CHAPTER FIVE: The four unravel their homework in the hospital room!

After school, Kimmy, Brad, and DJ hurriedly walked to the hospital. DJ led her friends to Steve's room. As they entered, DJ said, "Hi Steve. These are my friends: Kimmy and Brad. We're going to all do homework together."

Steve was propped up on a pillow. He looked a little better than the last time DJ saw him. Steve smiled, "Hi everyone. It's nice to meet you two. So, where's my pile of homework?"

Just then, a nurse wheeled in a grocery cart filled with books and papers. Steve's eyes popped, "Is that all mine?"

Brad put in, "Yep. That's what you get when you miss a ton of school."

DJ asked, "Are you feeling any better, dear? You certainly don't look as pale as you did a few days ago."

Steve grabbed her hand and held it in midair. He whispered, "I'm fine. But like I said on the phone, I am going into surgery the day after tomorrow. To tell you the truth, I'm so nervous. What if things go wrong?"

Kimmy spoke, "Everything will go fine, Steve. You'll leave that operating room feeling as good as new."

DJ gently bent down and kissed Steve, "It'll be fine, sweetheart. I'll be thinking of you the whole time."

Brad walked up beside DJ, put a comforting arm around her, and smiled, "Yeah. So, do you want to start homework now?"

DJ smiled back at Brad, "Sure, let's get to it."

The three sat around Steve on the bed and began doing the homework. Except DJ had to stop and help Steve every five minutes. He couldn't write properly yet, but he'll eventually get the hang of it again. By 6pm, Kimmy had finished and had to leave. Her mom picked her up from the hospital. Then, Steve asked, "How are you getting home, DJ?"

DJ replied, "Well, my family is away on vacation so I'm staying at Kimmy's house. I can stay longer since I'm not quite done with my work yet."

Steve nodded and questioned, "How do you know Brad?"

Brad put in, "I'm one of DJ's good friends. We've known each other for a long time but just as friends."

Steve frowned, "DJ, when were you going to tell me about this?"

DJ said, "Well, I was but I didn't want you to not like me anymore or be mad."

Then, a nurse came in and ordered, "I have doctor's orders that Steve is going in to surgery now. You two will have to leave!"

DJ yelled, "Wait! He's supposed to go in for surgery in two days! Why now?"

The nurse yelled back, "Don't ask questions, girl. I have to hurry! Leave now!"

So then, Brad put his arms around DJ and carried her out of the hospital. They did get some odd stares. As Brad held her, DJ was crying out. Once outside, Brad carefully put her down on a bench and said, "It's ok, dear. Steve will be alright. I'll stay with you if you'd like."

DJ rested her head against his chest and sobbed, "But I'm just so scared for him. What's going to happen? I'm so glad I have you as a friend. Who knows what would happen to me by now."

Brad remarked, "Hey, don't talk that way to yourself. You're a wonderful person. And you're too beautiful to cry. Everything will be fine. Would you like to be treated for an ice cream?"

DJ smiled and gave him a peck on the cheek. They held hands and went for an ice cream. Afterwards, Brad asked, "I'll take you back to Kimmy's house now. It's not a good idea for you to be here alone. I'd like to stay with you, but my dad needs my help fixing the car."

DJ laughed, "Oh yeah. I almost forgot about that. Can I help you two?"

Brad grinned, "Ok, maybe three heads are better than two."

They both laughed all the way to where the car had broken down earlier. Brad's dad was underneath the engine when the two came. He wheeled himself out from under and said, "Hi Brad. You came just in time. And who must this be?"

Brad smiled, "Oh, this is DJ. She's a great friend of mine."

In front of his dad's presence, Brad gave DJ a gentle kiss. He watched, "You must really like DJ, huh son?"

Brad remarked, "Of course I do. We always been great friends from the start. Aren't we, Deej?"

DJ smiled too, "Yes, sir. It's true."

Brad's dad instructed, "Ok, I need you two to help. Brad, help me under the engine here. DJ, please sit in the driver's seat, turn the car on, and press on the brakes whenever I tell you too."

The three got in their positions. After about an hour and a half went by, they finally got the car to work. Brad's dad waited by the car while Brad walked DJ down the street to Kimmy's house. Before he left, he said, "I had a great day with you. I always have fun with you, Deej. Let's hang out more often now. Ok?"

DJ smiled, " I enjoy hanging out with you too, Brad. You're a great friend to have."

Just then, Brad wrapped his arms around DJ and they enrolled in a gentle, long, heartfelt kiss. After that, they went their separate ways.

Do you think DJ will accept Brad as her boyfriend over Steve? What will happen in the next chapter? Please review soon...I need suggestions! Thanks. :-) But no flames!