Friday, September 18
James' POV:
When I showed up at the hospital on Tuesday, she wasn't expecting it and I noticed her heart monitor did something strange; it spiked when I walked in. I wonder what that was about so I ask "hey, are you ok?" She's blushing and nodding her head. "What are you doing here?" "Bringing you your homework, You don't wanna get behind. Also Mrs.S & Mr. M are giving us an extension on our project since you're recovering." "Thank you, you really didn't have to do that." "I like to believe you would've done the same for me. Plus Megan and Dawson wanted to come check up on you and I needed a ride anyway." "Oh yea, the whole not driving thing, I almost forget." She says laughingly, but then clutches her ribs and groans in pain.
I grab her hand and stroke it with my thumb while her pain subsides. When she relaxes, her heart monitor spikes again. I ask "your heart monitor did that thing again, are you sure you're ok?" "Yea, it's all good." "Ok good, I hate to tell you this but everyone is talking about it." "Yea, I figured, it's a small town rumors are spread fast here." "People also saw a video of you being taken to nurses office by Mr. M" "Oh god, I don't even wanna know what people think of me now; I'm gonna have an even bigger target on my back since I got the popular girls suspended too."
"Don't worry, your friends and I won't let that happen." I say sarcastically "Oh are we not friends now?" He replies bashfully "I didn't know if you considered us friends and I didn't wanna over step." "I think us hanging out every week or ya know you showing up at my hospital bedside constitutes us as friends, what do you think?" "I guess it does." We are smiling and staring into each other's eyes until Megan and Dawson walk in and we all hang out until visiting hours are up.
When I'm at school, I make sure to text her whenever I get the chance so I know she's ok. She was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday. I see her everyday after practice; her nose, scratches and bruises are heeling nicely, but I worry about her ribs. When she gets up, she still winces and since she's home all day alone, who knows how well they are healing.
On Friday, I forgo the football game to hang with Marisa. Who wants to hang with a bunch of guys who are judgmental and mean and watch a sport where guys hit each other for fun when I could hang with her?
When I get to her house, it talks awhile for her to get to the door; she must be struggling today. "Rough day?" "Um yea, I tried to make lunch and it didn't go well." "C'mon, Let me help you."
I have her put her arm around my shoulders and I help her walk to the couch. I go and order pizza to make things easier. "Thank you for your help, I appreciate it a lot, you don't have to but you do it anyway and you're missing the football game so thank you." "Id rather be here any way; this is random, but do you remember what you said to me after surgery?" She thinks for a moment and looks confused. "I really don't remember, I was super out of it, sorry; was is something important?" "Nah, I just wanted to see if you remembered."
Marisa's POV:
I don't expect to see James here on a Friday. He just asked me if I remember what I told him after surgery. Surprisingly, I do remember and it's mortifying. I lie and tell him I don't, because telling him that I do remember is the gateway to having to talk about whatever is happening between us; and my therapist says I'm ready, but I can't bring myself to open up to him. I want to do bad, but I don't think I can help it. He's just so easy to talk to and be around. What is he doing to me?
This whole week he's been so patient, attentive, and helpful. With him teaching me what I've missed, there's been a lot of accidental hands brushing, lightly hugging when I get something right and blushing, lots and lots of blushing.
He orders pizza and puts on a Disney movie, Aladdin, sits next to me. I try to get comfortable without hurting my injuries more, but it's not working. He notices and says "hold on a sec." Then he moves behind me, trying to be careful not to hurt me more. He settles behind me, wants me to lean into him and I willingly let myself; I'm finally comfy. I say "Thank you" and as he lightly wraps his arms around me, he replies "Anytime." We stay like this till the movie is over and it's time to put in another, while he is up changing the movie, he also grabs me an ice pack and a blanket. We settle back down into the same position, this time with an ice pack on my ribs and his hand holding it there. It's far more intimate that I anticipate, but I'm comfy so I don't fight it.
He asks me "have you given more thought to pressing charges against the girls who attacked you?" I say "Honestly Ive thought it and I don't want to ruin their futures, I know they're records will be expunged when they turn 18, but I really don't wanna ruin their lives right now; the most they would get would be community service anyway, so there's no point."
"That's fair. Also I want you to know that I'm not there's for the taking or their property even if they think I am. I wasn't interested in any of them before and especially after the way they treated you. Who wants people like them in their life? Not me, that's for sure. Also, You better get an apology from them personally and it better be heartfelt or I'm gonna have so choice words for them." I say sarcastically "Oh really, are you my protector now?" "I will be if you'll let me." I blush, turn back to the screen and say "I think that can be arranged." And intertwine our fingers.
Dinner arrives halfway through the second movie around 7pm which means we unfortunately have to move. The pizza is great, and so is the company.
After dinner, we return to our original position. At some point, I fall asleep in his arms. When I wake up, I hear him humming which turns into singing a whole new world.
I look at him as best I can and say " you can really sing." I startled him a little. He blushes and says "Thanks, I didn't know you were awake." "I just woke up." "Did I wake you up? I'm so sorry." "no, no, no, you didn't I was already starting to wake up because my ribs are hurting so it's time for Advil." He looks relieved and says "I'll get your meds."
I swear since he's been over everyday that he's starting to learn where everything is in my house like he knows where we keep the medicine. Honestly, I could get used to this.
No one's POV:
After the football game is over, Megan, Joey, Adam and Dawson show up to Marisa's house. James and Marisa fell back to sleep.
But Megan has a key to Marisa's house just in case. She lets everyone in, and they all see the pizza on the table so they dig in and Megan walks into the family room.
She coos at the two cuddling teenagers who obviously like each other but won't admit it and takes a photo. She walks back into the kitchen and makes a bet with the guys about how long they think it's gonna take James and Marisa to get together.
Dawson bets mid October. Megan bets beginning of November. Joey bets end of November. Adam bets beginning of December. The guys disappear in to the basement and Megan goes to wake up James so they can all hang out.
The whole weekend is filled with hanging out with the group, catching up on homework and stolen glances between Marisa and James.
The tension is almost palpable. The plans are also made to have Dawson drive Megan and Marisa to school now that Marisa can't drive till her concussion gets better. Joey and Adam will switch on and off days of taking Megan and Marisa home from school.
