Our Hope

32 - Maria

Her and Jacob were at lunch when Cole messaged that Hope had injured her leg. Maria worried about her and felt guilty, so they boarded a private jet. The flight was only one hour, but her nervousness increased every moment she waited. A car picked them up and took them to the County Hospital, which was where they were now. It was an older building and framed posters on the wall stated this was the State's Leading Trauma Center.

"I'm sorry we keep being interrupted," Maria told Jacob. She wore the casual white Capri pants and the black top she changed into after the water park. She did not expect to fly hundreds of miles away, so she was not prepared when she became cold on the plane. Fortunately, Jacob gave her his jean jacket. He had on blue jeans and a gray T-shirt.

"It's fine. I enjoy being with you, no matter where you go," he replied with his kind brown eyes staring at her.

The hospital wreaked like a nauseating combination of bleach and blood. They meandered into a quaint gift shop. It appeared to be the only one. She pulled a large metallic helium balloon down by its string from the ceiling. It said, "Get Well Soon."

"Can you hold this?" she gave it to Jacob.

"Of course."

She searched their teddy bear section for a life-size stuffed animal, which they did not have.

"Do you have any more in the back?" She called out.

"No." An older white-haired woman from behind the counter said. Her thick black glasses distorted the shape of her face. She sat on a small circular folding chair.

The largest teddy bear was not very big. She grabbed a brown bear. It was soft and fluffy, so she handed that to Jacob too.

"I also need a card." She said out loud but meant it for herself.

She went to the card section and picked the best one. She also handed that to Jacob.

She breathed in a pleasant aroma from a bouquet of roses on display. She noticed that some petal edges were turning brown. She did not want to give her dying flowers.

"Why are you buying her so much? You said she only had a broken leg."

"She's going to miss the last half of her trials and not be able to go to Mars because she followed my advice. It's my fault."

"Woah. Hang on. We don't know how bad the break is, not to mention that you did what you thought was best for her. You are an amazing friend, and you would never do anything to hurt her."

"This time I did." She cried, and he embraced her.

"Come on. We didn't come here to hang out in the gift shop," Jacob said and paid for the items. He carried them to Hope's room and remained in the hallway.

Maria took the balloon and bear into the room and waited behind a crowd of people. One doctor was speaking to Hope's dad, also a doctor, two nurses, her mom, Cole, and Julie. They did not see Maria approach.

Hope was red-faced and crying. Maria moved closer and used the clip to attach her balloon to her bed. Her leg was in a large white cast.

"I can't miss six weeks," Hope said.

Cole held her hand. "It's not that bad."

"There's only eight weeks left." Hope shouted at him, heatedly. "What are you gonna do, carry me?"

"If I have to."

The doctor and nurses left.

Maria went to Hope, hugged her, and gave her the bear.

Maria flashed her million-dollar smile, which cheered up most people.

Hope was sullen and her expression did not change.

Maria stated, "I agree with Cole because you can still do the work in Kain's class. It's not physical."

Hope did not respond.

Maria continued, "If you stay close enough to Ansh and Sai, then you can catch up during the final test."

"I'm not taking your advice anymore! You were wrong twice. Both times cost me my future."

Hope ripped the teddy bear's head off and threw the pieces into the hallway. The head landed next to Jacob with cotton sticking out of it.

"Get out!" Hope bellowed and pointed to the hallway.

"I know you're upset, but you will make..."

"Get out!" Hope gestured to the hallway again.

She left the room and meandered toward Jacob.

Cole followed her. "Hey Maria. I'm sorry, she's not acting like herself."

"I can tell. I expected her to be crushed, but I wanted her to know that I am here for her."

"I'll tell her when she regains her senses."

"OK."

"Poor Bear," Jacob said. He picked up the pieces and tossed them in the garbage. Then, he placed his arm around, Maria and they headed for the exit.