No Strings Attached

Chapter 9: Recovery

I sheepishly nodded. "Yeah, I just want to see if Marco is okay."

Speaking of Marco, he trained his eyes at my sloven appearance.

A huge brown cotton ball sat on my head, as worn lines formed underneath my exhausted brown eyes.

Like me, he wore an uncomfortable, light blue hospital gown which covered his kneecaps.

Minutes after he adjusted his eyes, Marco became ecstatic, as he hops out of bed, then rushed over to give me a bone-crushing hug.

"Nadine!" he exclaimed. "I am so glad to see you! Are you hurt? Have you come to visit me? Did you bring McDonald's?"

I laughed. "You think I came all this way just to give you McDonald's?" 

Marco groaned, "Hospital food tastes like shit, Nadine. I want to eat something warm and salty."

I laugh again, placing a comforting hand on Marco's shoulder.

"I am so happy to see you," I say.

"Me too."

Then looking over Marco's shoulder, I saw Mrs. Martinez crossing her arms at me.

"How long have you been eavesdropping?" she inquired.

I blush. "I wasn't trying to scare you."

"Or really?" Mrs. Martinez implied. "Is that why you—"

"For God's sake, Mom!" Marco interrupted, rolling his eyes.

"Instead of picking fights with everyone, why don't I talk to Nadine alone?"

Mrs. Martinez pressed her lips for a second then angrily stomped away.

"Sorry about my mom, " said Marco. "She can be a total bitch sometimes."

I chuckle nervously. "No, it's fine. Should we go check Aria and James?"

Marco nods, lowering his arms around me and taking my hand.

"Leggo, " he replied.

Marco takes me over to the second bed, where Aria was busy resting.

Pulling the curtains away, we find Aria smothered with her parent's warm embrace. 

Her mother has long, black hair, a white t-shirt, jeans, and black loafers, whereas Aria's father wears an expensive black business suit, luxurious dark slacks, matching black socks, and leather brown men's shoes.

Aria's parents were having a discussion with their daughter until Aria saw us coming forward.

"Nadine! Marco!" she exclaimed.

Hopping out of bed, Aria gave us a warm hug.

"Oh, I am so glad to see you!" she beamed delightfully.

"Are you okay?" I ask, laughing.

"Never better, "  Aria grinned. "Just a few bruises, but they would fade eventually."

Walking over to Marco and me, Aria's mother asked if we were alright.

"We are fine, Mrs. Zhang," said Marco. "We're just here to see if Aria is alright."

Mr. Zhang chuckled,  "I guess she is. The doctors said that her injuries are healing faster than normal. So that must be good news."

I smile a little. "That's good news."

Beaming at her parents, Aria asked: "Hey Mom and Dad, can I talk to them for a moment?"

They nodded in approval.