Invisible

THE RIGHT

I OPEN MY EYES, my mind wandering as I tilt my head, see Aiden sitting in a chair near the door. I’m pretty sure I’m in the hospital, the florescent lights making my head throb. I can barely remember anything, but Jeremy and Anna quickly come to mind.

“Aiden,” I say. He jumps, looks toward me.

“I’m here,” he says as he stands up, walks toward me, “Everything’s fine.”

“Where am I? Where’s Anna?”

“You’re in the hospital with a concussion, and…” he trails off, glares at me. “She’s… in the lobby.”

“No, I need to talk to her.” I try to sit up, but Aiden restrains me, tells me to take it easy.

“No!” I yell, “I really need to tell her something!”

“Emma.” He shushes me, tells me to calm down. “I’ll bring her in here, okay?”

I stop struggling, nod as he backs away from me, walks out into the hallway. I wait silently while staring at the ceiling. Everything’s too bright, my head still throbbing. I close my eyes only to be jolted awake again.

“Don’t go to sleep,” Aiden yells. My ears ring as I squeeze my eyes shut.

“Don’t yell!” I scream. He stares at me, nods.

“Sorry. Anna’s here.”

I look toward her, her eyes concerned, fists balled. I don’t think she’s going to be too happy with me after this.

“Aiden, can I talk to her alone?” I ask. He walks out of the room, closes the door. Anna walks toward me as I slowly sit up, my head pounding harder.

“What’s up?” she whispers, frowning as she watches me. Apparently, I look pained.

“I- I, um…” I stutter, “I need to talk to you about Jeremy.”

Her expression changes a little. She’s still concerned… Just not about me.

“What is it?”

“I just… I don’t think… you should date him.”

She glares at me. “What?”

“I mean, you really… you shouldn’t be with him.”

“Who the hell are you to tell me who I should be with?”

“No, I mean he’s not good for you. Really, Anna, you shouldn’t be with him.”

“Again, why the fuck do you think you have the right to tell me who I should and should not date? That’s none of your motherfucking business.”

“Anna, I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t mean it. He’s not a good person, and you shouldn’t date anyone like that.”

“And apparently, you have poor fucking judgement. Like I said, you’re not going to be the one to tell me who I can and cannot see.”

“Look, Anna. Please just trust me on this.”

“Why the fuck should I?”

I want to tell her right now, but now I doubt she’ll believe me. I sigh, think of the best answer I can come up with.

“I live with him,” I say, “So I think I’d know.”

“Emma, look. I know you’ve been on my ass about him ever since I’ve shown interest, but for you to pull this type of shit on me? That’s low. And I don’t have to take this shit from you anymore.”

She storms out of the room, down the hall, leaving me alone. I grind my tear, try to fight tears as Aiden walks back into the room.

“What happened?” he asks.

“Nothing… just… nothing,” I respond, “When am I going home?”

“You’re not. You’re coming home with me.”

I stare at him, confused.  “Alright. When am I allowed to leave?”

“The doctor has to make sure you’re okay. After that, they’ll release you.”

“Where is he?”

“Few minutes he told me.”

I lie back down, Aiden helping me. “You sure nothing happened?” he asks, “Anna looked pretty pissed.”

“No,” I say, “It’s going to be fine.”

I wish I could say that about everything.

<><><>

The doctor said I’m fine, shined a little flashlight in my eyes and told me I was able to go home. When I stood up, I stumbled, my legs refusing to coordinate with me. Aiden set me in a wheelchair, rolled me to his truck.

“So, I’m sleeping at your place?” I ask as he opens the passenger door, places me into his truck. He frowns.

“Nope. You can’t sleep yet.”

I scowl at him. “I’m tired, though.”

“I’m sorry. Doesn’t change anything, though.”

He closes the door, walks toward the driver’s side and into the truck.

“It’s alright,” he says as he pulls out of the parking space, “We’ll have fun.”

Oh yeah…

A night spent with him would be fun.