The Mac Effect

Chapter 10

"No. No. No." I hear a voice sob out. My eyes are heavy and I can't open them. I hear faint cries as I begin to become more aware. My body aches all over and I have a pounding headache. My eyes begin to feel less and less heavy and I eventually open them. I wince at the harsh light. When i finally get used to the brightness, I see that I am in a hospital, and Mac is slouched over the side of my bed.

"Mac." I try to speak but it comes out raspy and hoarse. Mac's head pops up and he looks at me shocked with tear stained cheeks. His face and arms have cuts all over, with the side of his face, along his hairline, dawning stitches.

"Oh my god, Stella. You're awake." He presses the nurse call button as he grabs me some water. "Drink this. It will help with your throat." The nurse comes in and asks me some questions and does a work up on me. After a few minutes, she steps back out leaving me and Mac alone again.

"Mac, what happened?" I ask confused.

"We were driving back from the concert, and," he pauses and puts his hands to his face. After a few seconds, he looks back at me with slow tears rolling down his face. "A car, it ran the red light and hit your door. I'm so sorry, Stella. It's all my fault." He begins to blame himself.

"Mac, it wasn't your fault. Don't blame yourself. There's nothing you could have done." I reassure him, grabbing his hand and bringing my lips to it.

"No. I should have been more careful. I should have looked again before I went. I just don't know what I would have done if I lost you, Stella. I just love you so much and if-" he halts his frantic babble as he realizes what he just said. He looks at me with a worried face.

"I love you too, Mac." I whisper out. He smiles and places a soft kiss on my lips. He sits back in his seat and grabs my hand. A few seconds later, the door bursts open and my parents appear. "Mom! Dad!" I exclaim as well has my voice allows me. They both come around the side opposite of where Mac is seated and give me hugs and kisses. After our interaction, they both become aware of Mac. "Guys, this is Mac."

"It's so nice to finally meet you. I'm sorry it's on bad terms." Mac stands up and offers his hand. My dad shakes it while my mom opts to walk to his side of the bed and give him a big hug.

"Thank you so much for watching after our daughter. We've heard so much about you and you seem like a great young man." My mom gushes as she lets go of Mac.

"So, we spoke to the doctor on call. She said that you sprained your arm and have a concussion, but, with some rest, you'll be fine. We also spoke to the officers on your case. They said that the driver who hit you ran the red light and was heavily intoxicated. We have contacted our personal lawyer for the two of you." My dad explains to Mac and I.

"Did they say when I can leave?" I question him.

"They're getting your discharge papers now." He informs with a smile, squeezing my hand.

"Mac, would you still like to come over for dinner tonight? I know it's been a long night." My mother asks Mac. I guess it's Sunday, now.

"I would love to." Mac responds with a smile.

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Mac and I are currently resting on the couch, watching tv. After i was discharged, my parents drove us back to my house. My mom and dad are currently preparing dinner.

"What are you gonna do about your car?" I question Mac from my position in his arms.

"The insurance company is giving me a loaner while I wait for my claim to go through." He answers.

"How bad is the Wrangler?"

"She's totaled."

"Are you gonna try to fix it?"

"The insurance company is giving me a pretty hefty check so I think that you and I are going car shopping." He chuckles out.

"Dinner's ready!" My mom exclaims, popping her head into the living room. We make our way to the dining room. We eat and laugh as we all tell stories. My parents ask Mac all sorts of questions in an attempt to get to know him. We help clean up after dinner and by the time we are done, it's 8:30.

"I should get going. Thank you so much for dinner Mr. and Mrs. Reid." Mac says politely.

"It was great to finally meet you, Mac. You seem like a great young man." My dad confesses offering his hand to Mac. Once they release their grip, my mom wraps her arms around Mac.

"It was so great meeting you. Make sure you come visit whenever we're in town. You're always welcome." She gushes letting Mac go. He says thank you and goodbye one last time and we walk to the door.

"My mom should be here. Car shopping tomorrow after school? Will you pick me up?" Mac asks.

"Yeah, if course. I'll see you in the morning." I hug Mac and give him a sweet kiss and he is out the door.