The drive took so long.

"Hi, we are here to see Leah Williams" I say running to the front desk.

"I'm sorry. She is not allowed to have visitors" The lady says.

"Excuse me mam, I'm sorry but I am her guardian" My mom says and she nods.

"Room 112 on floor 4" She gives a sympathetic smile and we rush to the elevator.

"It's taking to long" I say running to the stairs and sprinting faster than I knew possible.

I run to room 112 and brace myself for what was inside.

I open the door to see Leah laying in a hospital bed connected to tubes, machines and iv's.

"Mason" My mom says touching my back.

No matter how much I could have prepared myself, I would never have been ready.

That was my breaking point.

I couldn't stand the sight of here there. All frail and lifeless.

"Mr and Mrs. Williams" The doctors says shaking their hands.

"Oh, um. We aren't her biological parents" My father says and my mom hits him.

"What, um. What happened?" My mother says and I look at Leah, scared.

"She was speeding and ran a red light. She is currently suffering from internal bleeding near her stomach, a broken leg and arm, a couple broken ribs and a concussion. She is very lucky and should be up shortly. She does need to stay here for a while though. She will also be in a lot of pain" The doctor says and leaves.

"Mason, here. We will leave you alone for a minute" My sister says, giving me a chair.

I take a few seconds to calm down a little bit.

I sit in the chair and grab Leah's hand, placing my head next to it on the bed.

"Um, I don't really know what to say Leah. I guess just why? Why did you leave? Why were you speeding? Why didn't I tell you everything I should have? Why did it have to be you" I say a few tears rolling down my face.

"Please wake up Le. I need you here with me right now" I say closing my eyes tightly.

"It's okay Mas" Ellie says, her voice cracking.

"Come here" She says hugging me. She's going to get better, you heard the doctor. She's okay, but she's going to be in a lot of pain. Which is where you, her knight in shining armor comes in and helps take care of her" Ellie says jokingly, trying to lighten the mood.

"Haha, so funny Ellie" I sarcastically answer, cracking a smile.

"Mason, Ellie, go get a snack" My dad says and we nod, walking out of the room.

"You guys are made for each other" Ellie says out of no where.

"What?" I say confused.

"You and Leah, you guys are the perfect couple. I mean look at you guys as friends alone. Imagine how great of a couple you would be. I'm calling it" Ellie says picking up her snack from the machine.

"I don't know Elle's. I'm not sure if she likes me like that" I say getting my sour patch kids.

"Just listen to me Mas, you have to tell her soon" She says and I roll my eyes.

"Yeah whatever Ellie" I say and we make our way back to the room.

"Jim, Tara?" I hear as soon as the door opens.

"Leah" I breathe out looking into her gorgeous eyes.

"Mason" She smiles happily.

As soon as I saw Masons face I instantly felt better.

"Leah, you can't do that" He says holding back his tears.

"I'm sorry, something happened and I just couldn't stay" I say shaking my head.

"What?" Mason says confused.

"Mason, I don't have to be your charity case anymore" I say, upset.

Tara gasps and Masons face completely changes.

"Why would you think that Leah?" Jim says while Mason stares at me shocked.

"Think about it, the schools most loved jock, becoming best friends with the abused nerd. I'm not stupid. And something finally helped me realize it" I say wiping my tears.

"You are not a charity case. Leah, you've helped change me so much and-" Mason says and I cut him off.

"Mason, you don't have to pretend anymore. I'll be alright" I say grabbing his hand, wincing at the pain.

"Leah, you don't understand" Ellie says.

"Whats not to understand? Listen guys, you have made me feel more love than I ever have and I'm so grateful to have known you but-" I say and thats when Mason blurts out four words.

"I love you Leah"

Tara and Jim gasp while Ellie screeches.

"Wait what?" I say shocked.

"I like you Leah. Like a lot. And more than a friend" Mason says.

"And I don't know if you feel the same. But I had to tell you because of what happened today and because you think you're my charity case. It's not true at all. I really fücking like you a lot Leah"

Woah

There is a lot of shuffling and soon its just me and Mason.

"Mason, I-" I start to say before he interrupts.

"I know, its sudden and you probably don't feel the same way but I don't know any other feelings to prove that you are 100% not a charity case for me, Ellie, or my parents. I promise you Leah, you mean the world to me and everyone else. You scared me so much, I-I thought I lost you" He says choking up. "I don't know what I would do without you constantly jumping on my back and your smile. I would be lost" He continues.

"Mason, I like you too. I just don't know if right now is the right time" I say and Mason nods, his eyes getting glossy.

"Not that its the wrong time, It's just with everything that just happened and-" I start to say but he interrupts me.

"No, I get it. I truly do. Take as much time as you want Le" He smiles and kisses me on the cheek.

"Tell me again soon" I say winking as the Whites walk in.

Just then my phone rings and I look over to see my mothers name flashing across the screen.

"Hey mom" I say, ignoring the pain in my side.

"Where the fück are you? Why did someone from the hospital call me?" She screams causing me to quickly pull the phone away.

"Listen mom, I won't be home for a while. I got into an accident and I'm in the hospital" I say and she huffs.

"Stupid bįtch, I'm not paying for that bill" She says and I hang up, blinking back my tears.

"Aw, honey" Tara says grabbing my other hand.

"It figures" I chuckle, a tear falling.

I guess I had hope that this would have changed her mindset.

"I'm okay guys" I say leaning my head back.

"Leah, we can help pay" Jim says standing next to Tara.

"No guys, no. Thats really not necessary. I have some money saved up I can use. Take out some loans, plus we have some insurance. I'll take care of it. But thank you so much. You should really go home soon" I say as Tara looks at Jim.

"We will stay until we get kicked out" Ellie says smiling.

"Mas, as much as I want you to stay, you have your first game tomorrow. You can't miss it" I say turning to him. The football season is over which means its Masons time to shine on the ice.

Mason not only plays football, but he's a hockey player. Then, come back to spring, he gets back into the football routine.

"I might sit this one out" He says scratching his neck.

"What?" We all gasp.

"Yeah, I wanted you to be there, watching my first game. It won't be the same with you sitting here in a hospital bed" He explains.

"Just because I'm sitting in a hospital bed doesn't mean I cant watch your game. You can always call me during half time. Or, your mom, dad or Ellie can face time me. I may not be there in person but I will still find a way to be there" I say winking. "Please, for me Mas"

"Okay, fine. I'll go" He says, smiling.

"Okay Ms. Leah, I have some dinner for you. We have some chicken noodle soup, crackers and bread. Have some water as well" The nurse says coming into the room.

"Thank you nurse" I say and she smiles at me.

"Please, call me Marissa. Let me help you" She says fixing my pillows and moving the tray closer to me.

"Thank you Marissa, but I'm okay. I'll eat in a little bit" I smile at her and she nods, walking out of the door.

"I hate this" I mumble to myself as the Whites give me a concerned look.

"Honey, are you okay?" Tara says and I nod, holding back some tears.

"Le, whats wrong?" Ellie says and I shake my head.

"I hate being dependent on people, I hate how stupid I am and how I was acting. I hate the fact that I always blame other people when its actually my fault" I say, putting my head down.

"Leah, you're hurt. You aren't dependent on people. The nurse just brought you food. Yes, you shouldn't of been driving that fast, I'm not going to defend that. Most things aren't your fault. Sure, some things are, but a lot of people have wronged you and caused you pain. It's okay Leah" Tara says, Masons face completely blank, eyes glossed over. This is hard on him.

"I'm the reason my parents abuse me. It's my fault. They wanted a boy, not a girl. They wanted a drinking buddy. Not me. They didn't want a prissy pants like me who follows the rules" I say sitting up, ignoring the pain.

"Leah" Tara says walking over to the side of the bed.

"That's not true at all. Please don't say that. I'm sorry your home life isn't good. But I can speak for everyone in this room, you are an amazing girl. You came into our life and changed it for the better. We all have been so much more positive since we got you back and we are lucky to have you in our family" Tara says, a few tears slipping down her face.

I look to to see Masons face down on the bed, his body shaking.

"Leah, you are like a second daughter to me. We will never ever treat you with anything other than love and respect. You're such a strong girl" Jim says rubbing Tara's back, trying to calm her down.

"Leah, I-" Ellie says before sobs wrack her body. I wave her over and embrace her in a hug.

"I'm sorry guys. I'm okay, I am. Please, go home. Get some rest. I'm sorry I'm missing your first game tomorrow Mason. I was being stupid and and idiot and I wish I could go" I say and he looks up, his face red and tear stained.

"I'm spending the night" He says turning to his parents and they give him a look, along with me.

"Guys" He says and their faces soften.

"Okay, keep us updated. We love you Leah" Tara says and they leave after giving Mason and I a hug.

Hey guys, I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Did you expect that? I bet you didn't. I know, I'm sorry for all of the emotions that have been flying around lately. Its going to get better though, trust me. Don't forget to comment, vote and share! Thanks so much for all the support

Word count: 1966

~Leah