Nineteen

Chapter Seventy-Eight

Outside of my room, the nurse is waiting with a wheelchair. I assure her that I'm okay, but she says it's protocol. I sit in the chair and she wheels me to the elevator, Mac following behind.
The elevator buzzes the whole ride down. I have no idea what floor we were on, or what hospital I'm even in. I'm numb to the whole situation.
When the door opens to the lobby is when I remember him. Collin.
I see the lights are bright outside, showing me that it's Monday already. I wonder what he thinks happened, if he had known where I was, I'm sure he would have been here.
The nurse stops my chair outside of the door, and Mac helps me us. We thank the nurse and she goes on back inside. In front of the building is a police car.
"You know, for someone who likes to underage drink and stuff, are you sure you should work with the police?" I grit out as he helps me into the front seat.
"Ha ha," he mocks as he shuts my door. "For someone with a broken jaw, are you sure you should be talking so much?" He says when he gets in his seat. I can't he, but try and smile.
As we start down the road, I realize I don't recognize where I am. I'm sure it's because I've never needed to find a hospital before this.
"You know, trauma comes from this sort of thing. If you need someone to talk, or to stay the night with you, not only am I obligated, but I wouldn't mind to—from a friend perspective," he says.
I turn my head to look at him. "I'll get back to you on that," I mumble out.
"The doctor said you can rake the bandage off in a few hours to let it breath and replace, but you have to wear them for two weeks, at the least."
I roll my eyes. First the broken hand, and now my jaw.
"Did you arrest him?" I ask.
"I didn't. I don't have the authority. I just do busy work and ride with other cops. Oh, and sometimes I get to drive the cars," he says. "But they aren't expecting him to be released anytime soon. Usually you would have to go to court, but there are so many different charges on him, that it's not really needed."
I lay my head against the window of the car and wait until we're back onto campus.

When the Miami University sign comes into view, I raise up from the door. My jaw is very sore, and I probably shouldn't of put so much pressure on it.
When he shifts the car into park, I see that we're beside of my car. Right as I begin to worry about what happened to my stuff, Mac pulls out a plastic bag and lays it in my lap.
I look through it and find my car keys, wallet, and cell phone. When I click the button on my phone, I have twenty eight missed calls. All from Collin.
I also have have a few texts, but I decide to leave them alone. For now.
When I step out, I realize that nobody knows what has happened to me. I'm sure the rumor has made it around of what happened, but nobody could know it's me.
We walk across the sidewalks and I get a few looks, but thankfully not many people are out and about today. My class. That's why nobody is out.
I forgot I had class today. It's Monday and I missed all of the early ones.
When we get to my dorm, I open the door to see it empty. To my surprise, it's later than I thought. It's about two.
I sit on my bed and take my shoes off. Mac stands at the door and slides his hands into his pockets.
"So, have you gave anymore thought to me staying with you? I just know what something like this can do to a person," he says. I hold up my finger, suggesting he wait for a moment. I pull out my phone and dial the number.
"Hello?" His raspy voice over the speaker calms me already.
"Hi," I say.
"I'm at work," he stops me. I can tell he's angry.
"I just wanted to know if you were going to spend the night with me."
"Doubtful. I'm working all night."
My hopes fall. I should tell him what happened, but he doesn't deserve it with the attitude he's giving me.
"I'll let you go, then."
"Okay," he says before he hangs up the phone.