Page 25

“You’re not fine, you’re bleeding.”

“Seriously, it’s okay,” I said, still clutching my nose. “You don’t have to help me.”

“I’m a doctor, remember? It’s what I do.”

“Technically, you’re a vet.”

“Technically, you’re a fox. Now sit down.”

Touché, Lewis. Touché.

I sat back down at the table, the crumbs of my cookie fest from earlier still present. Using one hand, Lewis swept them out of the way. Then he requested the first aid kit from my parents, who, thankfully, headed back to the yard after dropping off the bandages in the kitchen.

Lewis took my head in his hands and turned it sideways a couple of times. “Are you having trouble breathing?” he asked.

I was, but not for the reason he would assume. His firm hands gently touching my face made me lightheaded, to be honest. Still, I shook my head no.

“It doesn’t seem to be broken, but take it easy just in case. I’ll clean up the blood, get you some ice to put on your nose, and drive you home.”

“Home?”

He nodded. “It’s best you lie down for a bit. Party’s over, I’m afraid.”

“Oh, okay. You don’t have to drive me, though. I only need my eyes and limbs for that, and they seem to be working just fine. See?” I asked and flexed my hands.

He let out a laugh. “You can be stubborn, you know that? I’m driving you – doctor’s orders.”

Ten minutes later, I left the party with a bag of frozen peas on my face. It wasn’t exactly the gracious exit I’d dreamed of, but it was better than walking around with a bloody, swollen nose.

When Lewis and I passed my car, I gasped. Lewis followed my appalled gaze and sucked in a breath.

“Ouch. That’s brutal.”

“That car is mine.”

I walked closer to inspect the damage better. The taillight was smashed, and a giant dent in the door made my old car look even more like a sad piece of junk. Lewis walked around the car to check for a note from the offender, but there wasn’t one. A hit-and-run. Just what I needed.

I closed my eyes and tried to think of things I enjoyed, all so I wouldn’t start crying in front of Lewis.

I knew my car was dead. There was no use having it fixed, not to mention that I wouldn’t be able to pay for repairs even if I wanted to.

“Shall I call a tow truck?”

“Let’s just go home,” I said, not wanting to bum Lewis out with the details of my crumbling life. “I’ll have it towed tomorrow.”

“Are you sure? Shouldn’t we at least call the police?” he asked with a concerned look.

“No, I just want to crawl into bed. Is that your car?” I asked, pointing to the gray vehicle I had seen him arrive in the other day.

He nodded and put a hand on my back to lead me to his car. It was a smart move. After everything that had happened, I’d probably fall and break a limb without him. Before I got in, I threw the bag of frozen peas in a nearby trash can. I didn’t want it melting and dripping in the car.

“Are you okay?” he asked again as we clicked our seat belts into place.

I smiled and gave him a thumbs up. I was afraid talking would lead to crying, and I didn’t know Lewis well enough to turn into a sobbing mess in his vicinity. Besides, I looked ridiculous enough as it was. There was no need to make it worse.

He maneuvered the car out of its parking spot. “Where do you live?”

“Over at Rainbow Lane,” I said, my voice still trembling with emotion.