That Day by Karen Deen (best novels to read in english txt) 📕

scene, he’s the first boyfriend I want to meet them and let them tell him all the cringe-worthy things about me as a little girl. But most of all, I just want to tell them how sorry I am for what has happened and that I love them.

I can’t dwell on that now, though. There is too much else happening today. I just want this meeting over with so I can crawl into bed and call Kurt. Talk until early hours of the morning and let him calm my soul, like only he can.

Walking around the house was enough distraction to get Coco moving, so I can now get to the cupboard.

“About time. Now, let’s get you food.” As I bend down, my head starts spinning. I grab the edge of the counter to try to steady myself, but it’s not helping.

Slowly standing, I feel the world shifting and my vision is going blurry.

My phone, I need my phone.

I don’t know where it is.

I try to walk away from the counter, but straight away I know it’s a mistake.

Need help, someone needs to help me.

I take deep breaths hoping it will help. I’m not sure if I’m going to throw up or pass out.

Phone.

The house phone.

It’s old, but I know it’s just a few steps away on the wall. Trying to shuffle my feet along, moving my hands along the edge of the counter, I reach it.

I pull the handset to my ear; thank god there’s a dial tone.

Try to focus. Push 9-1-1.

“9-1-1, what’s your emergency?” The operator sounds far in the distance.

“I think I need an ambulance, I feel really funny, I can’t…”

The world goes black as a shooting pain runs through my head on the way to the ground. Coco is barking like crazy but getting softer as the darkness takes over.

Sleep.

Barking, mumbles. I can’t understand.

Shooting pain in my head.

Sleep.

That voice.

The touch.

“Asha, fight.”

Kurt… what does he mean? I don’t want to fight with him.

Mumbling. A girl’s voice.

What are they saying?

“Pulse is stable and she’s breathing. Reggie, what’s her oxygen and sugar levels?” I don’t know the voice. She’s panicking. Why is she yelling? It’s hurting my head.

“Asha, come on, wake up for me, sweetie.” Ouch, that hurts. Why is he rubbing on my chest so hard?

“Ooohhh,” I mumble and try to open my eyes just a little.

“Thank fuck, Asha. Wake up. I’m here, you’re okay.”

Slowly opening my eyes that little bit more, I can see Kurt so close above me and then his lips are on my cheek.

“Kurt. Don’t crowd her. I warned you. Pain-in-the-ass brother.” On my other side, I see a lady who seems to be talking sternly at Kurt.

He ignores her.

My hand is in his and he squeezes it firmly.

“Kurt,” I whisper. “What happened?”

“I don’t know, but you’re okay. Jodie is going to look after you.” His eyes follow the paramedic next to him. Next to her is another paramedic, a guy.

“I’ll be able to do that better if you let me get near her!” the woman says before leaning closer and listening to my chest with the cold circle on the stethoscope.

“I’m not moving,” he growls at her.

“Kurt, I’m okay.” My voice is a little stronger this time.

“I’ll be the judge of that.” His hand moves hair off my face.

“Actually, pretty sure I’m the one who has the credentials to judge that,” the woman says as she finishes listening to my chest.

“Asha, I’m Jodie, and I’m here to help you. Unfortunately, I’m also this pain in the ass’s older sister. I need to ask you a few questions. Is that okay?” Her eyes soften a little.

I nod my head and pain shoots through it. “That hurts,” I murmur.

“It’s the big bump and gash you have on your head. I’ll give you something soon for that. Now, can you tell me what happened?” Her hands are on my head, holding it while she’s examining me.

I try to remember, but it’s fuzzy. “Umm, I felt funny, you know, dizzy. I couldn’t stand up.”

“Take your time, it’s okay, beautiful.” Kurt’s thumb strokes the top of my hand he is still holding onto tightly.

“What happened then?” Jodie asks calmly.

“I couldn’t walk, so I used the wall phone. That’s the last I remember until I heard Kurt’s voice.”

“Luckily the call center tracked the number to this address.” She flashes a pen light in my eyes. “I think, looking at you, that you passed out and fell to the ground, knocking your head on the way down. Hence the blood and headache. But I want to take you in to the hospital to check your head injury and figure out the reason you passed out in the first place. We won’t take any chances.”

“No, I can’t go to the hospital.” I can feel my breathing starting to race, my panic coming.

What if they find out who I am really?

It’s too dangerous.

Never trust anyone, they said. I don’t know the doctors or the nurses.

“It’s okay, Asha, I’m here.” I can’t see her, but I know its Davina’s voice. “I’ll be at the hospital. I’ll take care of things.” My heart settles a little until Kurt growls his reply.

“Nope, I’m going with her. I’ll protect her.” He doesn’t sound happy at all.

“Kurt, is it?” Davina says. “Asha mentioned she had just met you. So sure, come with us, but I will be there to sort out all the details. I am her PA and know everything that is needed.” Davina’s voice sounds blunt, but my head hurts too much to worry about it.

Ignoring her, Kurt’s full focus is on me. “I’m coming in the ambulance with you. Relax, baby, Jodie will look after you.” The look between brother and sister is one of complete trust and understanding.

“Wish I didn’t meet you like this,” I say, “where I’m not looking very good.” I feel queasy in the stomach again. Please don’t let me throw up in front of everyone.

“That’s okay. You think you look bad, you should see the cupboard,” Jodie says, trying