Rewind Boxed Set by Rowan Shaw

Author:Rowan Shaw
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Published: 2019-12-21T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter 53

RAPHAËL

I looked at my mom profoundly asleep on her hospital bed, her hand in my dad's. She had woken up shortly after my arrival yesterday, and the doctor assured us she was well but for three broken ribs, a fractured ankle, and a bad concussion. He warned us she might be disoriented or show some irritability and confusion at times. She would be coming back home soon too, which was a relief.

When my phone beeped, I didn't pay heed. I wanted to savor every second I could spend with my parents. Almost losing my mom was the scariest thing I'd ever gone through. I understood what Adrien meant when he said I was lucky and naïve. I'd been coddled by life until now, and I'd never realized it. I had the most wonderful parents a man could possibly hope for, a roof over my head, and I'd never lacked for anything, while Adrien had lived half his life in fear, feeling abandoned when his own parents wouldn't accept him as he was. He had no one to lean on—no one but Daniel. I wondered if that was where his devotion to the man came from.

My phone beeped a second time, pulling me out of my thoughts.

"How about you answer that and go get me some coffee?" my dad suggested. "I called Florian. He should be here any minute now."

I gave a nod and slid my phone out of my back pocket, raising one finger to let my dad know I'd be right back. Once out, I stopped in the corridor to take a deep breath before I pressed my back against the wall and checked my screen.

Adrien: How is your mom doing?

I hated how my heart did a somersault upon seeing his name—every fucking time.

Me: She's doing a lot better already. The doctor said she needed to rest and take things slow. But everything is fine.

Adrien: Please tell her I said "hi."

Me: I will.

Adrien: How are you holding up?

Me: I'm fine.

Adrien: When are you coming back?

Me: In a few days. I can't skip too many classes, but I want to wait until she gets back home and help around the house as much as I can.

Adrien: Is there anything I can do?

Me: We're good. Thanks for the flowers, though.

Adrien: Did your mom like them?

Me: She keeps gushing over what a sweet boy you are and how lucky I am that I found you. She's convinced we're dating. The flowers arrived this morning when she was in the bathroom with the nurse. I'll let you imagine the scene when she got out and saw them.

A few dots appeared, then disappeared, then showed up again.

Adrien: I miss you.

I stared at my phone for a while without moving.

"Everything okay?" my dad asked as he popped his head out of the bedroom.

"Euh oui, oui." I raised my index finger for him to wait. "Just one sec. I'll get your coffee."

He patted me on the shoulder and went back inside.

Adrien: The message says "read," and you're not replying, so I guess you're still pissed at me.

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