Wait, what did she just think? Needed to check on Lillian. Why was it a need in her mind? When Chloe broke her arm two years ago, Monica wanted to help every day. There were days she couldn’t go because of activities, but it never bothered her. It was different today—much different. Having no information drove her insane. Monica wanted—or rather needed—to know what was going on and to make sure she was okay.
When she saw her friends coming toward her, Monica forced her thoughts aside.
“Any word on Lillian?” Erica asked as they headed for the door.
“Not yet,” she said. “I’m going to check on her when I get home.”
“I hope she’s okay,” Chloe said. “I honestly didn’t mean to do that to her.”
“What were you two even thinking?” Monica asked, trying not to sound angry. “What was on that phone to cause a tug-of-war over it?”
“I was trying to text you,” Chloe explained. She went on to tell her about Lillian and the conversation they had about whether or not she had a crush on her. Erica joined in, adding that she wanted to get the phone away so Chloe wouldn’t try playing matchmaker. Monica grew upset with each new detail, but one thing never escaped her attention.
“Rewind here,” she said to her friends as they started walking to the parking lot. “Are you two saying that she has a crush on me?”
“Who has a crush on you?” Kendra asked as she joined the trio.
“Lillian,” Erica told her.
“You serious?” Kendra asked. “Lillian?”
“I think so,” Chloe answered. “When I suggested it, she blushed and made it sound like she just might.”
Monica digested the information and sighed. “So she got hit in the head because she may or may not have a crush on me?”
“Come on, Monica,” Chloe said. “All three of us can see how you look at her. You can admit it now. You like Lillian.”
Monica stopped in the empty corridor just before the doors. She leaned up against the wall, tilting her head back against the concrete wall as well.
“I do like Lillian,” she admitted. “But it confuses me to no end.”
Chloe put a hand on her shoulder. “Because you have that connection with her, Monica. Maybe you’re starting to develop a romantic attraction.”
Monica sighed and shook her head against the wall. “It looks like I have some thinking to do.”
“We’re here for you, Monica,” Erica said. “We’ll help you talk through whatever.”
“Thanks,” she said with a slight smile. “I’d better get home. I have a lot of homework on my plate, and I still want to check in with Lillian.”
“Let us know how she’s doing,” Chloe said as they separated in the parking lot.
“Wow,” Kendra said. “Things are getting interesting around here.”
Monica shot Kendra a look while she giggled. She did her best to speed home without really speeding, but local police still caught her. Fortunately, they only gave her a warning and sent her on her way. When she reached the house, she ran inside and got ready for homework. There was still one thing she needed to do before getting started, and she hoped for a reply back.
Monica: How are you feeling?
Monica turned her attention to her homework, expecting an answer back soon. She got through her math and reading assignments before checking the time. Lillian hadn’t answered back in the last two hours. Grabbing her phone again, she sent another text.
Monica: Lillian? Are you okay?
She started getting worried that Lillian took a bigger hit than anyone first thought. She thought about going to her apartment, but she didn't know where that was. She went to the window and looked out, hoping Lillian was fine and just tired.
Monica: I guess you’re asleep. I hope you’re feeling better. Let me know how you’re doing…please?
CHAPTER TEN
Des Moines, IA
Lillian stirred and opened her eyes. She was lying in a bed that wasn't hers. The bed had rails, and its white sheets covered her from her shoulders down. A clear tube came over the bed rail and disappeared under a large square on her left hand. The room was empty other than herself. She had no idea where she was, let alone how she got there. But one thing was certain, her head and neck hurt.
Okay, two things were certain. Lillian was worried about Monica. Her eyes scanned for her phone to call, but she couldn't find it.
She didn't have a way to keep track of time, so she didn't know how long she lay there waiting for someone to show up. When someone did, Lillian smiled and tried to sit up.
“Stay down, Lil.”
Lillian sighed and let her head drop back to the pillow. “Aunt Judy, where am I and how did I get here?”
“You're in the hospital, sweetie,” Judy told her. “What's the last thing you remember?”
Lillian’s eyes glanced at the ceiling while she searched her memory. “I was at choir. Chloe was trying to text Monica because I said that I have a crush on her.”
“On Chloe?” Judy asked.
“Monica,” she corrected.
Judy nodded and held her hand. She told her the story as she knew it. Lillian took in every word, especially when she mentioned Monica.
“You passed out when I was getting you to the car,” Judy continued. “The school called an ambulance to come to get you. You have a concussion, sweetie. They're keeping you here for a couple of days to see how your brain is doing.”
“Does Monica know?” she asked. “She's probably worried.”
Judy smiled and patted her hand while taking out her phone. “Want me to talk to her?”
Lillian’s eyes squinted and she covered them with her free hand. “Your phone display is too bright. Would you mind calling her?”
“Not at all, honey,” Judy said. “I'll head out there and call her quick. Be right back.”
“Aunt Judy?” Lillian called out softly. She watched her stop and turn around with a caring expression.
“Yes?”
“I’m sorry I never told you I like girls.”
Judy smiled and reached for her hand. “Lil, no matter who you are or who you like, you’ll always be my precious little girl. I’ll always be proud of you.”
Lillian smiled back, feeling the tears in her eyes. “I love you, Aunt Judy.”
“I love you too, Lil,” Judy said, leaning down to hug her. “Be right back, honey.”
She nodded and sighed as she watched Judy leave the room. Her arm reached for the cup of water on the tray table, and she took a sip. From the hallway, she heard Judy talking to Monica, but couldn't decipher most of what she was saying. She did hear Judy tell her that she'd keep her updated and when she could come to visit.
When she got back to Lillian's side, Judy put the phone down and smiled. “I think she likes you, Lil.”
Lillian smirked as much as her achy head allowed. “I like her too.”
“Have you told her?”
“No,” she admitted. “I'm afraid she'll say no.”
Judy held her hand and brushed back some stray hairs from her face. “That's always possible. But you'll never know for sure until you try.”
“How do I tell her, though? I mean, she was the one my parents targeted for that recital.”
Judy’s brow rose. “I thought you two were working together on that choir song.”
“We are,” she replied. “It's so much fun practicing with her. And I have to admit I like seeing her across from me in study hall.”
“I'd tell her, Lil. Take the chance. I think she'd react better than you think.”
Lillian considered the idea and nodded. “What did she say on the phone?”
The abrupt subject change didn't escape Judy’s attention. Her shoulders shook as she giggled. “She's worried about you. With a little luck, the doctors will say you can have visitors, and she can come over. That is if you want her to.”
“I'd like that,” she whispered. “I'm getting tired.”
Judy helped her get
comfortable and turned out some of the nearby lights. “I'll be right here, okay?”
Lillian closed her eyes and felt a soft kiss on her forehead. Her thoughts drifted to Monica and how much she wanted to see her. She faded off to sleep, anxious to tell her how she felt about her.
Norwalk
Monica stared at the empty seat across from her and sighed. She hoped the phone call last night was just a dream and Lillian was okay. But the red chair only confirmed the bad news. Lillian was hurt more than anyone thought yesterday. She wanted to know what was going on, so she pulled out her phone.
Monica: Hey, how are you feeling this morning? I hope you’re doing better. Can’t wait to see you back up and around!
She was hopeful for a reply but halfway suspected that she might not get one anytime soon. To pass the time, she tried working on the homework she struggled to work on last night. Her motivation tank was bone dry, but she forced herself to get through it. She read another chapter for her literature class which ate up the rest of her study hall time. As she went to her next class, she checked her phone to see if Lillian replied. She had a message, but not from Lillian.
+1 (641) 555-0197: Hi, Monica. Lillian is asleep. She’s doing better, and should be able to go home tomorrow!
Relief swept over her and calmed her nerves. She remembered the number and added Judy Starr to her contact list before continuing the conversation.
Monica: That’s awesome! I’m glad to hear she’s doing better today!
Judy: I can make the news even better. Her doctor says she can have visitors starting this afternoon. We’re in room 4119.
A shrill sound echoed throughout the hallway. Everyone around Monica stopped and stared at her, but she was too engrossed in her phone.
Monica: I’ll be there after school!!!
She looks around at her classmates odd stares and realized she was the source of the high-pitched squeal. Quickly apologizing for damaging eardrums, she changed out her books and went to her next class.
Monica beamed at the chance to visit Lillian. She kept her eyes on the clock only to have it taunt her throughout her class and lunch. Choir practice was up next, and it always went by fast. But time during the last three periods moved slower than a sloth trying to cross a river of molasses.
When the final bell rang, Monica rushed to her locker to get her backpack. The metal door slammed closed, and she slung her pack over her right shoulder. She was on a mission to get to the hospital. Her hopes of getting there right away faded when she saw three familiar faces.
“Hey, ladies,” she greeted with a smile, giving each of them a warm, tight hug.
“Have you heard about Lillian?” Chloe asked. “Is she here?”
Monica’s smile melted away. “She isn’t here. She’s in the hospital with a concussion.”
Erica’s jaw dropped while Chloe’s hand went up to her mouth. They both stared at her, hoping she’d tell them it was a joke.
“Have you talked to her?” Erica asked.
“No,” she answered. “But I have talked to her aunt. With a little luck, she can go home tomorrow.”
“Oh my gosh,” Chloe said. “I never meant to hit her at all. I feel so bad!”
Monica slipped an arm around her shoulders. “It was an accident, Chloe.”
“One that I caused,” she argued, turning around to hug Monica.
“Just talk to her about it when she gets back. I’m sure she knows you didn’t mean to.” She held Chloe until she nodded and let go. She shifted her backpack on her shoulder and pulled her keys from her purse.
“I’m heading to see her,” she announced. “Can one of you take Kendra home?”
“I can,” Erica volunteered. “Let us know how she’s doing,”
“I will.”
They walked out of the building together and went to their cars. Monica told her parents she was seeing a friend, maneuvered out to the street and went straight to Mercy Hospital in Des Moines.
Des Moines
The drive that should’ve taken about twenty minutes felt like a millennium, but Monica parked her car and rushed inside.
She followed the signs when she stepped off the elevator on the fourth floor, guiding her to Lillian’s room. Stopping just short of the door, she took a deep breath before knocking and peering into the room. Lillian turned her head and smiled at her. A woman sitting in a chair got up with a smile of her own.
“Hey, Monica,” Lillian said. “Get yourself in here.”
She giggled and walked in slowly. The woman walked over and hugged her. “Nice to meet you, Monica. I’m Judy.”
“Glad to meet you too,” Monica said, returning the welcoming embrace.
“Come join us,” Judy said, looking at a beaming Lillian. “Looks like someone is happy you're here.”
Monica snickered on her way to hug her friend. “Hey, girl! I see you're trying a new way to get out of practice.”
Lillian's spirited laugh made her heart skip a beat. “Well, I figured arguing with you wasn't all that effective, so I had to get creative.”
Both Monica and Judy burst out into jovial laughter. Each time they started settling down, Lillian would make another comment or funny face that would get them going all over again. Before long, both Monica and Judy were in tears holding their stomachs.
“Oh my gosh!” Monica giggled, “I need to sit down.”
“I need something to drink,” Judy said, taking deep breaths to quell her laughter. “I'm heading to the cafeteria quick. Would you like anything, Monica?”
“Sure,” she answered with a smile. “Either Coke or Pepsi will be fine.”
“Got it. I’ll be back.” Judy squeezed Lillian's hand and left the room.
“So, how are you feeling?” Monica asked, walking around the bed to the small sofa by the window.
“Better,” Lillian told her. “At least my head stopped hurting.”
“That's good.” Monica sat down, resting her elbows on her knees. “I was worried about you, especially after knowing you ended up here.”
Lillian gave her a warm, knowing smile. “I don't remember how I got here, but I do remember you coming with me to the nurse’s office. Thank you for helping.”
Monica only smiled and leaned back, creating a silence between them. She glanced over and saw Lillian staring back at her.
“What do you want to know?” she asked.
“Huh?” Lillian asked back.
“You're lying there staring at me,” Monica explained, “and it looks like you're trying to decide whether or not to ask me something. Makes it a little awkward.”
Lillian smirked and sat up in her bed. “Well, it's more like telling you something, but I'm a little scared.”
“Don't be scared. I don't bite. At least, not hard.”
A muted giggle emerged from Lillian, drawing a smile from her. “Well, I may have a little bit of a crush on you.”
What did she just say? A crush?
Monica took a moment to let the news sink in. She liked Lillian, and apparently, Lillian liked her right back. It felt like someone released a trillion butterflies in her stomach. Maybe Erica was right. Their rivalry growing up laid the groundwork for a relationship that Monica never saw coming. But she had to admit; she liked the idea.
“Oh?” Monica asked, standing up and going to her side. “How much is a little bit? Is it ‘just hang out’ little, or ‘throw me down on the sofa and kiss me all night’ little?”
Lillian tapped her index finger against her lips for a moment. “Throwing you down does sound like a good idea, but I'm not sure my aunt or doctor would like that very much.”
Monica couldn't stop snickering. “I could close the door and block it so they can't get in.”
“Okay!” Lillian answered back with a bright grin.
The two girls shared a laugh while Monica reached for her hand. She turned her hand over and gently wrapped her fingers around Monica’s, feeling a charge run through her that she didn’t understand.
The one thing she did understand, though, was that it felt right.
“I'm willing to give it a try if you are,” she said, staring into Lillian's hazel eyes. “Do you want to see where it takes us?”
Biting her lower lip, Lillian’s fingers gripped Monica tighter. “If I say yes, it'll bring about a massive change.”
“How so?” she inquired.
“Lily,” Lillian told her. “You'd be allowed.”
For a moment, Monica’s smile faded and her eyes grew an inch. She took a deep breath, remembering what Lillian said when she asked what name she preferred. Her fingers tightened around Lillian’s hand as well. “I'd be honored, Lily.”
Lillian's finger returned to her lips, tapping it a few more times. “Yeah, I like the sound of that. Let's do it!”
Monica laughed and bent down to hug her new girlfriend. She heard footsteps come in and knew Judy came back. She felt Lily’s head turn toward the door and tried to stand up, but a pair of arms refused to release their grip on her. Monica was more than happy to stay in her arms.
“I see you two talked,” Judy said in a sly tone.
Lily released her hold, her entire being glowing. “Aunt Judy, meet my girlfriend.”
Judy put the two drinks down and wrapped an arm around Monica. “I hope you know what you're getting into.”
Monica's eyes squinted while they took in Lily’s bright demeanor. “Do I need to reconsider this?”
“Only if you want me to cut a few vital piano strings for the spring show,” Lily said playfully.
The three of them laughed while a nurse came in.
“Hey, Pati,” Judy greeted.
Pati smiled at everyone before looking at Lily. “We need to take you for another set of scans.”
“Oh, okay,” Judy said, looking at Monica. “It's getting close to dinner time anyway. Would you like to join me?”
Duet (Readdie Family Book 1) Page 8
