Page 19 of Fractured Grief (Hope’s Ridge #2)

Not being able to work on the cars and bikes that came in was hard.

I hated feeling useless, and more often than not, I was in the way.

The garage was busy as usual, but so much had fallen on Atticus’s shoulders.

I worried he was going to burn out. We needed to hire another mechanic, even if only for a little while.

I still couldn’t drive, and I didn’t know when or how I’d be able to again.

Being stuck at home, even with all the visitors, was still better than the hospital, but it sucked.

I was used to being active, going out, being in nature, and working.

I had nothing to do or couldn’t do the things I wanted.

I was starting to go stir crazy being cooped up.

I needed to get out, so I convinced Lyric to drive me to my next appointment with Levi, rather than doing it on telehealth.

The drive was surprisingly enjoyable with Lyric singing along to whatever tune was on the radio.

I attempted to work on my whittling project.

I found that I enjoyed my new “hobby” more than I thought I would.

Once I started, I realized not only did it help my hands and improve my fine motor skills, but it calmed my mind.

I could zone out and meditate on the task at hand.

Before I knew it, Lyric was gently shaking my shoulder to get my attention.

We’d arrived at the nearby parking lot, and it was a short walk to Levi’s office.

Lyric helped get my cramped body out of his Subaru Crosstrek after I put my whittling kit away.

He passed me my cane, and we made our way to Levi’s office.

Lyric had messaged that he’d meet me at a café down from Levi’s office, so I headed that way. I made sure to take measured steps and use my cane. I’d come so far and was so thankful for all the progress I’d made with Indy, Judy, and Levi.

I felt surprisingly refreshed and reinvigorated after my appointment.

My counselor always had a way of getting me to open up, even about things I never planned to tell anyone.

Sometimes I thought he could read my mind.

I’d reluctantly discussed my growing feelings for Indy and the possibility I could be on the ace spectrum.

I’d been worried about revealing my feelings.

It felt so wishy-washy and juvenile. I couldn’t fully encapsulate the longing and light Indy brought into my life.

The change he’d made by just being there.

I was so caught up in my thoughts that I didn’t take in the world around me.

A taxi came out of nowhere, jumped the curb, and clipped me.

I was knocked backward. My cane went flying, and I couldn’t keep my feet under me.

Pain lanced through me as I tumbled to the ground, my hip and palms hitting the asphalt first. Horns honked, people started yelling and cursing, but all I could do was brace myself and wait for my body to tell me where I was hurt.

Through all the melee around me, a voice I recognized stood out.

“Seb, oh my God! Are you okay?” Indy was on his knees in front of me, hands hovering over my body, eyes darting around. He placed his small hand on my shoulder to halt my movements. I collapsed onto my back and closed my eyes.

“Seb! Talk to me?” Indy’s voice sounded shrill.

“I t-think I’m okay,” I croaked out.

“Daddy, there’s blood,” a small voice whispered.

“There’s blood?” I asked, confused. I didn’t think I was that injured, but I was still taking stock. My muscles would ache from the quick movements and jolt to the system soon enough.

More weight was applied to my shoulder. “Seb, your leg is cut. I’m going to apply some pressure.”

I could feel the weight of all the people around me watching and muttering, pressing in on me. What a sight I must make. I wanted to disappear into the ground.

“I’m s-sure I’m fine.” Opening my eyes, I tried to sit up despite Indy’s protests.

Taking in the crowd around me, my stomach churning as I leaned forward to talk to Indy. “Can we get out of here?” I pleaded, my stutter more pronounced.

Indy bit his lower lip as his gaze assessed me. “I’m not sure you should move yet. ”

“ Please . I can’t be here like this,” my voice quaked. I hated being stared at. People noticed me wherever I went because of my size, and being the center of attention was making me nauseous.

“Okay,” Indy hesitated. “We’re right near my office. We can go there. Will you be okay for a second while I grab a wheelchair?”

“What?” I screeched. I could almost feel my eyes bulging out of my head at the thought of being left here and having to use a wheelchair again. My mind was reeling, and my hands started trembling.

I can’t have another setback.

“Hey. It’s okay. Take a breath.” He gripped my shoulder. An even smaller hand touched my other shoulder, catching my attention. Glancing to the side, I was struck by the young, brave face looking at me. Her scarlet waves were held back in a messy braid, and her pale blue eyes bore into me.

“It’s okay. My Daddy will take care of you.” She was so matter-of-fact; my body immediately calmed.

I glanced between Indy and the sweet little girl next to me, a small smile finally lifting my lips.

“This is Hazel. Hazel, this is my friend, Seb,” Indy smiled at me knowingly before addressing Hazel. “Can you stay right here with Seb and hold his hand while I run to my office?”

“Yes, Daddy. I’ll keep him company until you come back.”

Indy quickly darted off .

Glancing at the little girl holding my giant hand in both of her tiny ones. She was dressed in leggings and a thick winter coat. A character shirt of some sort flashed as she shifted, and her fluffy skirt moved in the breeze.

“Who’s that?” I asked, gesturing at her shirt.

“This is me. Well, it’s my Minecraft avatar. Daddy made it.” Beaming at me, she showed off her cute as hell gap-toothed smile.

“Your Daddy made it? That’s s-so cool.” I was impressed.

Her smile widened even farther. “Oh yes, my Daddy is very clever.”

Indy was back in a flash before we could continue our conversation.

I took in my leg and noticed the dark jacket that must’ve been Indy’s wrapped around my calf and tied off. I was about to lift the fabric and take a look when Indy’s hand halted mine.

“Let’s get you inside first.” He locked the wheelchair. “Would you like some help up? Wait, where’s your cane? You’ve been using it, right?”

“Of course,” I grumbled, rolling my eyes. “It flew out of my hand when the cab hit me.” I didn’t know where it was and didn’t want to think too much about the state it was in if it was found.

Indy glanced around but quickly dismissed the idea of finding it to help me with the chair.

“I’ll be alright.” I hoisted myself onto the seat, very much hating the people gawking at me. Shifting to fit my large body in the too-small wheelchair, I was reminded of the first few weeks at the hospital.

I can’t have a setback. This isn’t going to be a setback!

“Do you mind if I wheel you?” Indy whispered in my ear, causing me to shiver. “It’ll be quicker and won’t hurt your palms.”

“P-please! Anything to g-get me out of here.”

“Haze, let’s go,” Indy said, and Hazel hurried to keep up.

We moved quickly, and before I knew it, we had entered the outpatient building.

“Oh my, what happened?” Megan, the receptionist, exclaimed as she hurried around the counter.

“What do you need?” Her assessing gaze flicked from me to Indy before going to Hazel.

She knelt to greet Haze. “You must be Hazel. It’s so nice to meet you.

” She held out her hand to shake. “Would you like to come hang out with me while your Daddy helps Mr. Sebastian? I have a few princess books I’d love to share. ”

Hazel happily shook Megan’s hand before glancing up at Indy. “Can I, Daddy?”

“Of course, sweetheart. I’ll be down the hall, and Miss Megan has my number if you need me. You have fun.” Indy hugged Hazel and passed her backpack to Meg, with a relieved thanks .

We left them to it and made our way into Indy’s shared office.

“Can you hop up on the table, and we’ll take a look at your leg and any other injuries?” Indy asked, cautiously.

I rose slowly out of the chair, not realizing how much the cane really did aid my balance. Wobbling as I tried to step with my right leg.

“Careful.” Indy slotted himself under my shoulder to steady me and helped me to the table.

“Thanks.” I shifted, stretching my legs out in front of me. Now that I’d stopped and was away from the crowd, my adrenaline crashed. I shook, and my hands felt clammy.

“Hey,” Indy spoke softly as he took my hand in his. “You’re okay.” He rubbed his fingers over my hand and down my wrist, careful to avoid the small scrapes on the fleshy part of my palm. It was soothing.

“I’m so glad you’re okay,” Indy huffed out as his forehead collapsed against my bicep. “When I saw that taxi hit you, I think my heart stopped.”

“It’s all a b-blur.” I noticed his shoulders shaking. Was he crying? “Indy, I’m okay.” I reached for his face and lifted his chin. Tears welled in his eyes and trailed down his cheeks, and even then, he was still stunning. I caressed his cheek, rubbing away a few more tears.

“Seb,” he whispered as his voice broke. Indy’s eyebrows pinched together, and he squeezed his eyes shut, causing more tears to escape. When he opened his eyes again, his pupils were blown, and longing filled his expression.

Before I knew what was happening, our lips connected.