, I'm going to start on your discharge papers and have you out of here by dinner time." He said, closing the folder he was holding onto.

"What about my stitches?" I pointed behind my ear.

"Most of the stitches are will dissolve on their own the other ones I'll have to take out. I'll have the nurse make you an appointment for December to check if the staples are ready to be removed."

I nodded. "I'll have someone come in and take the IV out."

The bathroom door behind me opened and I turned around to see Alejandro stepping out. He gave me a small smile before the big his attention to Greg.

"Is she good to go?" He asked.

Greg nodded. "I'm going to get her discharge papers ready, hopefully, if the nurses aren't too backed up on the papers for other patients she'll be out by dinner time."

"Sounds good," Alejandro responded. Greg excused himself and left the room. I turned to look at Alejandro and grinned excitedly.

"I'm ready to go home," I told him, seating myself down on the edge of the bed.

"I'm sure you are. I'm happy I don't have to see you in a hospital bed anymore." He confessed.

I was still getting used to him being affectionate in a different manner than a friend. It was going to take me time to get over the fact he and I mutually liked each other.

"It was making me feel a bit down knowing you were still here, even if I knew you were going to be okay." He cupped my cheek, before pressing his lips against mine. "Things are going to get better for us, I promise I won't let anyone else hurt you again."

His words caused my heart to thud rapidly against my chest. I had never had the security of another person and hearing it come from Alejandro made it special. I found truth in his promise and from here on out, life was going to be easier. Since the beginning life had a propose for him and me, I believe this is it. Whether we end up dating or figuring out where this is leading to, it is going to be worth it.

After the dismissal papers were ready Alejandro and I left the hospital, thinking we were going to go to my house we took the route towards the cafe. I was confused, I wanted to go home and take in the fresh air of my home. My body ached for my mattress and I wanted a nice hot shower in my own bathroom. As much as I missed being at the cafe and smelling the ground coffee, the anticipation of being back at work could wait for a few more days.

I didn't bother asking Alejandro where we were going or why we were going there. If he wants to take me somewhere else which isn't my house or in the cafe, I'll let him. Alejandro has permission or at least I assume he does.

"Your parents asked me to bring you here." I heard him say as he parked the truck in front of the cafe.

"Oh okay," I replied, unbuckling my seatbelt and getting out of the truck.

Alejandro opened the door for me and I walked inside, getting startled by the group of close friends and family gathered in the cafe. A big banner with the words Welcome Home was written in bright pink letters. My eyes landed immediately on my Aunt Vivian who had a bright smile on her face. I quickly rushed over to her, giving her a tight hug.

"You're back," I told her.

"I had to see you come home." She responded, giving me a kiss ontop of my head. "You and i missy have a lot ot talk about when we get home." Her eyes wondered towards Alejandro.

I chuckled. "Okay."

I went around the cafe greeting everyone and answering some of the questions. Mostly, everyone wanted to know how I was feeling and they were glad I was out of the hospital. It turns out my parents and the girls decided to make me a surprise get together. It was a nice gesture from their part since being cooped up in a hospital room for a week gets depressing.

It took me awhile to realize my father was present but a part of me knew he wasn't going to be here. He had been doing his work at the hospital and he had pushed back meetings to be with me. He's probably out of town getting caught up in his meeting and work. Hopefully, he would be back by Thanksgiving.

I took a seat at the table where the girls were seated at and we caught up on things. Maria apologized for the hundredth time about what her brother did and I explained to her again there was nothing she needed to apologize for. Her parents offered to pay my medical bills and my parent's decline, all they wished for was for Lucas to stay away from me if not charges were going to be pressed on him.

In a way, I am not angry for what he did to me. I'm not condoning it but without the fall I would've never knew about the tumor. I forgive him for the way he acted, he taught me a valuable lesson—don't lie to my parents. Whether my parents are around me or not, they know what's best for me. Running off with Alejandro was the first and last strike and sneaking out of the house was the icing on the cake.

My rebellious state needs to stop. It hasn't gotten me anywhere decent. I've lied to my parents, runaway, and have been a complete brat. If this was life ways of giving me a reality check, message receive.

"You feeling okay?" Alejandro said, touching my shoulder. I snapped out of my thoughts and nodded.

"Yeah, I didn't realize how tired I am." I confessed. Although, I have slept more than I have ever since I was a child, it's not the same type of rest than being in your own bed.

"I can take you home?" He offered.

"Okay." I whispered.

Alejandro went to ask my mom for the house keys and I said goodbye to my friends and family. Everyone was confused by how close Alejandro and I were now. We could feel their eyes on us as we left the cafe, Alejandro gave me a small smile as he opened the door for me.

"I think they're a bit confused about what's going on."

I looked at him and grinned, "and what's going on?"

"You and I are together, that's what's going on."

"Alejandro, are you asking me to be your girlfriend?" I smirked.

"Yeah." He smiled. "I am asking."