I frown. “I don’t know.”
“Nathan, you were in an accident. The hospital called.”
“Why would they call? I’m fine. Seriously. I just hurt my wrist, it’s not a big deal. I had worse injuries doing stupid stuff when I was a kid.”
She sounds teary when she speaks again. “I told you to stay away from him. I knew you’d get hurt if you got involved with him again.”
“Mom, this wasn’t Evan’s fault.”
“So he was there?”
“These guys just jumped him, he didn’t even do anything wrong.”
“I can’t believe it.” It sounds like she’s muttering toherself now. I’m so tired, I could fall asleep sitting up. I let the phone drop onto the bed and close my eyes.
“Nathan! Nathan? Are you still there?”
“Hm? Mom, I’m tired, can I call you back later?”
“Baby, don’t fall asleep, you might have a concussion.”
I laugh, feeling giddy. “Ma, that’s a myth. You can totally fall asleep with a concussion."
"Nathan, put the nurse on, I want to speak to someone in charge.”
I press the end call button and put the phone on the table beside the bed, finally letting my eyes close.
When I open them again, I’m groggy and my mouth feels like it’s filled with cotton balls. Mom’s sitting in the chair by my bed. She looks tired and she isn’t wearing any makeup. I can’t remember the last time I saw her without makeup on.
The second she sees I’m awake, she jumps to her feet.
“There you are,” she says, giving me a thin smile. She brushes the hair from my forehead and strokes my head.
“Mom.” I try to get up, but a searing pain shoots through my wrist and I gasp.
Mom squeals before grabbing my arm.
“Careful, Nathan. Jesus!”
Everything comes rushing back. The fight. Evan getting hurt. Me trying to help him. My wrist.
It’s in one of those splint things and a wrist support. My heart sinks.
“The doctor said it’s broken. You’ll need a cast.”
Before I can say anything, the door opens and Bryce comes in carrying a Starbucks cup. He flashes me a look I can’t read before handing the drink to my mom and touching her cheek.
“Why don’t you go out into the waiting roomand drink your coffee? I want to a have a quick word with Nathan.” When she hesitates, he offers her a smile.
“I’ll go easy on him, don’t worry.”
He waits until she’s left the room before taking the seat and leaning forward.
“Do you know how much you’ve upset your mother?”
I swallow back the tears.
“She cried her eyes out all the way back from the Bahamas.”
