Accidental Love (Accidental Crush #2) (3 page)

Chapter 3: Change in Plans

Mom, Dad
, and Ryan take a cab to the hospital while the rest of us grab another cab, not far behind them. No one has cars since we took buses up here for the game; as a result, Gretchen is with us in our cab. Just as we were leaving, she practically ran into Ryan. He winced in pain when she accidentally nudged his arm, but his smile said it all. She's the one person who makes it all better for him. I now know and understand that feeling.

Todd, Gretchen
, and I are crammed into the back of the cab. Brian called shotgun, so he's sitting up front with the cabbie, trying to make small talk. I'm not sure which is worse: being stuck in the back with Gretchen or in the front talking to a cab driver who doesn't really speak English.

I like Gretchen a lot more than I did a few months ago
; however, I like her a lot better when we're not forced together in tight situations, like say, in the back of a cab. The only thing that would make this worse is if Rebecca was here. Thankfully, she will not be joining us at the hospital.

She is, unfortunately, still in Todd
's band and best friends with Gretchen, so I see her more than I would like. It will always be a little awkward with us since she is technically Todd's ex-girlfriend. I say technically because she liked him more than he liked her, but I guess they were "technically" dating. I can't help still calling her RTS out of habit, and "Rebecca The Slut" still totally suits her. I mean, she's now "dating" Charlie Parks, a drama club senior who Shane swears is on his team. I can't help smiling whenever I think about that one. She really needs to work on her taste in boys, but then again, I enjoy when karma falls into place.

***

My mom and dad are in with Ryan along with the team doctor.

Luckily, the hospital was aware Ryan was coming and they took him right in. Since he was part of the high school state championship game and got hurt during
it, he's kind of a being treated like a celebrity. I guess not much happens in this town.

As we pace the waiting room, Shane, Sid
, and Johnny come walking through the sliding glass doors. I told them not to come, but they are just as stubborn as the rest of us. Johnny has showered and is no longer in his uniform while Todd and Brian are still in their jerseys. Todd took off his pads, but that's about it, and Gretchen is still in full cheerleading gear.

"
Johnny!" Brian shouts as he gets up to bear hug him. "You were amazing out there tonight"

Johnny hangs his head down and shakes his head.
"Not really. I can't believe we lost. It wasn't a big enough lead. If it was, it would have never happened.”

Brian
slaps him on the back, which forces him to look up from the ground. "Stop. You played great. We should have won. It was a fluke. But you should be really proud. You made me proud."

"
It would have been different if you played," Johnny says in a low voice, though still loud enough for us to hear. His eyes are glued back to the floor. I can see how much he respects Brian and how he feels he has let him and the team down.

"
No, it wouldn't have. You played every play exactly how I would have played it. No difference. You were amazing out there." I can tell Brian really means it.

When
Johnny looks up and gives Brian a half-smile, his eyes light up, the respect for Brian oozing out of him. I feel like, in a way, Brian just won the game for him. Lately, Brian is always surprising me. I really do think the accident knocked some sense into him. Who knew a brain injury could be a positive thing? Johnny's entire demeanor has changed from when he first walked in. "Any news on Ryan?"

At that moment, I feel my phone buzz in my pocket. Pretty much anyone who would text
me is standing in the emergency waiting room, so I'm curious who it could be. I look down at my phone to see a text from Blythe.

Heard about the loss. Is it true about Ryan? Is he ok?

My heart sinks a little. Of course, Blythe! She didn't come to the game, but obviously people have started posting about everything. Blythe is still amazing, and although Ryan has been more standoffish because of everything that has happened, he's still close with her. He tries to be more respectful of Gretchen and more aware of what could seem like flirting, though.

Surprisingly, Brian and Blythe have been a lot closer. I think the accident made them realize just how fragile life is
, how quickly things can change, and how you should really take advantage of every moment you have. So, anyway, they are speaking again. I think Brian still likes her, but I don't think he would ever admit it. However, I think Blythe still really likes my brother. She's starting to see Brian differently, though. Heck, I think even Brian is starting to think of himself differently.

Yes it
's all true. We're at the hospital right now, waiting to hear, but it's looking good. He might have a broken arm and a concussion.
I text back.

Oh no! How are all the boys?

Blythe knows how close my brother and his best friends are. She also knows that, if one is hurt, the others aren't far behind.

Upset about the loss but ok. I
'll keep you updated on Ry.

Thx Ash xo

Todd and I are, once again, sitting in uncomfortable hospital chairs. I'm so happy he's here next to me; he's the only thing keeping me sane. I love the feeling of his fingers intertwined with mine as he nervously runs his thumb over my knuckles.

After what feels like hours, I finally get to go in and see Ryan. The déjà vu is frightening.

He smiles as soon as he sees me because he knows exactly what I'm thinking. "I know. I know, Ash Bug. Don't say it." He shakes his head.

"
What? I have no idea what you're talking about. I really love worrying about my brother and constantly running to the hospital to make sure he's still alive. In fact, I'm kind of disappointed this time you didn't need emergency surgery. You're really slipping."

"
Ha. Ha. Nice. Well, if it makes you feel better, I have a pretty nasty headache." He rubs his head. "And my night with Gretch is ruined."

"
Your night? What about everyone in the waiting room? Poor Johnny was practically in tears. Wait, what do you mean your night with Gretch?"

As m
y brother smiles, we finally make eye contact. I can see he is in pain and just putting up a strong front. Typical Ryan. However, I'm not going to let that stop the sarcasm or my probing.

He looks down at the white knit blanket draped over his legs.
"Since I have a concussion, the doctor says I need to spend the night in Mom and Dad's hotel room so they can keep an eye on me." His eyes are full of smile as they meet mine. "So Gretch and I can't see each other."

I
'm still confused; in fact, I have no idea what he's talking about. I'm sure my expression gives it away because he starts to laugh, and then he speaks slowly, like I need it spelled out for me, which apparently, I do because I'm lost.

"
Gretch and I had plans tonight," he says as he places one hand on top of the other. "In my hotel room," he continues with a mischievous smile.

"
Ohhhhh. Wait. What? She was going to sneak into your room?" I whisper.

His smile stretches across his face
, and then he remembers the hard fact that it is no longer happening. "Well, we
were
going to, but not now..." He looks back down and starts playing with the knit blanket.

"
Wow," I say with a grin. "I had no idea." Suddenly, my thoughts shift to Todd and the fact that my parents will be busy tonight.

"
Don't look so happy," my brother says, catching my smile. "Don't worry; Todd knows your room number." I can tell he hates every word as it comes out.

"
Really?" I can't help smiling as I feel the butterflies lerch to life, those same butterflies that still happen anytime I think of Todd.

Ryan rolls his eyes at my joy.
"Try not to hide your excitement on my account."

I smile back at him.
"Sorry, Ry."

He shakes his head
, annoyed, yet I can tell by his smile that he's just kidding. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but now that I'll be in Mom and Dad's room, you and Todd—" he stops and takes a deep breath as if he's contemplating saying the rest, "will have our room to yourselves." He presses his lips together like he still can't believe he just volunteered that information. I mean, it's not like I couldn't figure that out on my own, but I do appreciate Ryan looking out for me. He continues, "Todd and I had a deal. He was going to let me and Gretch have the room, but now that's obviously not happening, so the room is all yours." Ryan squeezes his eyes shut and rubs his forehead.

Wow, maybe this concussion had a bigger
affect than I thought
.

"
I think I should get the doctor. You really must not be feeling well."

He smiles, still rubbing his forehead.
"I've been better." He opens his eyes to meet mine again. "Listen, Ash, just be smart and be careful. I know I give you a hard time, but as strange as it is for me to see you and Todd together, I really couldn't think of a better guy for you." He smiles such a sincere smile I know he really means it.

"
I love you, Ryan."

"
Love you, too, Ash Bug. Don't do anything I wouldn't do." He grins. "On second thought, don't do anything I
would
do."

I carefully give him a hug because
, even though his arm is in a temporary cast, I know he's in pain. As much as I hate him sometimes, he really is the best big brother in the world.

"
Hey, what did they say about your arm?"

He shrugs his good shoulder,
"It's definitely broken. The doctors said like eight weeks in a cast and then physical therapy, but the team doc says I should regain full mobility because it's a pretty straightforward break."

I can
't help laughing at that. "Well, at least it's straightforward."

He starts to laugh
, too, realizing how ridiculous that sounds.

"
Hey, sorry about the game." I've wanted to say that since I walked in, but I was afraid to bring it up. It was like the elephant in the room, and I figured, since Ryan's laughing, now is as good a time as any.

He stops laughing but keeps his smile
. "Thanks, Ash. At least I'm only a junior so we have next year to win." I can see the confidence in his brown eyes, and I know, in that moment, they will be back here next year to win. It's amazing that he can bounce back this quickly considering the loss is so fresh. I feel like I'm going to need weeks of counseling to get over it. Once again, it's the difference between non-athlete, me versus athlete, him.

Suddenly
, the door opens and pulls me out of my thoughts. "Hey, can you give somebody else a turn?" Brian questions with a smirk.

"
Brian!" Ryan calls out, sitting up a little straighter in bed. And Todd peeks his head around the door, too. "Hey, guys!"

"
It's one at a time," I say with a giggle.

"
Since when do we follow the rules?" Brian asks, coming in.

"
I was actually sent to come get you." Todd looks right at me. "Hey, Ry." He turns his gaze to my brother. "How are you?"

"
I've been better." Ryan lifts his arm to show his temporary cast. "That was a hell of a game winning kick you made, Todd."

"
You saw?" Todd asks, surprised.

"
Yeah, I wouldn't let them take me down until I saw you kick."

Todd gives him that crooked smile that sets the butte
rflies loose in my stomach even though it's not for me this time. "Too bad it didn't win the game."

"
Well, it almost did," Ryan replies with a smile.

"
It should have," Brian adds.

"
Okay, Ash. I think your mom might have a heart attack if I don't bring you out of the room. She was a little nervous we were all going to be in here, so she sent me in with Brian to get you."

I can
't help laughing as I shake my head at my mom; she will never change. "Bye, Ry. See you soon." I give my brother one last smile.

As soon as we
're out in the hallway, Todd grabs my hand and entwines his fingers with mine. Well, maybe I have to thank my mom. I mean, I am holding Todd's hand and she could have always sent my dad in to get me.

I start to walk toward the waiting area
until Todd pulls me back.

"
Not yet," he says, stepping closer to me.

"
What do you mean?" I'm confused but intrigued.

"
There is something we have to do first." His hand tightens a little around mine.