Jeremy shrugged. “It’s easy to tell all your secrets to someone who you know won’t judge you, or who has had a lot of history with you. That’s the problem with friends at times. Once they know you, they judge everything you say and do. They always have advice and always want to take over.”
I saw Jeremy’s expression and knew he had been hurt before. “I understand what you mean, Jeremy, but not all friendships are like that. You have friends so you can share experiences and offer guidance when needed, without control or judgement. Anyone who tries to take over your life is never truly your friend.” I sat silently for a moment, wondering whether he wanted me to push further with this. “Did someone sting you, Jeremy?” I asked.
He looked down and nodded. “Yeah. His name was Stuart and he was the son of one of the foster parents I went to stay with. We were roughly around the same age so we became friends really quickly. I felt like I had finally found someone I could trust. The problem was that he was just using me to get away with murder with his parents. Whenever he did something wrong, he would blame me for it. I kept wondering why I would get accused of things I didn’t do. The third time, he stole money from his parents and told them he had caught me going into his mum’s purse. When his mum and dad told me Stuart had caught me, I finally realised what he had been doing. I was never his friend. I was just his scapegoat.”
I placed my hand on his. “I’m sorry to hear that, Jeremy. I hope whoever this Stuart is got his comeuppance in the end. He was never worthy of your friendship and I hope you realise that. I also hope you realise not everyone is a Stuart. I would never, ever intentionally hurt you or let you down. You have my word on that.”
Jeremy smiled and tugged on my hand. “You look tired. Why don’t you go home and get some sleep? We can both get some sleep and you can come visit in the morning. Unless, of course, you need to go to work.”
I shook my head. “No. I’ve been working from the hospital the last four days. Tomorrow’s Friday. I may as well have the week off.” I smiled brightly. “Are you sure you’re going to be okay?” Although I was exhausted, the shock of the last four days was taking its toll. I didn’t want to leave him. Seeing Jeremy lying on the floor like that and feeling completely helpless had left me utterly shaken and bewildered.
He nodded. “Of course. It gives you an excuse to get me some Twiglets on the way in tomorrow.” Jeremy winked with an impish grin.
“Okay,” I answered, still a little unsure. “I still want to be called if anything happens. They told me what you did the morning of your birthday. I was touched.”
Jeremy gave me a shy smile. “Aww, shucks. I’m glad I could touch you.”
I gasped. “Jeremy, stop that right now.”
Jeremy laughed and I couldn’t help but laugh right along with him. “I’m so sorry. I couldn’t help that. You’re so easy to wind up. Living with you is going to be fun.”
Looking at Jeremy, I saw a hint of happiness for the first time. He looked practically radiant with it. With that thought in mind, I was determined to make sure he fought this thing because now he had me to fight it with him.
Just as I got up, Rachael came over. “I see we’re a lot better now,” she playfully scolded.
I nodded. “Oh yeah. He is definitely on the mend.” With a roll of my eyes, I shook my head.
“She secretly loves it,” Jeremy whispered to Rachael.
I laughed and looked at Rachael. “I’m going to go now.” I made my voice sound a little hard as I stuck my tongue out at Jeremy. Both he and Rachael laughed as I grabbed my coat.
“If he needs me for anything, no matter what time it is, please call.” Rachael nodded and Jeremy rolled his eyes.
“I’m right here, you know. I can hear everything you say.”
I cringed. “I’m sorry. I just worry about you. I never want to see you like that again.”
He saw the tears in my eyes and his face softened. “I know. I don’t really want that to happen again, either.”
I sucked in a breath, trying to get my feelings in check. “Well, we’re all in agreement then.” I leaned over Jeremy’s bed and placed a soft kiss on his forehead. “Sleep well and I’ll see you tomorrow.” I turned and started to walk away.
“With the Twiglets!” he shouted.
With a wave, I laughed and walked out of the door. “With the Twiglets.”
Once I was outside, the cold night air hit me and I gritted my teeth. It was dark and freezing, and I just wanted to get to my car. For some reason, the last four days were catching up with me and I could feel the need to burst rising throughout me.