Broken

Chapter Thirty-Two

"So, we need to talk," said Dad.

I turned my head to look at him. I was sitting in the passenger seat of my car and Dad was driving. I had checked out of the hospital bright and early. I was supposed to make sure I got rest and kept my wound clean. I had instructions to return in a week to get the stitches out and have an overall check-up.

"About?" I asked.

We had yet to get home and I was desperate to be in the comfort of familiar walls. I wanted to lay down in my own bed so badly. The hospital bed was not made for comfort. I was also ecstatic to be in actual clothes rather than the hospital gowns. My outfit was not one that I would have chosen though. Dad had brought me a pair of bright red leggings and a green sweatshirt to wear home. It reminded me of Christmas.

"I've been missing a lot of work lately," he said.

"Look, if you need to go back to New York, I understand," I interrupted him. "I'm fine here and you've stayed with me long enough. I'll be fine."

"Are you sure?" he asked. "I can figure out a way to work from here if you want me to stay longer. Erica needs to get back, but..."

"You should go," I said. "It's fine, I promise. Besides, there's people here who can help me if I need it."

"I don't think you should be alone for a while," said Dad.

"I can take care of myself," I said. "I feel fine."

"As much as my inner father is telling me no, I asked Justin if he wanted to stay with you after I leave," said Dad. "Of course, it's up to you. But...as your father I would feel better knowing you're not alone."

"Okay," I said. Honestly, it had brought me some peace of mind as well. I felt safe with Justin and I wanted to make up for the time we lost while I was in New York. "What did he say?'

"What did who say?"

"Justin. What did he say when you asked him?"

"Oh, he said he would be happy to," said Dad. "He's a good kid. I trust him."

"Good to know," I said. We turned the corner and pulled up to the house. It looked just as I left it. I got out of the car as soon as it came to a stop.

Being home was the best feeling I had experienced in a while. Being in the hospital really made me realize how great the place was. The place was exactly how I left it. I went straight to my room and laid back on my bed. It felt good to be home. I looked over at my door frame and saw Dad standing there with Erica.

"Welcome home," Erica said with a smile.

"Thanks," I said.

"She agreed to let Justin stay here," said Dad as he looked at Erica.

"Great," said Erica. "I'll feel so much better knowing we aren't leaving you to fend for yourself."

I appreciated that they cared, I really did. The problem was I had been fending for myself for a while now. Of course, I had Grandma before, but I still lived all by myself. I was not going to complain about having Justin around though.

I learned that Dad and Erica planned to take an overnight flight out of Houston that night. Erica was wanting to get back to teach her Tuesday class and Dad had a big meeting tomorrow afternoon. I did not mind their last-minute plans at all. I promised Dad that I would call him tomorrow morning before I went to school. He kept reminding me not to go if I did not feel well, but I was dead set on going back to Bridge Wood High School.

Justin kept his word and showed up after his practice. He had showered at the school before heading to my place. He made it just in time to have dinner. Dad had cooked a lasagna, which I learned was Erica's favorite. Dad tried to get me to pick our meal, but I honestly felt like anything would taste good after the cafeteria food.

"How were the laps?" I asked Justin as he walked in. I had answered the door while Dad was finishing up in the kitchen and Erica was getting the table set. He shook his head as he closed the door behind himself.

"There's a reason I don't go out for the track team," he said.

"That bad, huh?" I asked.

"Thank God the season's almost over," he said.

"Hey, Justin," said Dad from the kitchen. "You're just in time! You remember Erica, right?"

"Yeah, of course," said Justin. "Hi."

"Hello," said Erica as she sat down some silverware on the round table. She walked into the kitchen to help carry the food to the table. I walked over to the table, Justin was following behind me. I sat down in my normal seat and Justin sat down in the seat across from me. It was where he always sat when he came over for dinner.

"This is nice," said Dad as he sat down. The lasagna was on the table along with a salad. We all had glasses of water and I was sipping on mine. "This reminds me of dinner with Mom and Dad."

"This food is amazing, Mr. Lathrop," said Justin.

"Thank you," said Dad.

"Trust me," said Erica. "It is so hard for me to try to cook anything at home because I have to compete with this."

"You aren't a bad cook, honey," said Dad.

Erica smiled, "Oh, I know. I'm just not the best."

Dad smiled and then turned his attention to Justin, "So, do you have any plans after high school?" He looked over at me. "I know this one is undecided."

"Uh, I haven't really thought much about it either..." Justin said. I looked across the table at him. I had decided not to think about college because I was afraid of leaving the people in my life behind. I did not like to think about not going to Bridge Wood High School every day and not being able to hang out with Justin whenever I wanted.

"You both haven't thought about college or anything?" asked Erica. "Now is the time to apply for college. You should apply even if you aren't sure you want to go."

"Erica," said Dad. She looked over at him and nodded.

"Sorry, I just don't want you both to have regrets," she said.

"It's alright," said Justin. "You're right. I should be thinking about it."

"Yeah," I said with a nod.

The night was mostly small talk. We ate and Dad continued to interrogate Justin ever so slightly. Justin didn't seem to mind. We cleaned up, still talking. Then Dad and Erica were grabbing their bags and heading towards the door. I felt like I was saying goodbye all the time lately.

"I'll call you tomorrow," said Dad. "Goodbye."

"Goodbye."