Thank you so much for all your lovely reviews! I'm so glad you're enjoying it! As promised, here's the next chapter! It's also a little short, but keep the reviews coming and I will keep updating quickly! XOXO
Chapter Four
Ready To Fall
Perpetual motion; the image won't focus
A blur is all that's seen
But here in this moment like the eye of the storm
It all came clear to me
I found a shoulder to lean on
An infallible reason to live all by itself
-"Ready to Fall" by Rise Against
I spent a lot of time during the next week in Connor's room with Murphy. Sometimes we talked and sometimes we just sat in silence. Sometimes he even tried to sleep, though never very successfully. It took a long time to get used to sleeping a hospital, I knew.
The following Friday, during my individual therapy, Dr. Mendoza surprised me by saying, "I've seen some serious improvement in you over the last week, Naomi."
"You have?" Why hadn't I noticed? I felt the same as ever.
She nodded thoughtfully. "Yes. Even though I'm told you're still not going to therapy, I think you're improving significantly. So I think you and I are going to take a little field trip."
"A field trip?" I repeated. The chance to get away from the hospital, if even for an hour or two, was thrilling. "To where?"
"To see your sister."
I felt my heart drop all the way to my toes. "I don't want to."
"I think it'll be good for you, Naomi," Dr. Mendoza said firmly. "I think you're ready for it. We'll go tomorrow afternoon."
I headed to Connor's room as soon as Dr. Mendoza released me. There was this unnatural panic welling inside me, threatening to burst. Maybe I should have headed to the gym and done a couple laps to let out some steam.
When I reached the hospital room, I heard low voices from inside. Frowning, I knocked lightly and let myself in. Murphy was sitting on the edge of the bed, talking to his brother. Connor had finally woken up.
"And who's this lass?" Connor asked with arched eyebrows, taking in my baggy sweatpants and the ID bracelet on my arm.
Murphy gestured for me to shut the door. "This is Mimi," he introduced. "She's a patient here. She's been keeping me company while you were out."
Connor smiled at me, but then said, "Rauben der wiege es?" Robbing the cradle now?
I felt the blush creep up my cheeks. "It's not like that. Besides, I'm twenty. I'm not underage. Why does everyone think that?"
They both seemed surprised that I could speak German. Then Connor seemed a little embarrassed by his 'robbing the cradle' crack. "Sorry, lass. My bad."
"Mimi knows the ins and outs of this hospital," Murphy continued with a wink. "She's the only thing been keeping me sane this past week."
"Well, thanks," Connor said to me, giving a weak smile. He had the same weary smile as his brother.
I shuffled my feet on the tiled floor. "Welcome." There was an awkward silence, like I had interrupted something. "Well, I just stopped by to say hi. I'd better go."
"Nice to meet you," Connor called after my retreating back.
I was glad Connor had woken up, I was. But I was also disappointed. If he was awake, it wouldn't be long before he was discharged and I'd be back to spending my days watching people come in and out of the ER. Then I wouldn't get to see Murphy again.
A slow blush crept from my toes to my temple at that thought. It wasn't like I had a crush on him or anything. He was older than me, for one thing. And not my type. Not that they let any of us Crazies have relationships anyway. I was just going to miss him.
Okay, sorry again that it's short, but I hope you enjoy! Please review!