POV Cole
Well, physical therapy kicked my ass, I'm a shit ton weaker than I thought. Simple tasks like stretching were a chore; I powered through to the best of my ability, but ultimately the pain won, and I had to take a ridiculous amount of breaks. Even "soft tissue mobilization" like tucking my chin to my chest was debilitating from my fractured collarbone. These are basic human movements and I can't even achieve them. I got frustrated one too many times taking it out on Dr. Carter. Somehow she didn't seem to mind my wrath like Blondie does.
Last night replays in my mind, I don't know why I gave two shits about Blondie crying but unwillingly I did. I didn't press her on finding out why she was and I don't think she wanted me to, she looked as broken as I feel.
Dr. Staj came in about a couple of hours ago to do a consultation on some of the road rash wounds across my face, torso, and arms. Face yes, the rest I don't give much of a shit about, it'll make for a good story later. My face though, the Frankenstein look ain't gonna work for me. A good portion of my profits come from magazine shoots. It blows because my talent only gets me so far, the rest is based on my looks, face being the money maker, body second, racing third. Currently, I have none of those going for me anymore.
I'm just getting back from the radiology department, X-ray showed that my leg is starting to heal, but slowly. At least something went right today. Nancy tells me that Dr. Van, the day shift doctor said it was okay to wear shorts and a t-shirt as long as it doesn't start to get in the way. I waste no time grabbing my phone to text Dad.
Me: Hey Dad think you can pick up a few pairs of basketball shorts and t-shirts for me?
Dad: Hey son, I'm back in California, I can overnight you some clothes. How is everything going?
Me: nah it's fine I'll order some. Thought you were still in Seattle. I'm okay I guess
Dad: I left 2 days ago, there was a meeting tonight. Sorry bud I could come back after
Me: It's fine Dad I'll be out before you know it
Dad: Love you son
Me: Love you 2 dad
Nancy helps me back in bed for the second time today and squeezes my shoulder, "remember what I told you, Cole, I'll see you in the morning okay?"
I nod and wish her a good night before she leaves.
I scroll through Amazon adding various shorts and shirts to my cart and choosing the one-day shipping to Harborview Medical Center. I should be getting it by tomorrow and tomorrow can't come soon enough because if I have to wear this fucking gown for another day I'll probably lose my mind.
A knock sounds through the door and I'm expecting to see Blondie to come through but to my surprise it's Lex.
I'm shell-shocked, words are refusing to form. I still love her but she betrayed me on the deepest level. Maybe I deserve this, karma is coming right back around for swiping her from Jake's arms but c'mon my best friend of all people? My fuckin rock, my brother.
"Cole," Lex breathes out.
She walks over to me but I hold out my hand spreading all five fingers to indicate for her to stop. She does and the hurt begins to manifest in her face. Days ago, I would've embraced her in my arms, wiped away her tears, and tell her that everything will be okay but today, I'm not that person for her.
She calls out my name again in desperation. I almost fucking cave it's right there but stay grounded, "How long Lex?"
"Wh-what?" The badass in her has dissolved.
"How. Long?" I grit through clenched teeth.
She appears to be contemplating her answer, no doubt mustering a lie, "The truth Alexis!"
Her body sags and I know the truth that I'm not mentally for is coming, "a year."
Why tears stream down her face is beyond me, this isn't a one-time drunken hook-up up this is a relationship.
"Get. Out," the iciness in my tone unwavering.
"Cole, please, I'm sorry," tears turn to sobs, selfish, salty, colorless droplets drop from her big brown eyes and run down her once perfect to me, face.
"Do you love him?" The need to know is pointless but I want to hear it.
"Cole…" she pleads and that is answer enough for me.
"Go Lex, go and never show your face around me again, I mean those words from the bottom of my heart. If you ever had an ounce of love for me in this life you will leave right now."
Lex sniffles, wiping her nose with the sleeve of her fitted black hoodie. She runs her fingers through her black hair, and she nods in agreement, "I'm sorry Coley, I really did love you."
Did.