The Time Before Dawn

Part 2

"Aiden Hurley, at your service."

Oh shit.

"Uh, hey. Um, if-if you don't mind, I'll, uh, be right back," I squeak, blushing. Without waiting for a reply, I book it down the hall where Jen is sat at the front desk.

"You didn't tell me Aiden Hurley was the patient!" I squeal instantly.

Jen shrugs, a smirk creeping across her face. She holds up a perfectly manicured finger, "One, you didn't ask, and two, he was standing in front of you the entire time."

"Okay, but I didn't see him there! Now what do I do?"

"Well, start by getting back in there and helping him."

I travel back down the hallway with a roll of my eyes and deep breath as I open the door to the recovery room. Awkwardly, I say, "Sorry about that, we just had a little mix up—"

"So you do know my name."

I purse my lips, squinting at him. "What?"

"Heard you yelling it from down the hall," he smirks.

Awwww shit. That is so awkward.

"Uhhh—yeah. We go to the same school." I confirm, mentally refraining myself from saying, Of course I know you! You're the Aiden Hurley, star quarterback and player who's loved by all no matter how many girls you've used. Ha, no thanks.

"I knew I recognized you!" he smirks, "So what's a pretty chick like you doing here?"

I give him a flat glare, unwilling to show his compliment affects me although my cheeks betray me by flushing a light pink. "I'm an intern. Now get on this mat, face down."

"Damn, chica. Kinky. I like it."

This time I give him a full glare, causing his eyes to widen before complying without another word. Hey, God? Hi. I'd like you to let me know who up there has it out for me, if you don't mind. No? Nothing? Alright, I guess I'm alone then.

I sigh, "Now grab your ankle and bring it towards the same knee."

"Which ankle?" he asks stupidly.

Is he serious right now? Which ankle does this dummy think? Nooo, I'm just going to have you stretch your non-injured leg. Why else would you be at physical therapy, just to get your stretch party on? Apparently so.

If there's one thing I've learned from Gracie's fangirling sessions over him, Aiden is pretty darn quick. But right now, it's definitely not showing. A crease in my forehead forms as my eyebrows lower. "Are you joking?"

A slight blush crosses his cheeks as he replies, "Ahh, right. Obviously." After a short pause, he smiles in an attempt to redeem himself, "Sorry, I think I'm just a little put off by the fact that a beautiful girl is stood right in front of me."

Wow, and now he's trying to flirt? Great. Absolutely great. I already know that this day can't pass quick enough. I stare at him with a mixture of disbelief, cringe, and disgust on my face. "Just-just do ten reps. I'll be back."

For the second time in ten minutes, I bolt down the hallway to the front desk. Once there, I snatch my coffee from its surface, taking a long, refreshing sip. Ahh. What would I ever do without this heavenly drink, probably crafted from the hands of God himself?

On the short walk back to the recovery room, I take the time to text my best friend. She unquestionably lives for these kinds of awkward situations, and on more than one occasion has pestered me about what to do if I ever encounter one.