Fly Away

Chapter 3 - Whispers

The nurse came into the room a few moments after Zack left. 

"Hi Raven, Zack told me you hit your head," she said while handing me some ice.

I took it gratefully and pressed it to the spot where my head hit the ground. "Thank you."

"You're welcome."

I hate being injured, because I feel helpless and like I can't do anything. I also feel bad when people take care of me - I guess I just got used to doing everything on my own.

 I laid back onto the little bed and sighed. "I'm sorry."

"For what?" she asked.

"Bothering you," I mumbled, removing the ice pack because I felt that I would get a brain freeze if I kept it there any longer. 

I must've hit my head too hard. 

Why did you just apologize to a nurse for hitting your head? You're so stupid.

Why am I like this? Just, why?

She chuckled. "You're not bothering me. Plus, this is my job."

I smiled in reply, not in the mood to talk.

"I called your mother, too. She should be here in about half an hour."

I smiled at her. "Thank you, ma'am."

"You're welcome," she replied. "Let me know if you need anything. I'll be at the front desk." She left, leaving me alone in the dimly lit room.

I closed my eyes, feeling a wave of tiredness wash over me. I barely slept last night, due to my racing thoughts from being anxious about starting at a new school.

Luckily, the lack of sleep was catching up to me and mind was finally able to blank, so I snatched to opportunity to drift into a peaceful slumber.

***

A hand gently shaking my shoulder pulled me out of sleep. I instantly jerked back as I jolted upright into a sitting position. My head began to ache again, the throbbing making me wince in pain.

That scared the crap out of me.

"Oh, I'm sorry, sweetie," apologized the nurse. "I wasn't sure how else to wake you."

"It's okay," I reassured in a small voice. "Is my mom here yet?"

She nodded. "Have a nice day, Raven."

"You too," I replied as the nurse walked out the door.

I swung my legs over the edge of the bed. To my surprise, they kicked something. I hopped off the bed and crouched down. Someone had brought my backpack into the room and set it on the floor.

It must've been Zack.

I smiled as I recalled Zack carrying me to the nurse's office. The way his strong, lean arms were holding me close to my chest... his scent with just the right amount of cologne mixed in... How tall I felt, seeing the world from his height of about six feet tall.

It sure was a huge shock to me, since I'm only about 5'3". Yes, I know that I'm short. Apparently boys think short girls are cute, so it's okay. I slung my backpack over my shoulder and walked out of the room to find my mom.

I didn't even realize I was grinning like a fool until I saw my reflection in the window.

***

Mom signed me out of school at the front desk before we walked to the parking lot. I hopped into the passenger seat of my mom's Ford Explorer and buckled my seat belt. I settled into the cool leather seat and pulled my backpack onto my lap, hugging it close to me.