Kaylie tried to finish her school work while she sat in her hospital bed. She kept getting distracted and was unable to concentrate. She hated the fact that her teammates were at The Rock training and she was stuck sitting on her ass in an uncomfortable hospital gown. And she was thinking of Austin and whether he would come back or not. She would never admit it, but she missed him.
She gave up on her trig homework, throwing it on the floor, and covering her face with her hands. How did she let herself get this way? She was, is the National Champion, this isn't supposed to happen. She needed to move, to stretch, to get out of this place. She got up, steadying herself on the IV pole. Her mother had left her some clothes when she last visited. She just needed to reach them.
She walked forward. I can do this, she thought. Just a couple more steps and she was at the hard, plastic chair. She grabbed the clothes and put them on, carefully avoiding pulling on the picc line and the countless IV's stuck in her arms and hands. If there was one thing she hated about the hospital the most it was that damn picc line. She wasn't aloud to eat anything, save for a few ice chips. Any nutrients went into the picc line, which was painfully stabbed into her chest. She wanted some real food, she would eat anything. She was ready to eat, she thought.
She sat back down in bed and hit the call button. The nurse came in quickly.
"Yes hun," She said.
"Is there anyway I could get something to eat?" Kaylie asked. She really hoped she would say yes.
The nurse looked astonished, but then collected herself in a cool manner. "Let me ask the doctor and see what he wants you to do." She left the room.
Kaylie took the opportunity to check her messages on her phone. Lauren, Emily, and Payson had all texted her, but the name she wanted to see most didn't show. MJ had called her, her voice mail gave her the good news that news of her fall hadn't spread through the tabloids. She was just about to call Leo when she heard a soft knock on the door.
"Food delivery for Miss Cruz," a familiar voice said. "Only the finest jell-o for the national champion."
There he was. Standing in the doorway was Austin Tucker. He looked good, with dark washed jeans and his signature black tee. His smile was a little devious and he had a twinkle in his blue eyes.
Kaylie suddenly felt self- conscience. She worried how her hair looked, and how bad she looked in yoga pants and a tank top.
"Hey Aus," she said a little shakily. She tried her best to put on a great smile. Apparently it worked because Austin walked in and pulled a chair up to the bed. He opened the container of jell-o and handed it to her.
"How are you feeling?" Austin asked.
"I'm better. I feel stronger and should be back training in a few days," Kaylie said in between bites of jell-o.
"That's great Kay." Austin didn't want to say anything about her going back to The Rock. He did not want to be forced out again.
"Austin, what's wrong?" Kaylie asked when he seemed like he was holding something back.
"Nothing, I was just thinking…. Look Kaylie, I'm really sorry about what I said the.."
"Stop. It was nothing. You were right." Kaylie admitted. "Don't let it go to your head Tucker."
They both shared a laugh. "I wont. Don't worry."
"This jell-o sucks!" Kaylie sputtered. She laughed and slammed the cup down on her tray.
Austin smiled. "Well I guess it's a good thing I brought Spruce Juice and some Pizza Shack." He pulled a brown box and two cups out of his black back pack and set them on the tray.
"You are a lifesaver!" Kaylie exclaimed.
Austin just smiled at her. They were silent as they ate, but it was an understood silence. Each of them enjoyed each other's presence. It was all they needed. For a moment they were both happy.
