As they drove away from the hospital, Jayden's guilt lingered. Emma's battered face weighed heavily on his conscience.
"I'm so sorry, Emma," he said, his voice laced with regret.
Emma's calm smile eased his tension.
"I know, Jayden. Accidents happen."
Jayden glanced at her, concern etched on his face.
"You sure you don't want me to take you home? Your parents should know what happened."
Emma chuckled.
"I'm not a child, Jayden. What's the worst they can do? Ground me?" She shrugged. "I already look worse, after all."
Jayden's eyes softened.
"Does it still hurt that much?"
Emma's expression turned stoic.
"It's pretty numb now. Can't even feel anything."
Jayden's grip on the steering wheel tightened.
"That's because of the anesthesia. Once it wears off, the pain will kick in."
He handed her a bag filled with medications from the hospital's dispensary.
"That's why you need these. Follow the instructions, okay?"
Emma took the bag, her eyes scanning the labels.
"Don't worry, Jayden. I'll be fine."
Jayden's gaze lingered on her profile.
"I'll take care of you, Emma. I promise." Jayden said, his eyes locked on the road ahead.
Emma's gaze drifted to Jayden's profile, her mind wandering.
What did he mean by that? Take care of her? Was it just guilt talking, or something more?
She studied Jayden's expression, searching for clues. His jaw was set, his eyes intense.
"Take care of me?" Emma repeated, her voice barely above a whisper.
Jayden's glance flicked to hers, then back to the road.
"Yeah. Make sure you're okay. Help you recover."
Emma's thoughts swirled. Was this Jayden's coach mode kicking in, or was he genuinely concerned?
"And after I'm recovered?" Emma probed, curiosity getting the better of her.
Jayden's pause was almost imperceptible.
"I'll still be there," he said finally.
Emma's heart skipped a beat. What did that mean? Her uncertainty grew, her mind racing with possibilities. She couldn't shake off the feeling that Jayden's words held a deeper meaning and she wandered if Jayden implied something beyond friendship.
As they drove in silence, Emma stole glances at Jayden, searching for signs. His expression remained neutral, but his eyes seemed softer, warmer.
Was she reading too much into this? Or was Jayden genuinely interested?
As they approached the turn to Emma's street, she suddenly spoke up.
"I think I know what I want."
Jayden's curiosity piqued, he replied, "Hold that thought."
He drove past the turn and continued on, eventually pulling into a quiet alley.
"Okay, what is it?" Jayden asked, his eyes sparkling with intrigue.
"I want you to take me on a date," Emma said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Preferably dinner or brunch, whichever is fine."
Jayden's laughter filled the car, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
"I feel like I owe it to you," he said, his grin still plastered on his face.
"Considering the ruins I made of your face and the torture I put you through."
Emma playfully rolled her eyes.
"You devil," she teased, punching Jayden's arm.
He winced, pretending pain.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Didn't mean to hurt you that much" Emma said, giggling.
Jayden chuckled.
"I'm just kidding," he said, smiling.
Emma gazed at her reflection, wincing at the swelling.
"At least I still have till Monday before anyone sees me," she said, relief washing over her. "I don't have to go to school looking like I got mugged and beaten up."
Jayden chuckled.
"Looking on the bright side, huh?"
Emma smiled wryly.
"Got to find the silver lining."
Jayden nodded.
"By Monday, the swelling should be down, and the bruises will be fading."
Emma's eyes lit up.
"Exactly! And maybe by then, I'll have a great story to tell."
Jayden grinned.
"Courtesy of me?"
Emma rolled her eyes
"Unfortunately yes!"
"So, when's the date?" Emma asked, her eyes sparkling.
"Maybe next weekend?" Jayden suggested.
Emma's face fell.
"That's too far," she pouted.
Jayden's expression turned apologetic.
"Sorry, it has to be then. I've got a busy week ahead."
Emma nodded, resigned.
"Next weekend then"
Jayden smiled.
"I promise it'll be worth the wait."
Jayden handed his phone to Emma, a hint of a smile on his face.
"Your number," he said, his voice low.
Emma's eyes widened, and she squealed like a little kid.
"OMG! Jayden Smart is asking for my number! I can't believe my eyes!"
Jayden chuckled, pretending embarrassment.
"Oh, come on! Grow up!" he teased, laughing loudly to mask Emma's squeals.
Emma giggled, took his phone, and punched in her number.
"I'd be expecting your text," she said, rolling her eyes playfully.
"Yes, ma'am," Jayden replied, grinning.
As Emma handed his phone back, Jayden started the car's engine.
"Time to get you home," he said.
Emma smiled, still bubbling with excitement.
"Can't wait for next weekend," she whispered.
Jayden's eyes met hers, his gaze warm.
"Me neither," he said softly.