Drop Dead Queen (Corium University Trilogy 2)

“Could you tell me anything about Quinton?” I ask, expecting her to tell me she can’t disclose any information.

“We’re going to keep him for another night. He lost a lot of blood, and we need to make sure none of his stitches open up.”

I nod in agreement. My lungs seem to deflate, letting all the anxious air out of them at her response. I’m just glad he’s okay.

Almost like the nurse can sense what I’m feeling, she says, “What he did was very brave, risking it all to save your life. It’s a miracle that you survived that crash and he found you when he did. Mother nature is a force to be reckoned with; maybe what happened to you two is fate.”

I don’t tell her I agree, but I want to. I know if Quinton hadn’t gone out there to rescue me, I would’ve died on the very first night. I could have died, but it wasn’t my time yet, and I need to remember that, especially on the days when being here suffocates me.

“Anyway, I’ll have someone bring in the crutches before it’s time to go. The librarian is here waiting to see you. I told her I would check in with you first.”

The mere mention of Brittney makes me smile. “Please, send her in. She can help me up to my room since I’ve never used crutches before.”

“Of course, I’ll send her right in.”

I’m smiling from ear to ear when Brittney steps into the room. “Wow, can’t say I’ve ever seen someone so excited to break their leg.”

I roll my eyes. “I’m not excited about this stupid thing. I’m excited that you’re here, and I get to see you again.”

The smile slides off her face. “I swear to God, Aspen. I was worried sick about you. When I heard you left…” She trails off, and I don’t have to ask if she’s upset because her words and voice paint the perfect picture.

For the first time since making that rash choice to leave, I feel sorry. I’m not used to anyone giving a damn about me, and knowing my leaving hurt Brittney makes me feel worse.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper. “I didn’t do it because of you.”

“I know that much. It’s just, you could’ve come to me. We’re friends, and that’s what friends are for.”

Going to Brittney wasn’t an option. I wasn’t going to get her tangled in the web of my life. Friend or not, I would not endanger her just for a little help.

Another nurse interrupts our conversation, stalking into the room with a pair of crutches in her hand. She leans them against the foot of the bed and places sweatpants and a T-shirt with the school crest on them on the bed.

“I figured you could use some clothes,” she says. “I didn’t see anything that we needed to return to you, and they tossed the clothes you had on in the trash.”

I bite back a frustrated sigh. “Thank you,” I whisper.

The nurse nods and scurries out of the room, leaving Brittney and me alone once more. An uncomfortable silence settles over us, and after a few seconds, she speaks.

“Next time, come to me if you have any problems or need anything. I’ve got your back, and I’ll help you however I can.”

I look down at the clothes the nurse brought. “I won’t drag you into the mess known as my life.”

“Hate to tell you, buttercup, but I’m already a part of it, and I’m not going anywhere. Now, go get dressed, and I’ll help you to your room.”

As much as I hate to admit it, she isn’t wrong. She is already a part of my life and the closest thing to a friend I have here.

“Okay.” I nod and force myself to smile.

Brittney helps me get the crutches to the perfect height, and after a few incidents, where I almost fall over and smash my face into the floor, I make it successfully to the bathroom connected to my room. With only one good leg, I need assistance with putting the sweatpants on, but thankfully, I get the shirt on just fine.

The crest with a knife piercing through the skull reflects back at me as I stare at myself in the mirror. If you looked up hot mess in the dictionary, I’m sure my name would be right beside it.

I splash some water on my face and slap my cheeks a couple of times to give them some color before I hobble out of the bathroom. I can’t wait to get back to my room, to my bed, and shower.

Even if it’s nothing great, it’s still mine.

I can feel Brittney staring at me, but I ignore her questioning gaze and let her help me out of the room and down the hall. We’ve not made it far when voices carry from a room down the hall. The last thing I want to do is walk past that room, knowing that Quinton is in there with his family, but that’s the only way out of this place.