In Your Time
Chapter 26

Braden did what he promised. He stayed quietly to take care of me while I was stuck in the hospital. He didn't mention our relationship again while I was stuck in the hospital bed. Everyone from school found out I was in the hospital and ended up coming to visit me at one point or another. Of course, we couldn't let them know the real or even fake reason for me being there since they were all at the party too. Braden gave them the excuse of a ruptured appendix. When the week finally ended, I was able to leave the hospital, but I was still on bed rest. Luckily, the medicines they had me on helped me heal faster than I would've if Braden had listened to me and left me. By the time I was free to go, my ribs were healed, but everything was still very tender. Elizabeth tried to fuss over me at the hospital but Braden kept her away mostly. Although, seeing how Braden took care of me also made her step back on her own.

"Go slow," Braden said as he helped me up the stairs in the house. He was helping me get to my room. He wanted to carry me, but I convinced him it would be less painful to walk. He helped me into my room and sat me down on my bed.

"I really want to wash my hair. It feels really oily since I haven't been able to wash it for a week," I complained. I'd been able to bathe in the hospital, but washing my hair required a strength I didn't have at the moment. I think it would still be difficult, but I couldn't go on like this. Braden sighed as he looked at door.

"Would that be okay to strain yourself like that?" He asked worried. I shrugged.

"Regardless, I'm going to wash my hair," I said. Braden grabbed my towel before he helped me stand. He helped me to the bathroom and took off his house shoes before rolling up his pant legs and getting into the bathtub.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"I'll wash

like it was obvious.

I was hair for you," he s

"You're going to wash my hair?" I asked.

"Yep, get in," he ordered. I sighed before I carefully stepped into the tub and lowered myself in. Luckily t was a huge jacuzzi-style bathtub with a detachable shower head He turned on the water and waited for it to warm up.

"Put your head in my lap," he ordered. I sunk lower and placed the back of my head against his leg. He spread my hair over his lap before he began washing it. He was gentle, and careful not to get soap or water in my eyes and ears. We were both quiet while he worked. He even conditioned my hair for me. After he and

finished, he helped me sitn

wrapped the towel around my head. He stood and stretched before helping me stand and get out of the tub. He sat me down at the bench in front of the sink and pulled out a blow dryer and a brush. He ruffled my hair slightly with the towel before he set it around my neck."""""