"Hey Princess." I say as she reaches me. Her eyes are weary but still reflecting the love in mine.
"Hi." Her greeting is quiet but I’m the only one on the planet who needs to hear it.
"Thank you." It says everything and not enough.
"You’re welcome." She smiles. "Thank you."
"You’re welcome." I smile back and gingerly lift a hand to her cheek.
She presses hers on top of it and steps closer.
"Are you going to let me take care of you for a change?" She asks.
"I’ll try."
"I suppose that’s all I can ask." She gives me a closed lipped smile.
"Thank you for talking, and not running away completely." I tell her.
"No promises."
"Why not?"
"Because I can sprint faster than you. But, Mr. Decathlon, you’ve got the endurance to catch me."
"Even with a broken back I thought about jumping out of that bed and chasing after you."
"I’m glad you didn’t."
"Why’s that?"
"I got a chance to talk to my mom."
"And?"
"It was good." Laney smiles. "And I think I understand where she’s coming from a lot better now."
"That’s great, baby." My knuckles brush along her cheek.
"Ahem!" A throat clears loudly behind Laney.
She turns to see my mother with her eyebrows raised and her fingers tapping on the steering wheel.
"Oh, hello again Mrs. Garcia."
"Hi Laney." My mother shifts her eyes to me. "Do I need to be here for this? Or are you all set?"
I look at Laney. She smiles up at me. "I think I’m all set."
"Okay, then call me tomorrow and tell me how you’re feeling."
"Will do,Mamá."
She waves to us, turns up her radio, and drives off.
"Can you walk to the truck?" Laney asks.
"I can do anything I put my mind to." I tell her. She rolls her eyes.
