Double Tap: Decode [BXB]

CHAPTER 18

Teagan

"The doctor said you'll be discharged tomorrow," River informed Zion, who remained stoic despite the news. I could tell, though, that he was secretly relieved. River went on to list the dos and don'ts for Zion's recovery, reminding him to avoid injuries and infections. I knew Zion was aware of these precautions, but he seemed to appreciate his brother's concern nonetheless. It was as if he was giving River the chance to fulfill his role as a big brother, despite River's memory loss.

After River finished speaking with Zion, he approached me. "Can I talk to you for a minute?" he asked, and I nodded. We walked a few paces away from Zion's bed.

"This might be asking too much, but you're all he has, Teagan," River began.

"What do you mean?" I inquired, sensing the seriousness in River's tone.

"Will you stay with him? Can you look after him, for me?" River's eyes pleaded with me, holding back tears.

His request felt overwhelming. It went against my plans and could fuel the rumors circulating about us. But I couldn't ignore the fact that Zion needed someone. Despite his outward strength, he was vulnerable inside, quite literally. Besides, he was my camp buddy, and I owed him that much. He had trusted me, even though I was a stranger to him due to his condition.

"Well, if he's okay with it," I replied, but River shook his head, causing my brows to furrow in confusion.

"We can't tell him that someone is looking out for him. He doesn't want to feel cared for or monitored," River explained, his gaze fixed on his brother.

"So, you want me to secretly look after him?" I clarified.

"Something like that," River confirmed, scratching the back of his head with a sheepish smile.

"I'm not sure if I can do it, but I promise to do my best to keep him safe," I assured him, earning a genuine smile from River. I hadn't realized how much I missed that smile.

After exchanging numbers with River, we returned to Zion's side. Before long, Zion interjected, revealing that he had overheard our conversation.

"I could hear you, you know," he said casually, making River and me exchange surprised glances. "I could see your lips moving," he added, causing River to laugh in resignation.

"No one can escape your sharp eyes, bro," River remarked.

Zion turned to me. I raised an eyebrow at him, but he just looked away. Was that all?

"If it's Teagan, then I'm fine with it," Zion declared, leaving River and me staring at him in wonder. Once again, my cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Unbelievable! Could he please stop doing this?

"Well, it's settled then," River concluded.

A new week had begun, signaling the return of our mundane classes and boring lectures. But there was something else adding to the challenge of the week.

A honk from a car drew my attention, causing me to halt. I glanced at the vehicle parked beside the road, unable to discern the occupant due to the tinted windows. As the windshield lowered, revealing River inside, I realized that my duty as Teagan Reese had resumed.

"Hi, Teagan!" River greeted me with his sweetest smile. I hesitated, unsure of how to react.

"Hello," I responded cautiously.

"Need a lift?" River offered, gesturing towards the car.

"No thanks. The school is just a meter away. I'll enjoy the stroll," I declined, and he nodded understandingly.