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ankle.”
    “And how did that happen?”
    “I tripped and fell.” I forced a smile.
    “I think she needs medical attention,”
Nicholas interjected, shifting the subject.
    “I think you’re right. I’ll get the Blazer.
Wait here.”
    I blinked and became horrified when the words medical attention registered in my mind.
    “No,” I bellowed.
    My sudden insistence startled them.
    “Why not?” Luke asked.
    I would rather eat shards of glass than go to
a hospital. They had no idea the personal hell it would cause me,
forced to feel everyone’s pain and angst – especially in the
emergency room.
    “I’m fine, really. I’ll heal. Nothing’s
broken, see?” I tried to stand up and then almost toppled over,
wincing in pain. Nicholas prevented me from falling.
    “You’re NOT fine and you’re going!” Luke
insisted.
    I stared them both down and clenched my jaw.
I knew neither would budge and I couldn’t get myself into the house
without help, so like it or not I’d be forced to go.
    “Fine.” I snapped, surrendering.
    Luke left the porch and headed in the
direction of his Blazer. Alone with Nicholas, I didn’t want to
waste my last chance to avoid a trip to the ER.
    “I’m really not that hurt.”
    “I think it would be best for a doctor to
check you out, just in case.”
    Why did he have to be so sensible? This
maddened me. It was my body. I should be able to decide when and if
I needed medical attention. I let out a determined huff. They could
try to make me go, but I wouldn’t be forced.
    Luke pulled around front and got out, opening
the passenger side, turning to head in our direction. Nicholas, two
steps ahead of him, swept me up and carried me to the Blazer
effortlessly. My mouth fell open as he carried me off the porch.
This wasn’t how I imagined them getting me to the car. It was hard
to be an uncooperative hostage when I didn’t have legs to run
away.
    I looked into his eyes and my anger subsided
as I felt his tenderness again. Losing myself in his intoxicating
aura, I forgot where he carried me as we headed to the Blazer.
Feeling all giddy inside, I wrapped my arms around his neck
secretly glad he didn’t have the power to read emotions like I
did.
    “Will I see you again?” I said in a slip.
    My cheeks flushed in embarrassment for being
so forward.
    “Well, if falling off cliffs and such is
going to be your favorite past-time, then I imagine yes,” he
joked.
    I gave him a dirty look relieved he thought
nothing of my comment. We were almost to the car and I wished I
could hold onto his neck forever. I pouted as he put me down gently
on the front seat. I felt the same ache return with the absence of
his touch.
    “Drive carefully Luke. I didn’t go through
all this trouble just to have you crash on the way to the
hospital,” Nicholas said.
    My heart fluttered listening to his concern
of my safety. I thought I saw him wink at me.
    Luke finally relaxed. “Thanks man,” he told
Nicholas. “Hey, you need a ride?”
    “I’m good. My car is down the way,” he said
as he motioned down the road.
    I followed his motion with my eyes confused
as I didn’t see a car. Then Nicholas closed the door and I quickly
rolled down the window. I wasn’t ready to say good-bye.
    “I’ll check on you later,” he said as he
reached out and squeezed my hand resting on the windows ledge.
    My heart leapt. There couldn’t have been a
better ending to a perfectly horrible day.
    “Okay,” I said softly.
    I watched him, hoping the moment wouldn’t
end. He smiled at me, but his emotions changed again as he stepped
back away from the Blazer. The sadness and guilt had resurfaced,
even though his face didn’t show it.
    I wonder what’s wrong?
    Whatever it was, I wanted to help. I secretly
hoped he’d let me. And answer the questions that nagged me about
our evening.
    Luke pulled away from the curb and I took a
deep breath, sinking back into the seat, already missing Nicholas’
arms around me. But I felt a