“We have a deal, little man,” Marcus chuckled while holding out his hand. “I’ll watch over Angel until you can, then we’ll both keep her safe.” Matty nodded and shook his hand. Then he threw his arms around my neck for a hug with a broad smile.
“Angel, what’s your apartment like? You’ve never been in one this nice before,” he beamed, and I sighed. Lord knows I love this boy, but he was so damn stubborn you could move a mountain with a paperclip before he did anything he didn’t want to. I couldn’t be too mad, though, because he learned it from me.
“It’s nice, and I like it a lot. A kind older man rented it to me for less so I can afford your school easier,” I answered after a moment, and he sighed with relief. I should have realized he was worrying, poor sprout. “Plus, Marcus and his wife, Ava, are my bosses, and they pay me well. More than I’ve ever received before. So, I shall save up to take us out of the country. Or perhaps buy a house here,” I added under my breath.
“Only if jackass goes away,” Matty sighed, his expression darkening. “He better be careful because I’ll kill him for what he does to you.”
“You will do no such thing, young man,” I denied sternly. “I mean it, Matty.” He scoffed, and I quirked my brow. His eyes widened after a moment, and I grinned.
“I take it back!” He cried, but it was too late. I pounced and tickled him without mercy.
“We’ve been through this, bro, I ain’t afraid to tickle your defiance out of you,” I laughed while he squealed. Marcus watched us with a soft smile, his eyes full of warmth, and I chuckled. “Marcus won’t save you so, hah! And Tammy won’t either. Guess you better change your ways, eh?” Matty laughingly cried never and tried to squirm away to no avail. Once Tammy announced breakfast was ready, I released him, and he ran to the safety of the table.
“You will be a wonderful mother,” Marcus sighed, and I glanced at him with a frown. That’s not random. Then again, Matty, so I guess it wasn’t random. Well, damn.
“Perhaps. I don’t know if I’ll ever find someone I trust enough. As the victim of an abusive father, I can’t risk subjecting someone else to that. I’ll probably die alone since my heart is too scarred for me to risk. Besides, who would want me, anyway?” I sighed with a shrug. No need to candy-coat it. The truth hurts, but it usually does.
“Eh, Riff might have something to say about that,” Marcus chuckled, and my cheeks heated. Without looking at the older male, I followed Matty’s example and retreated to the table. Laughing, Marcus sat a few moments later, smiling at Tammy, who introduced herself and scolded me when I tried to apologize.
“I’ve told you, Angel, you are not to worry about unimportant things like this when we visit. I want you to spend every available second together. I will figure out the rest, all right? It’s good for you to take the weight of responsibility off your shoulders and be a kid when you can. You’re only young for so long, hmm?” Tammy lectured, and I sighed, eating my breakfast and pouting to make Matty grin. It became a contest between us to see who could look more pathetic. He won, but only because I burst out laughing and couldn’t control my expression.
Marcus tried to give me the day off work, but Matty and I protested, so Matty got to wear a nametag proclaiming him to be an honorary worker. He ate up the attention everyone gave him, ensuring he remained polite and helpful, albeit I noticed angry glares aimed at a few backs. Giving him a reproachful frown, I ruffled his hair, and he sighed before hugging me from the side. He and Zach got along great, which made me smile so big I forgot how to frown. My little brother and my first friend getting along was so surreal, but fantastic.
It was towards the end of the night when the usual sense of unease overtook me, and an unwilling whimper escaped my lips. I clenched my jaw to keep from screaming, although Zach rushed to my side when the pain began, and I hunched to brace my hands on my knees. God, this one made the others seem like a walk in the park, and I bit my fist to stop my screams while tears streamed down my cheeks. Thankfully, it was a quick one, albeit I coughed as soon as it was over. This time, however, I vomited blood. I couldn’t stop, although I tried. As my panic built, more blood burst from my mouth until my vision darkened. I was aware of Tammy grabbing Matty, who struggled to get to me while shouting my name, but everything faded away.
I woke to soft beeping and groggily looked around. I recognized the smell before my eyes focused and sighed. I rarely end up in the hospital excluding his visits. I groaned upon realizing I was so excited about Matty that I left my wallet in my pocket. Sure enough, it sat on the table beside me, and when I opened it, they’d pulled my insurance card. Fuck. Well, here’s hoping they’re not looking yet. Anyway, I should have a few days before they show up, so hopefully whatever this is stops, and I won’t be in such horrible shape when they come.
My stomach radiated agony, as did my healing ribs. Uh oh, here comes the nurse. She frowned, and I glanced around to discover that not only did I have an IV, but a blood bag too. That serious, huh? Well, shit.
“Are you aware that you have broken ribs, young lady?” The stern-faced nurse asked gently, and I sighed. Nodding, I waited for the lecture only to flinch with a pained hiss when she hugged me
