"The kid's had a rough life. It's understandable. But you came along and gave him hope again. Even his teammates noticed. They wouldn't dare tell him that, knowing he'd probably punch them, but we all saw a change in him. I assume you two are dating?"
"We are, but we haven't told anyone. We were going to today, but then..." I look down.
"I think we already knew," he says, patting my shoulder. "Go home and get some rest. It's been a long day."
He walks off.
"Ready to go?" Eve comes up beside me, holding her bags of stuff.
"I guess," I say, feeling sad I have to leave.
"You'll only be gone a few hours. And tomorrow he'll be better. That's something to look forward to, right?"
"Yeah."
But what if he's not better? What if he gets worse? I wasn't allowed to see him again after that first time. The nurse said he needed to rest but she didn't say why. Was it because he wasn't doing well? I wish they would tell me more.
Chapter Six
Brook
When I get home, my mom's on the couch, her reading glasses on, computer on her lap.
"Hey, mom," I say, going to the kitchen. I've barely had anything to eat or drink all day. People kept offering me stuff but I didn't want it. I'm still not hungry but I'm thirsty. I grab a glass and fill it with water from the sink.
"Brook, why didn't you tell me you were leaving?" My mom gets up from the couch, meeting me in the kitchen. "I would've picked you up."
"You didn't need to. Eve gave me a ride."
"You want some dinner?"
"I'm not hungry. I just wanted to get some water, then I'm going to bed."
"You don't want to talk?"
"No. I'm really tired."
"How was Dean? Any update?"
"Not really. The nurses won't tell me anything. They act like I'm a little kid. You're the only one they would talk to."
"I could go back there tomorrow, see if they'll tell me more."
"Would you?"
"Of course. I don't know when I'll get there. It might have to be later in the day."
"That's okay. And you don't have to stay. I know you have a lot to do."
"I'll be there if you need me. I only left today because so many people kept showing up. I thought you might prefer to be surrounded by people your own age than your old mom."
"You're not old," I say with a smile. I finish my water and put the glass in the sink. "I'm going to bed."
"Before you do, I need to tell you something. Well, two things, actually."
"What?" I ask, standing across from her as she sits down at the counter.
"Chad called. Earlier tonight, around seven. He called my phone because he said he couldn't reach you. He said you blocked his number. Is that true?"
