Pitbabe S2, Chapter 10 pg7

 Pitbabe S2, Chapter 10 pg7

   “Nope,” Charlie chuckled, slowly pulling out of the hug. “I just got a shot earlier, and I’m still a bit woozy.”

   “Drunk on meds, huh? I thought you’d been drinking before coming to see me.”

   “Don’t say ‘drunk on meds’ here, or the nurses will call the cops.”

   “Looking at you, they might anyway,” I said, lightly patting Charlie’s cheek to try to snap him out of his daze. But judging by his dreamy smile, it didn’t seem to work. “But honestly, this is fine.”

   “Why? Do you like it when I’m drunk?”

   “Just glad you’re okay.” It might sound weird that I’m the one saying this, considering I’m the one who just cheated death, but I’m genuinely relieved to see Charlie acting so normal. “When my car crashed, my first thought was, Shit, Charlie’s gonna lose it. But waking up to see you sitting here with that dumb look on your face? I’m at ease.”

   “Why would I lose it?” Charlie laughed. He sat on the edge of the bed, grabbed my hand, and spoke casually. “While waiting for the ambulance, Babe, you called and talked to me. Just hearing your voice, I knew you were fine.”

   It took me a few seconds to piece that memory back together, but it wasn’t too hard. When I really thought about it, I remembered I did call Charlie. When the car crashed, my head hit something, sure, but I didn’t pass out right away. I was just dazed for a bit. Some locals came by, tapped on the window to ask if I was okay. I nodded and gave them an “OK” hand sign. Good Samaritans helped open the car door, got me out, and sat me down in a nearby shop. They called an ambulance and asked if I’d contacted any family. That’s when I realized I should call Charlie again. I think I talked to him until the ambulance arrived. After that, my memory’s a blur—probably when I passed out.

   “But you’re really something, you know,” I said, fondly ruffling the head of the drugged-up kid. “Normally, if even a drop of oil splashes on me, you’d be freaking out like a startled dog.”

   “I’ve grown up, you know.”

   “Didn’t realize you’d grown this much.”

   “Well, now you know,” the self-proclaimed grown-up said, puffing out his chest proudly. “If I freaked out every time you got hurt, I’d probably have a short lifespan.”

   “I don’t get hurt that often.”

   “Do you remember when you were last at the hospital?”

   “Not long ago, right? Brought you to get your eyeball scooped out,” I said, mimicking a finger scooping out those round eyes. Charlie quickly covered his eyes, as if scared I’d actually do it. “If I had a choice, you think I’d wanna come to the hospital?”

   “I know. I don’t want Babe coming here often either.”

   “I’ll be more careful.”

   I locked eyes with him, making a serious promise. I know I’ve made this promise before and haven’t exactly nailed it, but I wanted to reassure Charlie that I’m trying—for him.

   I’m trying to stay safe… for Charlie.

   “Thanks,” Charlie smiled. He wrapped an arm around my shoulder, pulled me into a hug, and quickly kissed my forehead. “But you’re already doing great.”

   Charlie is so strong, truly. From the outside, it might look like I’m the tough one, always protecting him. But in reality, I’m the one constantly looking to him. I’m the one relying on Charlie, body and soul. I lean on him shamelessly, overreacting and losing it over the smallest things.

   Meanwhile, Charlie, so much younger, stands on his own and still manages to be my rock-solid anchor.

   My boyfriend’s really something.

   “By the way, did you know the person who answered the phone first wasn’t me?” Charlie asked.

   “Huh?” I was completely confused, no clue what he was talking about. “When?”

   “The first time, before the crash.”

   “That… wasn’t you?”

   My eyes widened. Even if I only heard a “hello,” how could I not recognize my own boyfriend’s voice? Or was I too panicked to notice?

   “Nope,” Charlie laughed, looking at me with the fondest expression. “I was asleep. Chris answered.”

   “Oh…”

   “When he realized it wasn’t good, he woke me up and drove me here since I wasn’t exactly in a normal state.”

   “Did Chris hear the crash?”

   “Yeah,” Charlie nodded. “He was freaked out. First time I’ve ever seen him like that. Wild.”

   “Should I thank my crash for that?”

   “It’s not that worth it,” he said.

   I laughed, and so did Charlie. We chatted for barely five minutes before Team X burst in, looking frantic. North, Sonic, and Dean rushed over, hugging me and wailing like I’d lost a leg or was on death’s door. It took a smack to each of their heads from Phii Alan to shut them up. Jeff, as usual, didn’t join the clown show. He stood quietly, watching me for a moment before leaning in to whisper, “You okay?” While the others were distracted by Phii Alan scolding the troublesome younger guys, I nodded to say I was fine. Jeff nodded back and returned to his silent stance. That’s how it’s always been with us—we don’t talk much, but I feel oddly comfortable and trust him. Jeff acts like he doesn’t care much about me, but in moments like this, I can always sense his concern.

   “Pete’s here too. He’s parking,” Phii Alan turned to tell me.

   “How’d he get here?” I asked, surprised that the team’s big investor had time to visit a small-time worker like me.

   “He was at the track, and Charlie called about you, so we all dragged ourselves over.”

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