Strained

Chapter Twenty-Six

The next day, I spent trying to figure out the best time to tell Mir. I tried to talk to her before class, then after first period, at lunch, after lunch, even in Forensics, but it was no use. Every time I went to tell her, something or someone came up and distracted one of us. It was starting to get frustrating. Although, the procrastinator in me was here for it. Now, the school day had officially ended and I was heading to my locker. I ditched my books, knowing I wasn't going to do any homework tonight. We were all meeting Kate at the hospital to help pick up her mom. 

I adjusted the hem of my skirt. I was wearing a dark blue-green velvet dress with a black and white striped long sleeve turtle neck underneath. My tights were sheer, so I wore my knee-high black boots. My hair was half up and curled. I was trying to look nice for Kate's mom. Although the more I looked at my outfit, I realized I had gone in the wrong direction. Kate's mom was straight and narrowed. She wouldn't approve of the holes in my tights or the leather necklace I was wearing over my turtle neck. 

When I turned to leave, I saw Mir heading in my direction. She had the right idea: she was wearing a white blouse that somewhat hit her belly, a pink blazer, and blue jeans that were tucked into brown boots. It was business-casual. That was what I should have gone for. It was too late now. I wouldn't have time to go home and change if I wanted to meet everyone at the hospital. 

"Hey, I was hoping we could ride to the hospital together?" I almost said no because I was afraid to be alone with her. Except, I didn't have a good excuse, so I just awkwardly nodded.

"Y-yeah, that sounds good," I found myself saying.

"I can pick my car up later," she shrugged. "If you're ready, I am." She offered me a smile. 

"Okay," my voice rose in pitch. "I just have to text my mom real quick," we walked to my car. I sent a quick text to my mom, letting her know I would be home later. She responded back right away, saying she was going to have dinner with Zack. The two of them were dating again. I was glad for her, she really liked Zack. 

The ride there was awkward, but only because of me. My back felt rigged against the seat. The whole time I drove my body was tense. I swear I didn't move the whole time, afraid I would blurt everything out to Mir. I needed to wait for the perfect time to tell her. This wasn't something that you could just say. There were no take-backs with words.

The parking lot at the hospital was a nightmare. It took me ten minutes just trying to find a parking spot. Eventually, with the help of Mir, I found one. Then, we headed inside. We had to stop at the office to help us locate Isobel's room. The hospital smelled like chemicals. It hurt my nose and made my eyes water as we walked through the hallway. I probably looked crazy, but I was getting used to that. 

When we found the room, everyone was already there. Ivelyn stood outside the door, tapping her foot. When she saw me, she scoffed at our tardiness. I ignored her and looked around her, inside the room. Isobel was in a wheelchair and Kate was pushing her. Ryan was there too, holding her bag. Erik and Mir were talking to each other. They both looked like they would rather be anywhere than here. 

"Sorry, we're late, the parking lot was super packed," Mir was quick to apologize. 

"I text you: we're all heading to Kate's now." Ivelyn sounded almost disappointed. I grit my teeth, wondering why Kate asked us to come to the hospital in the first place. Maybe she thought this process would take longer. Then, I felt bad when I realized she wanted us to come as moral support. 

"Okay, we'll follow you there," Mir told her when I didn't say anything. 

"Okay, I'm driving Kate and her mom. I guess Ryan is heading to the library, so when we tell her it'll just be us." Ivelyn said the last part in a low voice. She was careful not to let anyone else here us. I appreciated her subtly.