Bella just strolled into my dad’s hospital room, her arms laden with what I assume are presents for him. We’re both frozen, staring at each other in disbelief.
The world feels incredibly small in this moment.
“Cassie!” My parents exclaim when they spot her. Cassie? I glance at Austin and Ethan, their faces mirroring my confusion.
Bella…or Cassie…or whoever she is…approaches my parents and embraces them. What on earth is going on?
“Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Montero,” she greets them, her smile lighting up the room. She’s so endearing when she’s being courteous. My thoughts are interrupted when Donna nudges my leg and subtly gestures towards her, leaning in to whisper.
“Is that her?” Austin and Ethan nod in confirmation. Donna covers her mouth, trying to stifle her laughter.
I can’t stand them.
“Remember, dear, you can call us Jason and Elena,” my mom reminds her.
Dear? She’s close enough to call her ‘dear’?
“Yes, ma’am,” she replies, her smile never wavering. God, I love that smile.
“Cassie, let me introduce you to everyone,” my dad offers.
I’m on edge. Please don’t mention knowing me or anything about last night. I’ll never live it down with my parents.
As my dad introduces her to the rest of us, she offers a sweet smile.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you all,” she says.
When she shakes Leo’s hand, I notice his strange expression. It’s as if he recognizes her but hasn’t seen her in ages. Did they used to date?
And why is he holding her hand for so long? I don’t think Donna notices, she’s too busy teasing me. I’ll have to ask him about it later.
He shouldn’t be looking at Cassie like that, not when he’s with my sister.
“Cassie is studying nursing and volunteers here at the hospital. Her nursing school is just next door, so she visits with the patients during her lunch break,” my dad informs us.
“She’s been keeping us company every day for the past week,” my mom adds. Why do they look so proud as they talk about her? How long have they known her? I glance at Cassie and see her blushing. God, she’s so cute!
I look at Leo and he’s beaming too. Are those tears in his eyes? What’s his deal? My attention is pulled away from him by Cassie’s voice.
“I brought these as a going-home present,” she tells my dad, handing him the gifts. She’s so thoughtful! It’s hard to believe this is the same girl who hit me last night.
“Thank you, dear. You really didn’t have to,” my dad says.
“Oh my! What happened to your hand?” my mom exclaims. That’s when I notice the bandage on her right hand. Oh shit!
This can’t be happening. Jason and Elena are Xavier’s parents? Why does the universe seem to have it out for me?
Jason introduces me to everyone, even though I already know three of them. And now they know my real name. Xavier looks like he’s about to be sick. That’s when I notice his face. Oh my God!
Did I do that to his eye?! I wonder if he told his parents about what happened?
When they introduce me to Donna’s boyfriend, he gives me a peculiar look. Not creepy, just odd. Like he recognizes me or like we’re old friends who haven’t seen each other in a long time.
He gives me the kindest smile and when I shake his hand, he holds on a bit longer, as if he’s afraid I’ll vanish if he lets go. Strange, right?
I hand Jason my gifts, completely forgetting about the bandage on my hand.
“Oh dear! What happened to your hand?” Elena asks, taking my hand in hers and examining it.
Crap! I don’t think Xavier told them anything about last night, so I probably shouldn’t either.
“Ouch. I kind of injured it last night while hanging out with my buddies.”
“That sounds awful! What happened?” Donna inquires. I catch her sly grin and Xavier’s icy stare. She’s onto us!
“I banged it against something solid.” I retort, shooting a glare at Xavier. I’m praying someone will divert the conversation before I have to elaborate.
“Did you get it checked out?” Jason queries.
“Checked what out?” All eyes shift to the doctor who just entered the room. Great! Just my luck, it’s Dr. Davidson. He’s Jason’s physician, the hospital’s resident heartthrob, and a notorious flirt. He’s old enough to be my dad, but that hasn’t deterred him from persistently asking me out.
“Her hand. Apparently, she injured it last night.” Elena informs him.
“Oh dear! Would you like me to examine it?” He offers.
Um…No thanks.
“Uh. That’s alright. It’s just a minor sprain.” I assure him, attempting to shield my arm from his gaze.
“Are you certain? I have a few minutes to spare. I was just delivering Jason’s discharge papers and home care instructions. I can escort you to an examination room to ensure nothing’s fractured.”
Absolutely not.
“No. Honestly. I’m good.”
Please, someone make him stop!
“Well, alright then. Let me know if you need a further examination.”
Gross! No way!
“Sure thing.” I respond politely, fully aware that’s never going to happen. As he exits, I sneak a peek at Xavier. His eyes are shooting daggers at the doctor. Is it wrong that I wish they were real?
My folks are interrogating her about her hand, and naturally, Donna chimes in, asking how it happened.
I despise her.
Then my dad’s doctor strolls in, and my mom informs him about her hand. Is he hitting on her? He’s got more gray hair than my dad. Disgusting.
“Oh dear! Would you like me to examine it?” he proposes to Cassie.
Over my dead body! He better stay put and not inch any closer to her.
“Are you certain? I have a few minutes to spare. I was just delivering Jason’s discharge papers and home care instructions. I can escort you to an examination room to ensure nothing’s fractured.”
If she’s not certain, I sure as hell am! He needs to back off before I leap up and gouge his eyes out.
“No. Honestly. I’m good,” Cassie reassures him. That’s right. She’s fine and doesn’t need your creepy hands all over her.
“Well, alright then. Let me know if you need a further examination.”
Not on your life, Dr. Cradle Snatcher! As he departs, I glare at him. My sister notices and places her hand on my arm in an attempt to soothe me.
Mental note: Advise Cassie to volunteer at a different hospital.
“Cassie, we’re hosting a welcome home dinner for Jason later. We’d be delighted if you could join us, provided you’re free,” my mom invites her.
What is she up to?
“Um. Thanks for the invite but I wouldn’t want to intrude on your family gathering,” Cassie declines.
And I’d like to avoid discussing last night forever.
“Don’t be ridiculous. You’re practically family to Mom and Dad, so you should come,” my sister insists.
I truly loathe her. She better hide her toiletries when we get home.
“She’s right,” my mom agrees. “You’re like a daughter to us. Jason and I want you to stay connected with us after we leave, alright? We understand your parents are no longer with us, and we’re not trying to replace them, but we want you to know that we genuinely care about you and will always be there for you.”
Wow! My parents already consider her a daughter? After just a week of knowing her? I suppose it makes sense. I’ve only known her for two days and I already feel…
Wait a minute. Am I developing feelings for her? I glance her way and she’s gazing back at me with those captivating eyes. Yes, I am. I’m definitely feeling something for her. Something quite potent, to be honest.
I observe my sister rise from her seat and approach Cassie. What’s she up to now?
“Hand me your phone. I’ll input our address so you’ll know where to head. Dinner’s at six, but feel free to arrive earlier. I’d love to get to know you more.”
“You’re certain you don’t mind my presence?”
“Absolutely not! Right, Austin? Xavier?”
“Not at all,” Austin responds.
Both of them swivel towards me, their faces split into wide grins.
“I’m okay with it.”
“Well, alright then. I’ll see you.”
She embraces my parents one last time before her departure. I find myself yearning for a hug. Damn it! I sound like a preteen. I need to get a grip.
As she exits, Austin springs up and trails after her. I can tell he’s up to something. I rise and tail him.
Once outside, I overhear him encouraging Cassie to bring her friends along for dinner.
“My mom won’t object, I promise,” Austin assures her.
“Well, okay. If you’re certain she won’t mind.”
My family is out to get me.
