Falling

T H I R T Y - T H R E E

Rain patters on my bedroom window in a calming rhythm, almost putting me in a trance as I stare at the light pink cast on my foot.

It's the prettiest shade of pink, really. My favorite.

But I can't help but feel so bummed as I stare at it blankly. This pretty pink cast is the symbol of my lack of freedom for the next 6 to 8 weeks.

No more cheer competition.

No more homecoming.

No more walking, without the use of crutches that is.

The weather today is really fitting. It matches my mood perfectly.

The echo of the doorbell chiming breaks me out of my daze and I listen hard to hear who it could possibly be at our door before 8:00 in the morning.

"Good morning, Will." I hear my mom chirp. "Come in, out of the rain. Here, I'll take your jacket."

"Morning Amanda, thank you. How is she doing? Is she awake yet?" The sound of my boyfriends voice puts a smile on my sleepy face.

"Well she's been awake for about a half hour. She hasn't gotten out of bed yet, last I checked she's just been sitting there silently cursing her casted foot. Poor girl doesn't remember half of what happened last night before coming home. You're welcome to go up and see her."

"I wish there was something I could've done to stop it." Will mumbles. I almost didn't catch what he said.

"Don't we all." My mom tells him. "She's just fine, Will. She's strong."

"It's just—I know how much she was looking forward to competing this year. And she can't now." He sighs. "It just sucks is all."

"Yeah, it does suck. But she'll get over it, I promise." A pause. "Go on up and see her. Scott and I are leaving in a bit but we'll come say bye to you guys before we leave. The boys will be home from the gym soon if you need anything while we're gone."

"Okay, thanks Amanda." And then I hear Will jogging up the stairs towards my room. He stands in my open doorway and I can feel his eyes watching me, evaluating me.

Instead of looking up at him, I keep my eyes trained on my cast and after a few seconds he comes to sit by me on my bed. I finally tear my gaze from my foot and melt into his warm eyes.

"Hi." His lips twitch up into a smile as he whispers.

I can't help the smile that tugs on my lips, copying his. "Hey."

The bed dips from his weight when he leans forward to capture my lips in a sweet kiss. Instantly my mind is swiped clear of my internal turmoil but then another issue pops into my head.

I pull away from Will's lips that are warm, despite the fact that he just came in from the cold, rainy weather we're having today. "Morning breath!" I throw a hand over my mouth.

Will looks confused for a few seconds, probably thinking I've accused him of morning breath. The crease between his eyebrows melts away as he watches my expression. "I don't care if you have morning breath."

He pulls my hand away from my mouth and goes in for another kiss. I turn my head at the last second and he ends up kissing my cheek. "Will." I whine. "At least let me brush my teeth first."

Without any notice, I'm scooped up into his strong arms and he starts hurrying to my bathroom. Will places me down on my good foot right in front of my bathroom sink but instead of leaving me there to get to work, his arms encircle my waist and he leans himself against my back, resting his chin on my shoulder. He smiles at me in the mirror.