Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

 noveldrama

Owen Reynolds barely glanced back as he spoke, his words as exasperating as his departing figure: "She told me." Corley & Murray: "..."

...

When Roseanne woke up, it was daytime outside.

No sunshine, but no rain either, just a cold wind whipping the bare branches, with not a leaf to fall.

Sitting up, she was hit by the distinct smell of hospital disinfectant - pungent and unpleasant. She couldn't help but rub her nose.

Glancing at her ankle, now wrapped up like a Thanksgiving turkey, she couldn't see much but gingerly tried moving it. Thankfully...

It still hurt, but not as much as before.

Leda Reynolds came in with a thermos, startled to see Roseanne sitting up, "What are you doing up?! You need to lie down! The doctor said you have to keep off your foot, no moving around!"

"I was terrified when I got the call at work. Thank goodness you're alright."

Leda had been busy lately, and it had been a while since they last saw each other. One was buried in work, the other in academia, so their chats had become less frequent.

But true friendships aren't built on constant chatter; they're proven when someone shows up exactly when you need them.

Like now.

"Leda, how long have I slept?"

Leda replied, "A day and a night. It's morning now."

Roseanne hesitated, wanting to ask more.

Leda seemed to know her question:

"When I got to the hospital, I found three guys guarding your bed like old-time knights. Owen Reynolds was okay, but Corley and Murray were like two roosters in a henhouse. I couldn't stand it and sent them all packing!"

"Oh, and two of your classmates came by too, Mamie and Caley. They waited for a long time, and I didn't want them to wear themselves out, so I asked them to head home and rest."

"Where's my phone? Did my parents call? They must be worried if I didn't answer..."

"You should worry about yourself

first," Leda said, slightly irritated. "Your ankle's in bad shape; the doctor said it was close to a

net

fracture. You'll need at least a week to recover. As for your aunt and uncle, don't fret; I've taken the calls. I didn't mention your hospital stay."

Roseanne reached out, hugging her, "Leda, you're the best."

Always thinking ahead.

"Hey, Leda, did you change your perfume?"

"Yeah, you like it?" Leda blinked.

"When did you start liking these subtle fragrances?"

Leda's choice in perfume, like her personality, was vibrant, bold, and daring.

"Just a gift, sprayed it on in a hurry. What do you think? Does it evoke the mist of a rainy day, the

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tranquility of lotus flower

summer?"

"Uh-huh. Whatever you wear, I love it."

Leda teased, "Such a sweet talker... Come on, give me a kiss!"

"No way!" Roseanne quickly covered her mouth, "Help!"

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As Leda playfully lunged forward, she was careful not to jostle Roseanne's injured foot,

exaggerating her movements while being gentle.

Suddenly, the door swung open, and a man's voice filled the room—

"Leda, the basin you wanted, I got—"

Whoa!

York stood frozen at the threshold, staring at the scene before him.

Leda was sprawled over Roseanne, puckering up as if about to plant a kiss.

Roseanne was laughing, trying to fend her off.

It looked unmistakably like...

Flirting!