Hard To Love (Professor / Student)

Life

We get to the hospital and the Paramedics rush me inside to the ER.

"19 year old, female. Possible broken ribs, internal bleeding and concussion" One of the guys says and I look back at him and start crying again

"No! I can't have a concussion!" I yell, trying to get off the stretcher. Two nurses run over and hold me back on the stretcher. They check me into a room and for the rest of the day I'm poked and prodded like an animal. The amount of tests and scans they make me take is ridiculous. I guess it's better than being under the watchful and sorry eyes of Mark and my family. Yeah, my mom, dad and brother arrived 2 hours ago and have done nothing but be sorry for me. I know they are being nice, but do I deserve that?

A sweet nurse hands me a beige blanket as I come out of my MRI and motions for me to sit in the wheelchair.

"I can walk" I mutter, and he laughs

"I know, but it is hospital policy"
I roll my eyes and he chuckles "Just get in the chair, your highness"

We start back towards my room, but he makes a turn to the common area on this floor

"Where are we going?"
"I thought you could use some time away from all the questioning and sorry eyes"

I look back at him and he just shrugs and smiles. We head to a secluded part of the room by a large window. The Nurse, who's name I learned was Cam hands me a bottle of water and chocolate pudding from the cafeteria.

"I'll come and get you in a little bit. Okay?" He asks and I nod. The water and pudding remain untouched as I stare out the window, recalling everything that has happened in the past few days.

The night Logan grabbed me is still a little fuzzy. I remember walking out of the party, getting an Uber and walking up to my dorm room. But, from then I can't remember. Some time goes by and a hand touches my shoulder. I jump and drop the pudding on the floor.

"I am so sorry I scared you" Nurse Cam says and I regain my breath.

"It's fine. Just a bit jumpy." I admit and he nods

"It'll subside. Just give it some time. Speaking of time..." He says looking at his watch "I think it's time you talk to your family."
"I don't know about that."
"Vanessa, there is nothing you should feel guilty about. What those people did to you was not your fault."
"But I can't help but feel guilty." I say and he crouches down in front of me.

"What you are going through is completely normal. And I promise if you talk to your loved ones it will get better."

"Can we just sit here for a little longer?" I ask. Nurse Cam smiles and takes a seat. The two of us sit and watch the birds outside the 3rd story window. "Will it ever be normal?"
"What sweetie?"
I look over at him "Will my life ever be normal again? This year has been nothing but emotional and physical pain again and again."
"From what I hear, you're a pretty tough young lady. And I know you will be okay. Its going to be tough and its not going to happen overnight, but I know you will get better."

"Thanks. I think I'm ready to go back to my room"

"Good. Now let's get you back before your mom kills me" He says and we both laugh. He pushes me down the hallway back to my room.

"There you are" My mom says and walks over. I stand up and my parents both rush over to help.

"Guys, I am okay. I appreciate you being here and trying to help. I just need to get through this on my time, okay?"
"Oh honey, we are sorry. We just want to help"
"I know. But you know what would help a lot?"
"What sweetie, anything you want" My dad says, and I smile slightly