My Bestie’s Brother

Doctor Love

*Roger’s POV*

I drove all night. I had already worked all day and was getting ready for Karen’s senior year party, but my Riley Jo needed me. By the time I got to Abilene, it was 1:00 am. Visiting hours started at 8:00 am, so I could get in a little sleep. I found the closest hotel with a vacancy and checked in. Once I got to my room, I called my wife.

Me: “Christine I got here. I have to wait a few more hours, but I’ll be there right when they’ll let me in.”

Christine: “Okay hubby just let her know we love her.”

Me: “I will. I think she is without a phone now because I texted her and she did not reply at all. If need be, I will get a new phone and give her some cash.”

Christine: “That sounds great. Karen threw a fit since you left, but she’ll get over it. I love you Roger.”

Me: “Love you too. Goodnight.”

I turned off the lights and went to sleep. My baby girl would need me in the morning.

*Riley’s POV*

I woke up to the nurse checking my vitals. She smiled and said, “Well good morning! Sleep well?” I nodded. “Well everything looks great. Breakfast will be here at 7:30 am and you already have someone waiting for you!” She said as she left the room.

Good dad was already here. He was the best. I couldn’t wait to see him. I hadn’t seen him since I left for Abilene 2 months ago. I always needed him and he always came. At 7:30 am, they wheeled in my breakfast. Very healthy eggs, toast, oatmeal, fruit and yogurt. I scarfed it down. So delicious. I was content after finishing my meal and I drank lots of water. I was super excited to see my dad!

At 7:50 am, the nurse knocked on my door. She smiled and said, “I’m letting your visitor come in early since he was here waiting for you for a while.” Dad slept in the hospital? That doesn’t sound like him. She opened the door and my eyes opened wide. John?

*John’s POV*

After Riley was wheeled off, I grabbed my stuff and immediately went to my truck. She would need someone and I would be there for her. I remembered she had come with her phone and purse. I don’t remember seeing them on her. Shoot they must be floating under the boat! I went to place my stuff in the passenger seat when I spotted her phone, wallet and keys. She would need these things!

I sped home and got into some dry clothes after taking a shower. I spritzed on some cologne and went towards the hospital. I knew the hospital would have a gift shop, but I wanted to get her something that wouldn’t cost as much as the hospital prices. I found the local pharmacy and went in. I picked out a card and some of my favorite candies. Hopefully they were hers too. I also picked up some yellow flowers. Every girl likes flowers right?

Satisfied, I went to the hospital. I said, “Yes I’m here to see Riley Miller. Can you tell me what room she’s in? She left her phone in my truck.” The receptionist smiled at me and then told me, “I’m sorry handsome but visiting hours are over.” Oh no. I didn’t want to leave her alone. She might need me. I said, “Is it okay if I waited and slept here?” The receptionist said, “Sure doll.”

I awoke to people chatting. In walked a few nurses who were talking about me. Apparently I was giving the best romantic gesture the hospital had ever seen. I wasn’t her boyfriend. I just wanted to make her happy. “Ladies can you tell me where Riley Miller is? I need to see her.” One shot up, “I’m her attending! It’s a little early for visitors, but I’ll let you in.” Good. My charm got me in.

I opened the door and was not prepared for what I saw. She looked so defeated with all those machines hooked up to her. I just wanted to hug her.

*Riley’s POV*

There he was in the door. My best friend. He didn’t need to come. He already saved me from almost drowning. He didn’t have to do anything more in my eyes. I spoke up, “Well hey there stranger. Don’t worry I’m okay.” That was enough for him to embrace me warmly. I loved his hugs now. They were what I needed. I gasped as he let me go and handed me several things. A bag full of candy, a get well card and the things I thought I had lost. My phone, wristlet and keys. I started to cry immediately,

John said, “Darlin please don’t cry. I’m not done yet.” He also handed me a bouquet of my favorite flowers. Yellow roses. That just made me cry even more! “How did you know my favorite flowers and candies? I don’t remember telling you!” He smiled. “I didn’t know, but I’m glad I picked the right things.” He said. He put everything else to the side of the room and we opened up some Sour Patch Kids.

John kept watching me like I was going to break. I sighed and looked at him. “John I’m fine. My vitals are normal and there was nothing on my brain scan that was alarming. Please stop looking at me like I’m going to break.” He sighed, “Okay Riley. Do you remember what happened?” I looked at him confused. What did happen? I shook my head and said, “I remember you picked me up in your truck. Next thing I remember is you saving me from water.” John looked shocked. He said nothing and got up and left. What? What happened that was so bad? I figured we just went swimming and I almost drowned.

Sad, I went and unlocked my phone. These phones are the best. I still had about 50% battery life. I had several missed texts. Most were from my dad and then several from Wyatt.

DAD: Riley Jo can you tell me what room you’re in?

DAD: Any updates will be great sweetheart,

DAD: Hopefully you’re resting. I will see you at 8:00 am.

“Knock, knock!” I knew that voice! “DADDY!” I screamed. Even at 20, I still called him daddy. He always made me feel like a little girl.

He came over and hugged me. I missed him so much. Tears were rolling down my face. I was truly happy. Dad let go of me and looked around. He saw the bag full of candy and the yellow roses. He said, “Guess you were well taken care of last night. Did Wyatt come see you?”

Why did he ask that? Of all people he guessed Wyatt?

“No dad. You know we haven’t dated in over 2 years. My friend brought this to me.” He smiled, “I’m glad you have a friend out here. But I know he is also out here since I constantly run into his dad. Just curious.” Of course dad hated Wyatt’s family and in turn Wyatt, but he didn’t know all the dirty secrets. He noticed my phone on the bed. “Oh I see you managed to get your phone after all. That’s great honey!” He looked relieved. Money was always tight for us and I knew they couldn’t afford to get me a new phone.

I smiled at him. “Somehow it did. But I still don’t know what happened. The doctor said I might have some memory loss.” He nodded. “It’s okay honey. You’ll figure it out soon. What’s important is that you’re okay.”

We turned as the doctor opened the door. “Good morning Riley! Your vitals look good and there haven’t been any changes in your functions. We will be releasing you here pretty soon.” My dad approached him, “Yes doctor but my Riley seems to have some memory loss. How can we help her get her memories back?”

They managed to talk for a good minute or two. My dad was good with all the medical terms since he studied medicine after he graduated from music school. We ran a small family clinic and both parents worked there except on weekends. He was my inspiration. I didn’t want to be a doctor, but I wanted to get my music degree.

I suddenly had the urge to pee. I lifted my covers and got up on my right side. My scar flashed and I immediately got nervous. The doctor smiled and said, “It’s okay Riley. I’ve seen worse. Plus that just is a reminder of how much of an athlete you are.” Yeah right dude. It was the one thing that made me self-conscious. I nodded and headed to the bathroom. Through the door, I heard my dad tell the doctor about my injury as a few tears fell from my face.

Before I knew it, I was given my clothes from yesterday which had been washed and dried by the staff. I was rolled out to dad’s old Honda Civic and we headed towards my apartment. Dad made sure I was taken care of. He ordered BBQ takeout and washed all my dishes. He made sure I was comfortable and we watched tv together. I only had the one bedroom so I offered it to him. “Nice try honey. I’ve got the couch. Get some rest. I’ll leave tomorrow morning.”

Man dad was the best. I went into my small bedroom and got into my bed. I had my phone in hand and was ready to catch up on all my texts. Delilah texted me asking me if I was okay. Karen texted me telling me how I had ruined her life. Of course. Jacob and Joshua both sent the same “get well” texts. They were definitely twins.

I thought I would have at least one text from John, but I didn’t. My heart broke a little bit. So I texted him

Me: Hey I made it home. I’m going to get some rest. Thank you for everything. See you in band on Monday!

Well at least I could rest. I sent my text and was ready. Before I turned off my phone, I noticed I still had unread texts. I had forgotten. Wyatt had texted me.