3- "Arianna Whitacre"
The accident happened at 11:07 pm on Saturday night. By that time Sunday night, Greg had found more reasons to hate the hospital.
He has always been a slight insomniac, but after the accident he seemed to be constantly wired on adrenaline. He was glad that he didn't have to share a hospital room as he was constantly clicking through the channels of late night television.
He must have eventually fallen asleep, because he awoke the next day at one o'clock in the afternoon. He grunted in a tired way and turned his head into the corner.
It took him awhile to process what he was seeing in the chair near the window.
A woman sat in the chair, deeply involved in a book. She had extremely thick straight hair that was almost jet black, and when she looked up to Greg, there was no doubting those green eyes.
"Arianna?" Greg asked hopefully.
"Wow. You know my name," She said, her smooth voice tinted with surprise.
They sat there for a couple of seconds, just staring at each other.
"So," she said, shattering the silence, "How do you feel?"
"Like I've been in a car crash," Greg smirked, and was glad she laughed with him.
Greg continued, "So, I've heard I was very lucky to be driving near you that night."
She smiled and scooted closer, "Well, anyone would have stopped, I supposed. I was just right behind you." Her voice ran cold, "I couldn't help but think that the car was meant for me."
"Nah. No sweat," Greg said, smiling serenely, "I'm feeling just dandy." He winced as he sat up.
"Yeah, with the whole black eye and cast thing makes you look pretty hot."
He looked at her in the eyes, "Stop hitting on me."
She grinned and for the rest of the afternoon they sat and spoke, as natural as if they had been great friends forever.
Greg learned that her name was Arianna Whitacre, but everyone called her Ari. She was a senior in high school, preparing to graduate in six months and go to Desert Mesa University, the most prestigious and selective college in Las Vegas. She wasn't accepted yet but put in their waiting list.
"I am so ready to get on with my life," She said, hinting more about her painful past, "I have been waiting my entire life to start one by myself. When Desert Mesa said I was in consideration, I knew I had to be extra careful. One sign that I don't have my life in order they'll drop me like a wet rag."
He smiled again, enjoying his angel's company. More time passed, along with a meal involving many comparisons to prison food. Greg was having a wonderful time, but eventually, she had to leave.
"Well," she said, starting the goodbye, "If you ever have the urge to get in a car crash again, better be careful. I might not be there next time to save your sorry ass."
He smiled broadly and said, "Here. My cell phone number." He said, taking the pen she held out to him and writing it on her hand.
"Please call me sometime." Greg asked, looking into her eyes.
"I'll be sure to," She said as she turned her back and left.
But she never did.
"And remember kids, always take your vitamins, pretend you're hilarious, and always email Strong Bad."-
-Strong Bad