Chance Encounters

“Got it.” She exhaled and held her head up high.

“I knew you loved him back.” He gave her a one-armed hug and winked at her playfully.

Alex held the door open for Caroline and she walked through, unsure of what to expect on the other side. She gasped at the sight of Jackson’s body lying helplessly in the small hospital bed. Tubes and wires came from what seemed like every part of his exposed body. Machines beeped with a steady pace. His head was swollen to a size she couldn’t describe and his arms and legs were bandaged in various places.

Her heart seized at first, but then love rapidly soared through her every fiber. She knew in that moment that everything she had felt for him all those months ago was real. It had always been real.

“I can’t believe you’re here.” Tommy jerked his head in her direction and glared with disgust.

“You must be Tommy. I’ve heard you’re not my biggest fan.” Caroline attempted to be civil.

“Well, at least you came. I guess that says something about your character.” His eyes rolled as he looked away.

“I guess I deserve that,” she said as she tried to hide the sting of his words from her expression. Caroline looked over at the petite brunette sitting in the corner. “You must be Sally?” she said kindly, and offered a soft smile.

“I’m out of here,” Tommy snorted as he stormed out of the room.

Alex shot Caroline an apologetic look. “I’ll go talk to him.”

Once the door shut, Sally stated, “And you must be the reason why he won’t love me.” She looked Caroline over from head to toe before continuing. “You know…I thought in time, he’d get over you.” She took a breath for strength. “But he never did.”

Caroline’s gaze fell to the floor. “I’m sorry.”

“You ruined him. All I wanted was for him to stop thinking about you and open his eyes to see me. ME!” Sally pounded at her chest with clenched fists. “I’ve been standing in front of him all along. I’d do anything for him. But he never cared. He never saw anyone but you. And I hate you for that.” She dropped her face into her hands and wept.

Caroline struggled to catch the breath that escaped her. Her bottom lip quivered as she tried in vain to wipe away her tears. “I don’t know what to say other than I’m so sorry. I never meant for any of this to happen.”

“You broke his heart.” Sally rose from the padded chair and gathered her belongings, her blue jeans and pink T-shirt wrinkled from sitting in one place for too long.

“Please don’t go,” Caroline pleaded.

Sally stopped and looked at her. “I don’t belong here any more. I never did.”

Caroline’s eyes widened, her mouth agape. “Yes, you do. If anyone doesn’t belong here, it’s me.”

“But he loves you, not me. Trust me, I’ve been reminded of that fact on more than one occasion,” Sally insisted, deep sorrow evident in her eyes.

“But you love him. Please stay,” Caroline insisted.

Sally sat back down in the chair and looked at Caroline with surprise.

“Thank you.” Caroline’s face relaxed. “I’m sure it hasn’t been easy for you the past couple of months. I’ve been a complete idiot, but you…you’ve done nothing wrong…”

“…except fall in love with the wrong guy.” Sally’s voice quivered as she fought back tears.

Caroline walked over to the fragile girl and gently squeezed her hand. “Or the right one. I am really sorry for everything. I hope one day you can forgive me.”

Sally took a long, deep breath before she looked into Caroline’s tired eyes. “It means a lot to me that you care.”

“It means a lot to me that you don’t want to kill me,” Caroline joked and raised her eyebrows.

“Oh, don’t worry. I do,” Sally remarked with a quick laugh.

“Just make sure it’s quick and painless, please. Not a big fan of pain,” Caroline shot back through clenched teeth.

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Sally’s eyes locked with Caroline’s for an uncomfortable beat, then she shrugged and smiled.

Waves of relief washed over Caroline as the tension began to alleviate. “I’m exhausted and I could really use a coffee. Can I get you one?”