College Affairs

Chapter 29

You're too stunned to say anything so you stare from one person to the other. How did you not connect this before? Susan was at least in her forties and the professor was surly in his early- mid sixties and the way they looked at each other were the looks married couples often gave. Your thought train however, was interrupted by a doctor coming towards you, a grave look on his face. Your body jerks into a standing position but you barely notice. "How is he?" You hear the professor ask.
"He has a bruised rib and had a hard knock to the head. It didn't do much damage but he'll have a sore head when he wakes up." The doctor states. "When will he wake up?"
"When can I see him?" The two questions overlapping each other.
"He was also suffering from lack of sleep so it might take him longer than usual thanks to the medication we gave him." The doctor trails on so you interrupt him with your previous question, "When can I see him?" The doctor looks at you for a moment, "Tomorrow morning when visiting hours start." He states.
"But she's his girlfriend." Susan bursts annoyed.
"Family only."
"They're practically engaged." She lies. You stare at her wondering if it's true when the doctor gives in. "I'll give you an hour tops." He says, then turns so you can follow him. You look over your shoulder to Susan who grins and gives you the thumbs up while Jeff's arm is wrapped around her and you think, maybe there is hope for you and Tom. You follow the doctor into a lift, make it to level three and let him lead you through a set of corridors. He stops at a door, says something you don't pay much attention to and lets you slip in. Your eyes settle on Tom lying almost peacefully on the bed, a purple bruise covering his left cheekbone, a cut above his eyebrow and the cuts along his knuckles. You've barely made it to the chair when you take his hands in both of yours, they feel somewhat rougher compared to the gentle hands you remember burning along your body. You feel your eyes smart with tears and you let them come as you kiss his hand, willing him to wake up.
"He'll be alright." You tell yourself over and over again but saying it and believing it are two very different things.

You don't remember falling asleep don't startles to be shaken awake by the professor.
"You should go home and get some rest." He says gently.
"Has he woken up yet?" You ask ignoring his suggestion. He shakes his head, "Seriously though, you should go home. I'll stay with him."
"Okay but I'll be back tomorrow." You say getting up, the professor shakes his head again, "Exams are around the corner so you should attend your classes and study. I'll keep you updated." He says gently but sternly. You frown but nod your head, planting a kiss on Tom's forehead before you leave, after all what's the point in pretending you don't have a relationship when your secrets already out. You squeeze his hand gently before leaving, telling yourself over and over again that he'll be alright.