In Your Time

Braden did what he promised. He stayed quietly to take care of me while I was stuck in the hospital. He didn't mention our relationship again while I was stuck in the hospital bed. Everyone from school found out I was in the hospital and ended up coming to visit me at one point or another. Of course, we couldn't let them know the real or even fake reason for me being there since they were all at the party too. Braden gave them the excuse of a ruptured appendix. When the week finally ended, I was able to leave the hospital, but I was still on bed rest. Luckily, the medicines they had me on helped me heal faster than I would've if Braden had listened to me and left me. By the time I was free to go, my ribs were healed, but everything was still very tender. Elizabeth tried to fuss over me at the hospital but Braden kept her away mostly. Although, seeing how Braden took care of me also made her step back on her own.

"Go slow," Braden said as he helped me up the stairs in the house. He was helping me get to my room. He wanted to carry me, but I convinced him it would be less painful to walk. He helped me into my room and sat me down on my bed.

"I really want to wash my hair. It feels really oily since I haven't been able to wash it for a week," I complained. I'd been able to bathe in the hospital, but washing my hair required a strength I didn't have at the moment. I think it would still be difficult, but I couldn't go on like this. Braden sighed as he looked at door.

okay to strain yourself like

helped me stand. He helped me to the bathroom and took off his house shoes before rolling up his

are you

wash your hair for you," he said like it

my hair?" I