I'll Be Back

When I had arrived home, I explained to my parents (making sure my brothers weren't around) about what had happened, and how this guy, Brett had saved me.

I kind of lied though, and told them that he went to my school (which he didn't) and that I had known him before our encounter today.

Ok, I admit that I really don't like lying to anyone… but I had to go back and keep him company, he had no one else who cared that he was even injured.

Jesse knew me better though…

"Susannah, why are you doing this? You don't have to…"

I finished brushing my hair, sighed, and picked up my jacket.

"You don't even know him, do you?" Jesse asked.

I looked into his eyes; he always managed to squeeze the truth out of me.

"You can fool you parents Susannah, but you…"

"They wouldn't understand, I had to lie" I said interrupting him.

Jesse started walking back and forth in front of me, trying to reason with me… he was hopeless… gorgeous, but hopeless.

"What's his name?"

"Brett"

"What's his full name Susannah!"

I ignored him as I sat on my bed and started to put my shoes on.

He took it that I didn't know… which I didn't.

"He doesn't go to you school does he?"

"No"

"How old is he?"

"Look, Jesse! …" I yelled, suddenly standing up.

He was startled and jumped back. Even though I hate it when he lectures me… I can't yell at him, or well if I do, I always apologise. Because I know that he's only trying to protect me.

So I lowered my tone and apologised to him.

"… I – I just want to do this ok, he's injured, and in hospital… I'm sure you'd do the same… you know make sure they're all right"

Jesse gave in and told me that even though he didn't like it, he respected my decision.

I went downstairs and ate dinner with the family and then Andy drove me down to the hospital… wondering how on earth I had convinced them into letting me stay over night.

I thought Brett was sleeping when I had entered his empty hospital room...

He was lying on his back and I could see his body moving up and down with every breath that he took.

As I sat down in a chair, which was about a metre away from the side of Brett's bed, I thought about what Jesse had said to me earlier.

It felt weird, why was I really here though?

I really didn't know this guy at all, I thought as I looked over at him.

Then I felt a tickle in my nose. Oh no, I was going to sneeze. I tried to hold it back but I couldn't…

He opened his eyes suddenly and they immediately were fixated on mine. He smiled.

"I didn't think you'd actually come back"

"Well, I wouldn't be able to sleep tonight if I knew you were here all alone… after you've saved me and all"

"You are one truly amazing girl, Suze" His grin was as wide as ever.

"Hah, you haven't gotten to know me yet!" I laughed, tucking my hair behind my ear.

"How about we change that… When I get out of here, one time, could I take you out? To say thanks for staying and everything"

"Um, yeah, I'd like that… just as friends?"

He smiled and leant his head back against the pillow.

"Hey Brett, I'm a little thirsty… I'm gonna grab something down the hall… can I get you anything?"

"All I need is already here!" He smiled.
I blushed a little. "Ok, well, I'll be back in a minute"

He nodded his head and closed his eyes again to rest.

I left the room and made my way down the hall to the vending machine, which we had passed on the way in. After inserting my money and selecting a bottle of water and some snacks, I made my way back to Brett's room.

"Hey, I'm back, did ya miss me?" I asked mucking around.

"I did miss you" He said trying to sit up and look at me.

"Ssssh, just rest…" I told him, walking over and gently guiding his body back down.

I sat on the chair next to his bed and started eating a chocolate bar.

Then I noticed a few children books on the small table behind me.

"I've got a good way to pass the time and send you to sleep" I said, making my way over to the small table and started sifting through the childish books.

"You want me to fall asleep?" He asked, kind of sadly.

I smiled and sat back down on the chair after I had chosen a book.

"I'm going to read to you"

"You're gonna read me a bedtime story?"

"Yeah, got a problem with that?" I asked, as if offended that he didn't want me to.

"No, not at all… please go ahead" He tried to chuckle as he closed his eyes.

"Ok…" I opened the book up and giggled slightly. "The Little Tug Boat Story" I began only to have him interrupt me.

"The little what?" He asked abruptly.

"Hey if you're gonna knock the story I chose, then maybe…"

"…No, please… I'd love to hear about The Little Tug Boat".

I continued to read the book. The whole time I could feel his eyes upon me. I knew this because every now and then I'd look up and see his beautiful eyes staring back at me… I don't think he really cared about the story, but I think he just wanted to listen to the sound of my voice.

It made him happy… and it was the least I could do, after all, he kinda saved my life.

"…The End" I said pleased with my story telling and closed the book.

"Wow, I never knew you read those kinda books" He chuckled trying to adjust his pillow.

I laughed at his comment and help him move the pillow. He looked at me intently.

"Yeah…well…" I tried to think of what to say, just as a nurse stepped in.

"Sorry to interrupt, but I've come to change your bandages for the night, Brett" She looked at over at me and gave a 'can you please leave' kind of look.

"I'll be back in a minute, Brett" I said looking down at him.

He gave me a look that seemed as though he didn't think I would be returning.

I closed the door behind me and waited out in the hallway.

After a while the nurse had left and told me I could go back in to see him. So I did.

Brett was surprised to see me enter again.

"Suze, call your father, go home, it's late, you need some rest" He demanded.

"It's ok Brett, I told my parents I was gonna stay the night" I said as I sat back down on the chair.

"But… you hardly know me, why?"

"Well… if I were lying there, well, I wouldn't want to be left alone in this place" I said looking around the empty room.

Then he reached his arm over and held onto my hand.

"Thank you Suze" He whispered. "You're truly special!"

I smiled and rubbed his hand with my thumb.

A few minutes later and he fell asleep exhausted. I pulled the covers up to his shoulder and moved his hand back onto the bed.

We were abruptly woken the next morning by a different nurse from last night. She had come in to check how Brett was going. The curtains were violently pushed back, letting the sunlight sweep over our groggy faces.

I realised that my head was lying on the bed mattress next to Brett's pillow.