I nod and turn toward the field again, wondering why I feel so guilty for abandoning Daisy. I guess it’s because she’d seemed so excited about coming to the game before, and we hadn’t even gotten to eat our concession stand food.
I try to swallow the lump in my throat as I lead Damien onto the ambulance. After a quick talk with the EMTs, we head toward the hospital.
“You ever had a concussion, Doc?” Damien asks once we get down the block.
“Yeah, once. I got sacked as a freshman, and my head bounced off the ground. Hurt like hell for weeks.”
He grunts. “I bet.”
I stare at him for a second. “You’re in Miss Daisy’s class, aren’t you?”
“Yeah,” he replies, the corner of his mouth turning up in a smirk. “She’s?—”
“And you’ve been giving her a hard time.”
He blinks. “I’m just?—”
“But you’re going to show her some respect from now on. And you’re not going to let any of your classmates mess with her, either.”
He swallows hard. “Yes, sir.”
“Good,” I tell him, forcing a smile.
“Is she your girlfriend?”
“She’s like a little sister to me,” I say.
Damien nods and holds out a fist, so I bump it with mine. “Aight, Doc. I gotchu.”
We get to the emergency room a minute later, and I help get Damien checked in before they take him back for a CT scan, which thankfully doesn’t show any major issues. The cocky, young resident pushes back at first when I insist on the scan, but the nurses are great and basically overrule him. Damien’s elderly grandmother arrives after a while, and I explain everything that’s been happening with him. She’s sweet and grateful for my help, but I can tell she’s been overwhelmed trying to raise him alone. I give her my number, and she agrees to let me know how he’s doing throughout the weekend and to bring him to see me at the clinic next Monday.
The EMTs are kind enough to give me a ride back to the football field since they’re headed there anyway, and Blake and JD thank me when I stop to give them an update on Damien before I return to the bleachers.
A smile spreads over Daisy’s face when she sees me from her place in the row behind Tenley and her mom, Therese. “I’m so glad you’re back. My nacho fries were getting cold and soggy,” she tells me as she hands over my burger.
“You didn’t have to wait for me to eat your food, Blondie,” I reply, unable to resist smiling back at her.
“You’re the manager of first-time experiences, remember? I couldn’t do this without your supervision.” She shrugs. “So, how’s Damien?”
“He’s all right, but he’s going to have to take it easy for a while. He might need to apply for some temporary accommodations at school, too. I wouldn’t be surprised if he suffers from headaches and brain fog for a while.”
“Eh, the brain fog might not be a concussion thing,” she mutters, and I laugh. “Thanks for going to help him. Camellia’s lucky to have you around, you know.”
“I agree,” Tenley’s mom turns to add, patting me affectionately on the knee. “How’s the kid?”
“I’m thinking he’ll be fine after a few weeks of rest,” I say.
Tenley shoots me a smile as she rubs her belly absently. “That’s good. I’m sure the whole team appreciates your help, especially JD and Blake.”
“No worries. That’s what I’m here for,” I reply awkwardly before they turn their attention back to the game.
“All right, I’m starving,” Daisy says, nudging me. “Can we eat now?”
“Yeah.” I laugh. “Bon appetite.” I hold up my burger, and she taps her tray against it.
“Cheese and biscuits, that’s the most disgustingly delicious thing I’ve ever eaten in my life!” she exclaims through a mouthful of cheese-covered Hot Fries. Then she hurriedly unwraps the pickle and takes a huge bite. “Mm, it’s eben bedder togedder!”
I chuckle at her again, reaching over to swipe a napkin over the cheese on her chin. “Better than scrambled eggs and cold sandwiches?”
