I wake to the sound of the door bursting open.
My eyes widen and I spring back from Brody, distraught to the fact that I’m not dreaming. It’s all real. Brody was in a car crash.
My eyes meet with a man and woman in their forties with dark hair, both of their eyes filled with pain. The woman takes one look at Brody and sobs loudly, her eyes red and brimmed with tears. She walks unsteadily towards him and I quickly stand up, backing away into the wall.
I feel out of place, I shouldn’t be here.
“Oh, my baby.” She cries, clutching on to his hand and resting her forehead against his. I simply watch, wide eyed as his father walks to his other side, silently shaking with sobs. My own eyes fill with tears and I reach up, hastily wiping them away.
“What happened?” He murmurs quietly, taking hold of his other hand. Brody lies completely still, tubes and wires connected to every visible part of his body. I glance at the door and question whether I should make a run for it but then I remember that I’m Brody’s girlfriend. My request to meet his parents is finally happening but on the wrong terms completely.
“He was in a car crash,” I say quietly, my voice wobbling. Brody’s parents both freeze and turn towards me, only just noticing me properly.
“He was in a car crash,” I repeat, digging my nails into my palm with nerves. They both take a look at each other before glancing back at me. I can feel his mothers eyes burning holes through me as she inspects my appearance, her eyes flashing with disgust.
“Who are you?” She asks me, her voice shaking.
“I’m Bella Winters. I’m your sons girlfriend,” I whisper, dropping my eyes to the floor. Moments of silence pass between us and I want the ground to open up and swallow me whole. I already know what she’s thinking. I already know I’m not going enough for him. Eventually, Brody’s father clears his throat and walks over to me, his hand outstretched. I place my hand in his and notice I’m shaking vigorously.
“It’s nice to meet you Bella.” He says quietly, giving me a small smile. When he’s up close, I can see the striking resemblance he has to Brody. They both share the same eyes and smile and I want to break down again because I miss him. I miss him smiling at me and making me laugh.
“I’m so sorry,” I whisper, unable to maintain eye contact with him. My vision begins to blur from my tears and Brody’s father drops my hand, taking a step back.
“Thank you honey.”
“Was it because of you? This car crash?”
I freeze at his mothers question and instantly feel my stomach churn. Brody’s father frowns and spins around — “Gloria! You can’t blame the poor girl. Look at her, she’s distraught!”
“I simply want to know what happened to my son! Is that a crime?”
I blur out the sound of their voice arguing and lean against the wall for support, silent tears running down my face. It wasn’t my fault. I didn’t even know Brody was out driving that late.
“No, no,” I whisper, shaking my head.
“It wasn’t my fault. I don’t know anything about it!” I tell them, pulling myself out of my fog filled daze. His parents both silence and at that moment, the door opens again. Brody’s doctor walks in, holding a clipboard firmly in his hand.
“Mr and Mrs Baxter,” he says, glancing between the both of them. When he notices me, he sighs and gives me an apologetic look.
“I’m going to have to ask you to leave Bella unless it’s okay with Brody’s parents.”
I nod my head, already standing up to exit the room. I can see the disgust and disappointment in Brody’s mothers expression every time she looks at me. She thinks I had something to do with Brody’s crash and I want to scream at her until she knows the truth. The idea of me being the cause of putting Brody in so much pain makes me want to be sick over and over again. An overwhelming feeling washes over me as I wait nervously for either of them to respond.
“No, she can stay.”
I pause and turn around, meeting eyes with Brody’s father. He smiles at me, his dark eyes glossy as he pats the seat next to him. Beside him, Brody’s mother is glaring at him but he ignores her demonic stares.
“Thank you,” I whisper, walking unsteadily towards the chair. I lower myself down onto it and Brody’s doctor closes over the door, clearing his throat.
“Okay, so we’ve ran some tests. . . ”
I grip onto the seat tightly as I force myself to concentrate on his words, needing to know exactly what condition Brody is in.
*****
“Bella! Oh my god, are you okay?” Jedd yells, bursting through the cafeteria doors and heading for me. I nod silently, clutching onto my lukewarm hot chocolate tightly. I don’t know why I paid for it, I haven’t touched a single drop. Jedd wraps his arms around me, pulling me into his chest. As soon as I inhale his scent, my body breaks out into silent sobs.
“He was in a car crash Jedd, he was in a car crash.” I whisper, salty tears invading my mouth. Jedd pulls me back, worry and guilt flashing through his eyes.
“I’m so sorry Bells. Are you okay? Are you hurt?”
I shake my head and Jedd blows out a sigh of relief, pulling me back into his chest to let me cry silently. He slowly sits down beside me, never once letting go or loosening his embrace.
“Tell me everything Bella,” he murmurs quietly and I nod my head, sniffling against his shirt. I have to take a deep breath to calm my nerves before I begin.