Page 51 of Crash
I feel like there’s more to his sudden inquisition to my sister's status, but I don’t push the issue.
The police officer working the accident approaches us for our statements. After a few minutes, they cart us off to the local hospital.
“OKAY,Mr. Lancaster. We placed the bone fragments back into their original position and put your hand into a supportive cast. You will stay overnight for observation for both the mild concussion and your wrist. Therapy is important for the healing process, but only after the brace is removed. Until then, take it easy.”
“Gotcha. I will be able to work, right?”
“Yes, sir. Just be mindful and take it easy. I’ll be back to check on you in a few.” The nurse leaves and my parents, who were already here when we arrived, step back into the room.
“Son, how are you feeling?”
“A little drowsy, but lucid. I think I’m gonna take a nap. You go home.”
“What, you’re not gonna wait to see your sister?” Courtney says, when she enters the room.
“Hey, what took you so long?” I say, when I see her.
“Um, you know, work shit. But hey, since I was late, I figure I’d bring you a gift. I’m not sure if you’d like it though.”
“It better not be one of those overstuffed, extremely large, plush toys.”
“No, it’s not one of those. But it is something you love to play with.” She steps to the hallway to retrieve the present.
Meanwhile, I think about what gag gift she has planned. But it wasn’t a joke at all.
She walked in, eyes red and slightly swollen from crying, I’m sure. Her hair is in a messy bun, clothes disheveled, like she was in a hurry to dress, but she’s here.
“Tessa,” I utter.
She swallows and offers a soft smile before speaking. “Hey, how are you?” Her voice crackles when she offers words of concern.
“Truth?”
“Of course,” she replies.
“Much better now that you’re here.”
That smile, the one I’ve longed to see and even dreamed about, spreads across her beautiful face.
“I’m sure it’s the drugs talking,” she shyly replies.
“Nope. It’s all me.” I stare at her, feeling like an apparition has appeared.
“Well, I think we will leave you two alone,” Dad says. “Tessa, we will see you later.” I say my goodbyes to my parents, but I still can’t keep my eyes off her.
“Yeah, Im’ma head home, too. Tessa, call me when you’re ready to go,” Courtney says. She hugs me and I whisper thank you before she pulls away and leaves.
Tessa takes a seat in the chair on the other side of the room, but I want her near me. Part of me wants to invite her over, but I don’t know how she’ll react. After all, it’s been a little over two months since we last had any contact, verbal or otherwise.
“I see your leg is better,” I break the ice by stating the obvious.
“Yeah. I mean, it’s improving day by day. I wear leg weights during my stretches and today I was able to complete a pirouette without stumbling.”
“Wow, babe. That’s awesome.” The words leave my mouth before I could even catch them.
She looks away with a shy grin.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean…”
