36 Giving sUss a Chance to Grow (1/2)
An insistent knock pulled me awake from my dreamless sleep.
”Vivian?”
”Morning Kate, how are you feeling?”
”Umm fine, what are you doing here?” A throbbing headache was slowly creeping up on me. Looking around I realized that I was not at home, but in a car, in the hospital's parking lot.
”I brought you some clothes to change into and some food as ordered.”
”Ordered? Ah, Gray.” I then realized he was not in the car with me.
”And he promised,” I muttered to myself but was interrupted by Vivian.
”I already met with him, I told him to go wash for a bit and I'll stay with you. Did you guys not sleep at all last night?” She asked entering the car and pushing over one of her bags.
”Here, I brought you some changing clothes. I hope they fit you. If you want we can go over to your place and change in your own.”
”No, this is fine, thank you.” I took the bag and looked over what she brought. It was a simple hooded jersey and a pair of long shorts. In a smaller bag, there was a pair of red underwear with the tag still intact.
”Sorry, I don't really have another style of underwear over at my place.” She explained seeing me look weirdly at them.
”No, it's fine, I was just thinking where I could change.”
”I'll come with you to the bathroom to change if you want.”
It just dawned on me, that I was really lucky to have befriended Vivian, despite the first impression I had of her, she has repeatedly been there for me when I needed it, silently offering her help and support. I'm not sure if I've ever done anything to help her in exchange, but at that moment I realized I had found a real friend. Unlike the usual, shallow interpersonal relationships I had with most of my so-called ”friends”, with Vivian I had something more. She became more than just an acquaintance, she was a sister.
”Thank you, Vivian.” I had to forget about the awkwardness I feel and sincerely thank her.
”Oh, don't worry Kate, it's just running some errands. No biggie.”
”Not just for these, but for everything. For being there when I needed support and not judging.”
To be honest, even if people have an inkling about me and Gray being closer than we should have, it was not something many would accept as readily, especially if you consider that her and Gray's wife knew each other for several years now. Recalling my ambiguous situation with him and the fight with my grandma made tears swell up in my eyes before I had a chance to stop them.
”Oh, honey, you don't need to cry. I'm doing it because I want to and I care for you and your quirky ways.”
Hearing her trying to make excuses for being a friend made me almost choke from laughter.
”Yeah, I know. Thank you!” I managed to say between tears and coughs.
”I also brought the three of us food so we can eat as soon as Luke gets back.”
Just as she said this, The door on my side opened and the cold and moist morning air traveled into the car, making me shiver.
”Vivian, what did you do?” Gray looked at me with eyes full of worry.
”I didn't do anything, we're just chatting. Talk about overprotective...” She mumbled more to herself than to him.
”Kate, are you okay?” He took my hands into his and used his palm to raise my head, forcing me to look at him. Strangely enough, the cough subsided at that moment.
”I'm fine, I was just thinking how lucky I am.” And indeed I was. Together with my friend and my loved one. If only my grandmother would see how precious they are to me, I am sure she would understand.
”Any news?” I asked hopefully looked over at Gray.
”She's still sleeping. There is still some time until the visiting hours open, so let's get something to eat and change. Do you want me to drive you home and wash up?”
”No, I'm fine, I don't want to go away until she wakes up.”
”That's fine, let's get some food then.”
”I already brought some breakfast for you guys, as per your orders your Majesty.” Vivian jokingly replied.
”Oh right, thank's Viv.”
”No problem. They're only some sandwiches but should be enough for a while.”
”They're great, thank you!” I replied while placing the clothes bag at the back of the car and looking over the one with the food.
”Eat this one first, it's good. I also brought us some hot coffee from the vending machine, we'll have to do with this until the cafeteria opens.” Gray said handing me a hot coffee can and opening one for himself.
”Thanks. Here, you should eat something as well. Why don't you come in the car?” I gave him one of the sandwiches as well.
”Viv took my spot,” Gray complained and Vivial only snorted at his whining.
”Sure, blame it on me. Just tell me to get lost in a straight way, you ungrateful prick.”
”I would never do that, Jhonny would hate me if I upset you.”
”Please, those are just excuses, want me to call him? We can even call Adrian and make a party of it.”
”You're bluffing!”
”Try me!”
The childish bantering made me momentarily forget about my worries and I could enjoy my meal in a fun environment.
”You sure are good friends...” I said, myself unaware of my pouting.
”Comes with the territory, or in this case the years we knew each other,” Vivian replied.
”Wouldn't have it any other way,”Gray added.