Fall Down? Get Back Up!

Chapter 6: My Truck?!

Ashley's POV

I opened my eyes, an all-too familiar light shone brightly in my face, bland walls, and huge windows that were covered with drab curtains. I was back in the hospital.. My head and body ached all over, I went to sit up but, I could not-I was restrained by a nurse. Her chocolate brown eyes softened and her voice was quiet.

"Sweetie.. You have a broken leg and were in a medically induced coma for almost a week..." The nurse's nametag read GRACE. I sighed, my whole body began to shake, looking around the room and my vision blurred, tears had begun to flow down my pale cheeks. The feelings and the pain I had held together for three years. The loss of my brother, the thought of losing Apollo to colic, and the feeling of pain when I nearly died.

"Has anyone come to see me?" I asked sarcastically. The nurse looked at me and pointed her pen to a pile of flowers, cards, and deflated balloons on the table next to the bed. I reached over, reading one card that stuck out: 'Get well soon boo, we need to talk ASAP. Love, Caleb.' I threw the card under the bed, looking to see Dale had brought me the Gators colored M&M's. My favorite.. I popped one orange into my mouth, I looked around the room and spoke "When do I get out?" The nurse smiled and nodded to me.

"You get out in a few minutes.. Seeing your awake, breathing, and not in any trauma or anything else.. Your free to go.. I'll send in Berty to undo your IV and help you into the wheelchair.. Be sure not to get your cast wet.. The sweetest kid came in and told me to do the doctor to do the cast in neon pink so, it is.. He brought you a change of clothes, they're on the foot of the bed.." She smiled and walked out.

A tall and dark-haired man walked in, he has a warm smile and somewhat crooked teeth. He shook my good hand, smiling.

"I'm Bert but, everyone calls me Berty. I also like Superman if you like.." I giggled softly and he smiled, pulling out the IV and helping me stand up. "I'll let you go change.." He went and sat on the bed and I half limped, half hopped to the bathroom. Pulling on my shorts and observing the neon pink cast. I pulled on the camouflage shirt and my Justin Gypsy Boots on the one non-castes foot. A smile on my face as I put on my camouflage hat with the golden fish hook on it. I hopped out and smiled, Berty smiled and helped into the wheelchair. I let out a sigh and rolled myself out of the room, turning the corner and seeing the wall lined with friends and family. My mom, daddy, Dale, Grandma Felicia, Lilly, and Caleb. I smiled and rolled up, their faces turning from looks of sorrow to bright, shining Suns. I was surrounded with hugs and everyone signed my cast. Dale kissed my lips as he bent down to my level and smiled, I hugged him tightly.

"So glad your safe!" Lilly mounded and piled me with bear hugs and questions of what it's like to have a cast. My mom touched my cheek and my daddy ruffled my hair. I looked around to see my family and friends but, Caleb sat alone. He hadn't budged from his spot on the chair. I looked to my mom and she got the message. She clapped her hands and smiled.

"Everyone out, Caleb wants to speak to Ashley and I'm not staying here to find out.." Everyone immediately filed out, Dale kissed my forehead and I rolled up to Caleb. He clenched his fists and looked up at me, his eyes filled with tears and he leaned forward and kissed my lips harshly. I was too lazy to pull back. I couldn't.. I felt the spark I lacked with Dale.. I had missed Caleb's warm lips, his deep and southern voice, his smile, and his laugh. I smiled as we kissed deeper. I then pulled back my eyes closed as I processed what I had done but, when I began to turn my head, nothing-nothing-prepared me for what was happening next...

oooooohhhh suspense! That picture is of Ashley's cast and her white legs..(being an equestrian sucks sometimes alright?)