“Do you… do you think your parents will allow me to visit?” We had been chatting for a while now and even though it was getting late, I was wide awake. Talking to Katie was surprisingly easy… or maybe she was still just guilt ridden and didn’t dare stop me. Probably a bit of both.

“Sure, why wouldn’t they? But you’ll have to deal with a lecture and weird questions, that should be it. My sis, though… I wouldn’t come over when she’s home, at least not in the next few days. Unless you’re looking forward to a coupe of days in school with a black eye. You could invent a fancy lie about saving an older lady from a bunch of thugs. I’d even collaborate.”

She giggled and asked: “And why would you do that?” I shrugged.

“Seeing you getting knocked flat on your ass should be fun. Easily worth it.”

“And I thought you liked my ass,” she pouted. “Or is there another reason why you have been staring?” I felt the heat rush to my cheeks. Maybe I hadn’t been as inconspicuous as I had believed.

‘Uh…I…I didn’t,” I stammered but she only smiled.

“Don’t get flustered, I was just teasing. So… how long will you have to stay here?”

“My family will pick me up tomorrow. I’m already more than fed up with hospitals and I’ve only been awake for a few hours. The two days I slept through hardly count.” It was the middle of the night on a Wednesday now. “Which reminds me… what happened after I fell? Nobody deemed it necessary to fill me in.” She turned her head away from me and stared through the small window, listening to the faint hum of traffic on the streets below.

“I… you fell and you bled and you didn’t get up. I froze. Luckily none of the other people around did. They immediately called an ambulance and I was shoved to the side while you were transported here. I… I don’t really know what happened directly afterwards. I felt… lost and headed home. I told my parents everything and they rampaged through their contacts, trying to find out where you might have been taken. My dad’s side of the family… they’re all doctors and one of them works here. That’s also why I could sneak in. My mum wanted us to go to the police station first, but I wanted to know… I wanted to make sure… and when we got here, they told us you were… you had…” she snivelled. I hesitated for a moment before I wrapped my arms around her neck and pulled her back into me.

“Shh, I’m fine now. Nothing happened. From what I’ve heard, I’ll only have to come back for a checkup in a week. That’s it.”

“I…I know,” she whispered, her whole body trembling. “Almost as soon as we were on our way to the police station, my uncle called. He told us you were still hanging on and that there was a chance… I made them turn the cab around and then we waited. After a few hours my mum and dad had to go to work, but I stayed. And when they rushed you through the aisles, I bought the largest bunch of violets I could find and waited. I… I didn’t have it in me to face your family but when they were gone… I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am.”

“And make sure I wouldn’t blame you,” I whispered in her ear. She turned around in my embrace, her eyes still swollen and red.

“No… really. I don’t… of course I care, but it’s my fault and you’ve every right to…” I smiled lopsidedly.

“What do you expect me to say? You acted like a bitch and it went south, majorly. But you didn’t mean to hurt me. And nothing happened. Well, nothing lasting, at least. Why… why did you, anyways? I’ve been going over what I said and I just can’t figure out what triggered you.”

“I… could we talk about that some other time?” My curiosity stirred, I really wanted to know if I had just been imagining things when I had heard her thoughts. A second later, even though her lips weren’t moving, I heard her voice again. “When we’re not sharing a bed and I’m not pressed up against you while you’re wearing a flimsy gown?” She was blushing again.

“Sure, but I really want to know, some time.” I didn’t let go of her but I changed the topic after a few seconds. “So… I’ve been wondering. Should we head to the police station together? I’m not particularly looking forward to having them in my house and I imagine the sooner we get that out of the way, the sooner you’ll be able to go back to school. Why were you suspended, anyways?”

“My parents… they talked to the police immediately and they informed the school. Two detectives even came down here while I waited… I think they believe it was an accident, but they have to make sure and for as long as they’re still investigating, the principal has suspended me.”

“Then maybe we can clear this up in the next couple of days. I can’t imagine I’ll be allowed back next week so I’ll need someone to tell me what I’ve missed.” She smiled again. The more often she did, the more endearing I came to find the gesture.

“I definitely will. Evelyne… why are you like that?”

“What do you mean?”

“Why are you so nice to me? I… I can’t imagine what I would do if I was in your place, but I sure as hell wouldn’t bother consoling me. I’d probably have screamed me out the door, the moment I walked in.” I paused, unsure of how I could answer her. Katie, I can hear your thoughts from time to time and I know you didn’t mean to hurt me wouldn’t cut it. Even just thinking about it made me worry I was truly losing my marbles.

“I don’t know… I… it was a stupid accident and I got through unscathed, more or less. I… I don’t think it’s worth it to close the door on someone who could become… a friend. I’m pretty sure I’d feel differently if I was in a wheelchair now, but I’m not. Maybe that’s stupid, considering it actually wouldn’t change what happened, but… don’t you want me to?” Her eyes became as large as saucers.

“Of course I do, I just can’t understand how… aren’t you at least mad?”

“Honestly? No. Look, I fell, I woke up and I was fine. From my perspective, it was much worse when Victoria, my sister, shaved my head when I was in second grade. I could only stay mad at her for a day or two. And that was on purpose. I’m… Katie, I don’t know why, but truth be told, I like you. I… you fucked up, royally, but you owned up, you still do, I admire that. I don’t know if I would have done the same. So… for my part, get me a new phone and tell me what I’m going to miss in school and we’re all square.” She stared at me incredulously, long enough that I became worried I might have said something out of line but then, she suddenly broke down. She wrapped her arms around me and cried, her hot breath tickling my ear. Warm tears fell on my hospital gown and I was so perplexed for a moment that I didn’t know what to do. Only when I felt my own eyes burning, did I return the hug.

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

I didn’t know how long we stayed like that, wrapped around each other like two trees that had grown together for years, but when I woke up, she was still with me. The sun was blinking through the less than clean window and for a moment I wondered where I was. But when I saw my family, who were staring at me as if I truly was an alien, everything came back to me in a rush.

“Good morning,” I whispered, unwilling to wake the girl at my side.

“Good mooning,” my father replied chipperly in his usual bass, his eyes sparkling. He had ditched the crumbled tweed jacket and was in his usual suit, a bright amethyst tie the only speck of colour in his attire. He was probably going to drop us off and rush to work immediately after. At least he had a duffel bag with him that probably contained a fresh set of clothes for me. “If I had known you had someone to keep you company, I would have taken my time with breakfast. And who’s the little lady I find in my daughter’s bed all of a sudden,” he asked as he ushered my mum and sister through the door.

Katie jolted upright, her expression panicked while she stared from the new arrivals, who eyed her curiously, to me, her mouth working fervently but without producing a single sound.

“That’s Katie,” I said after realising she wouldn’t be speaking up any time soon. “She’s a friend.”

“A friend…,” my sister slowly repeated while she came closer, edging past our parents who hadn’t caught up, yet. “You know, your school called yesterday. The principal told us what happened. Is she that Katie?” Her voice was icy and I saw a dangerous glint suddenly ignite in my mum’s eyes.

“Yes, but you’re not going to cause a scene. We already talked, for most of the night, actually,” I stated calmly and took Katie’s hand. Her pulse hammered hard enough that I could easily feel it through her skin. “I’ve forgiven her and so will you. All of you. Promise me, Vicky.”

“Why am I the one who has to make a promise,” she inquired while she crept closer, almost like a hunting predator. I shook my head to get rid of the image and explain but before I could open my mouth, my mum said quietly:

“Victoria, don’t.” She then strode over to my bed and kissed me on the cheek before she turned to Katie who had scrambled off the mattress and was timidly watching us. “Hello, I’m Clara, Evee’s mum.” She extended her hand but the smile she put on didn’t reach her eyes. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to hear what happened. I believe you owe us this much,” she added with a sidelong glance in my direction.

“I… of course,” Katie’s voice was trembling as if she was on the verge of tears again but she still shook my mum’s hand. “I’m Kathleen, Kathleen Donovan. Before I start, I want to tell you that I’m sorry. I never meant to hurt Evelyne, but… I did. It wasn’t on purpose. I… I don’t know how much you’ve heard but we got into a row in school and she forgot her bag. I… I took her phone. I was angry and when I finally cooled down, school was already over. I followed her to the station… and when I saw her again, I didn’t return her phone properly but threw it at her. She tried to catch it and... and…” she couldn’t go on. The memories were still too fresh and when I saw a fleeting image of myself, unmoving on the concrete floor, blood slowly spreading below me, she started crying again. A faint wave of anguish reached me and I had to struggle to keep from hugging her. At this moment, I realised she had much more difficulties with letting go than I had.

“I believe her,” my dad suddenly said and offered the upset girl his hand. “And if Evee has forgiven her, that’s good enough for me. I’m Gerald, Gerald Paradizo.” Katie took his hand timidly and tried for a smile, but it didn’t work quite as intended. She actually looked even more distraught, which, in hindsight, probably wasn’t the worst thing, as it convinced my mum to finally drop the attitude.

“You know, we’re going to take Evee home now, but why don’t you come over tonight? Your parents are, of course, also invited. We can get to know each other over dinner. I’m not much of a cook but there’s this truly amazing Italian place close by.” She reached for her small leather bag and pulled out a business card. “Why don’t you give us a call later, let us know if you can make it. No need to rush. I’ll be at home for the next few days and Gerry won’t be back until 7 or 8.”

“I… I’d love to,” she replied breathlessly while she wiped away her tears. “Thanks…,” she glanced at the card and her eyes became wide when she saw the address. I almost blushed, but then again, I had gotten quite used to the amount of money my parents earned. Still, when Katie silently formed the words Central Park Tower, I couldn’t help averting my eyes, especially since she had already mentioned that her family wouldn’t be able to pay her tuition for Trinity School without a scholarship. Usually that was the moment when people changed their attitude but I fervently hoped she wasn’t one of them. We were quite normal, after all, at least I thought so.

“Great, that’s settled, then,” my dad said. “Im looking forward to seeing you again. But next time, I’d rather not find you in Evee’s bed,” he chuckled. “Dad,” I exclaimed, blushing for real now.

“What? If she wants to, I think it’s my prerogative to grill her appropriately beforehand. Come on then, girls, I’ve got to be in the office in two hours and traffic’s a bust. We should get a move on. Katie, I’m looking forward to seeing you again. God knows Evee hasn’t brought many friends home up until now.” Without further ado he opened the duffel bag and threw my favourite top and the corresponding pants at me, the set I always wore at home during weekends. “Your doc will be in any minute now for a final checkup,” he added.

“I guess I’ll be going, then,” Katie mumbled, still somewhat shell shocked. “It’s been… I… I’ll see you all tonight.” She turned around and hugged me once more, before she strode to the door.

“I’ll see you out,” my sister chirped up and rushed to follow her.

“Vicky,” I said warningly. “Don’t you…” she waved at me.

“I won’t, just a few things I want to know.”

“Can’t that wait until tonight,” my mum asked exasperatedly.

“No, it can’t. Don’t worry, I won’t be long. Come on then, Katie, I promise I won’t bite.” The girl in question was stricken with panic and looked at me for help but I could only shrug. There was no stopping my sister when she had put her mind to anything at all. Defeatedly, Katie followed her out of the room. When the door closed behind them, my mum sat on the edge of my bed and took my hand.

“God, it’s good to see you awake again.” She paused when she stared into my eyes but seemingly decided to postpone the questioning. Good, for I had about as many answers for her as non trivial solutions to the Riemann function. Maybe uncle Google or auntie Wiki could help me out, but I highly doubted it. What was I even supposed to search for? Near death experience with awakened psychic potential and changed facial features? Didn’t sound like your run of the mill blog topic.

But then again, I wasn’t even 100 percent sure that was what had happened to me. I hadn’t yet seen a mirror and those… bouts of unintended mind reading could as well have been a hallucination, but honestly, I didn’t think so. What I had heard had just been too plausible. And judging from the few books I had read on the topic before, psychotic episodes weren’t rational, at least most of the time.

Oh well, for now they didn’t bother me and if what I had seen in Katie’s and old geezer Tom’s mind was the truth, I wasn’t going to lament my changed appearance, either. I wasn’t overly conceited in that regard, but if they were right, I wouldn’t have to worry about my career anymore. If push came to shove, I’d always be able to make a killing as a model.

“Earth to Evee,” my mum’s voice shook me from my reverie. “What’s gotten into you? Are you feeling alright?” She sounded genuinely worried.

“I’m fine, just thinking about… last night.” The moment I said it, I knew I had blundered.

“Huh, care to tell us what exactly the two of you have been doing that you’re spacing out just thinking about it?”

“Mum… we just talked. But… it’s been nice. You know I’ve never really connected with people from school. Katie… she’s different. And I think she genuinely likes me.”

“As in…?”