PAULENE
I opened my eyes with much difficulty from what seemed to be a sleep so long and deep.
As I try to rise, I felt my neck hurt so bad.
I had to close my eyes again because of the pain.
"Stay still, honey," I heard my Mom say.
"What's wrong, Mom?"
I tried to open my eyes again and saw her face looking down on me.
She looks so tired, but, there was a smile on her lips.
I looked around.
"Where am I?"
"At the hospital, darling. You're fine now. Just, stay still," She answered.
As much as I want to move, I can't anyway.
What happened to me?
My head started to hurt as I tried to recall.
"Josh."
"Honey?" My mom asked.
"You want anything?" She added.
"No. I'm good."
I'm glad she didn't hear that. I don't want to involve Josh in any of this. They might get too overprotective and misunderstand.
I saw Josh, I ran away and fell.
It was me who was reckless enough to fall.
It wasn't Josh's fault. I hate him, but, I know I should not blame him.
I heave out a sigh.
I was hoping it was all just a bad dream.
But I guess it's as real as it gets.
I try to take everything in.
"How long have I been sleeping, Mom?" I asked.
"Almost a day. Don't worry about missing school, baby," She answered.
Actually, that's the least of my worries, Mom.
I'm sure I'll get a medical certificate for this that would excuse me in my classes.
Perks of lying on a hospital bed, eh?
What I'm worried now is--
Where's Josh?
"Who took me here, Mom?" I asked.
But before she could answer, the door swung open.
"Oh my God! You're finally up!" Krista exclaimed as she entered the room.
I look at the wall clock that said, 3:30. I could see the sun through the window, it should be afternoon.
"You're supposed to be at work," I said to her.
"Are you crazy? I love missing work." She laughed.
Her laughs always make me smile.
"Was my fall that bad?" I asked.
"Really bad. They stitched you up here and there! You can't wear short shorts for quite a while." She then gave me a pout.
"She should feel good that she's okay now. Not feel bad because she can't wear short shorts for a while." My father suddenly appeared behind Krista.
"Your two friends are outside, sleeping. They've been here the entire night," Dad added.
I look at Krista, trying to seek clarification on that.
"Franz and Ashton. They didn't want to go home. They've been here since you were admitted," Krista said.
"Silly kids, they were even betting on who falls asleep first. I think they fell asleep the same time. We all had our turns to sleep on this couch here, but, those two insisted they stay at the lobby outside. They tried to convince me they won't sleep. I knew it ain't going to happen," Mom chimed in.
Dad and Krista let out a laugh.
Wow. Franz and Ashton cared that much to stay.
"They missed school?" I asked.
"Oh yes, they did. Horace wanted to stay with me too. He was here all night as well. But, I urged him to go home this morning and attend his classes. Those two are hard-headed. It's good that they don't stink, well, yet." Krista made a sour face that had me laughing.
I look at Mom and then Dad.
Krista, as if reading my mind, said, "Yes, they know Horace is my boyfriend."
Mom rolled her eyes and then we all broke out in laughter.
"Anyway, you should have let Franz and Ashton use the showers of this hospital room. That one right?" I said as I pointed at the door on my right.
"Yep! Nah. We're all too worried about you. I don't actually really give a heck about those two as long as they don't stink yet."
We then heard knocking at the door.
Dad opened it, and Franz and Ashton entered.
"Paulene!" They chorused.
I can't help but smile.
They're actually here.
"We'll just leave first, the room is not that spacious anyway," Dad said as they left the room, only leaving me, Franz, and Ashton in the room.
"You're both crazy. Why did you stay?" I asked them.
"I still won't be able to sleep until I know you're fine," Ashton answered.
That made my cheeks warm up a bit.
I guess I can't hate you anymore, Ashton. I guess, I was wrong about you.
"Neither can I," Franz said.
There were dark circles around his eyes. Franz looks like a panda now. Less good looking than how he usually is, but, still very good looking, as always.
"Thanks," was all that I could say.
I feel so lucky to have friends like them.
"I'm so happy," Franz said softly before giving me a smile.
And that made me blush a second time.
I wanna hug them both, but, my arms feel so heavy I can't seem to lift them.
We then heard knocking.
"I'll get it," Ashton said.
And when he opened the door, Krista is back with Eric, Dianne, James, and Horace. They were carrying balloons, flowers, and a small round cake.
Awe!
I'm really lucky to have met them.
I'm really, really happy that I have them as my friends.
A tear rolled down my cheek, but, I quickly wiped it before anyone could see.
They make my heart so fat that it could burst in happiness.
"Thank you so much, guys," I managed to say.
"Get well already so we can go to my cabin again," Eric said.
"I am already feeling great, should we go now?"
--
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