Beautiful Mistake (Mistake #1)

by Laiza Millan

  Jenna looked down on the floor.

  The only time she sees Emma acting all lively is only towards Aidan. She can't help but feel a little hurt that her best friend isn't opening up to them. But she understands though, Emma will open up when she's ready. Jenna isn't going to add any more stress; it is painfully obvious how much this situation is taking over already.

  .

  Thursday.

  .

  "So remember in high school when Drake kept asking you out and you flat out said no?" Jenna asked, gently taking a sleeping Aidan from Emma's arms.

  "Poor boy," Tom snorted, "It's no news he's like that; you must have bruised his ego."

  Emma cracked a smile.

  Yes, she remembered that day.

  .:Junior Year - Third week in school:..

  "You are going to look mega damn sexy as my dance date." An arrogant voice said, a few seconds after Jenna left to buy lunch. "Find a short cute dress that shows those lovely tits, aye?"

  Emma was in the middle of looking for her textbook when she heard that voice. She can't help but feel a bit disgusted with the way this guy is talking to her as if she's a piece of meat. She pause her search and moved the locker door so she can see him, "Pardon?"

  Oh wait, she recognized him.

  He was in her group meeting with all the other numerous foreign exchange students that came from the UK. He was the one that kept throwing her these infuriating smirks during the tour, making her feel self-conscious at first and then wondering what the hell his problem was. He never once spoke to her, so this is kind of odd...

  He raised an eyebrow, "Is someone home?" He lightly tapped on her forehead. "I said you're going to the dance with me, okay? Dress up in the sexiest short dress and wear -"

  Emma roughly widened her locker door, letting it hit against the closed locker next to hers with force.

  Drake flinched as chills shocked his body from the unexpected sharp sound.

  "Oh, I'm sorry." She really wasn't.

  Who the hell is this man and how dare he talk to her like that in such a degrading way? Do men these days know nothing of manners and respect? Chivalry really must be dead.

  Drake merely shrugged and eyed the stack of books in her locker, "You like to read?"

  "Yes, I do."Emma nodded, feeling proud. She looked at his lettermen jacket and said the obvious, "You play basketball?"

  "Not really," Drake laughed, "I just like the style so I got one personally made."

  "That's... nice." Emma frowned, before giving him a confused smile.

  He's kind of out there, Emma couldn't help but think. Yet he's kind of strange in an interesting way.

  "Oh shit, where are my manners?" Drake grinned widely, standing up straight and extending his hand for her to shake. "Hello gorgeous. My name is Drake Rogers, what's your name?"

  Emma stared at him, his weirdness catching her off guard. She ended up grinning in amusement before politely shaking his hand. "Nice to meet you, Drake Rogers. I'm Emma Collins."

  "Emma Collins. Hmmm, fitting." Drake nodded, looking at her up and down and in approval. "So anyway, you didn't answer me. Why, got a date already to homecoming?"

  He remembered seeing her the other day with that tall guy from his English class. Tommy or Tom-Tom or whatever the hell his name is. He couldn't help but wonder if her and that guy is dating.

  Emma replaced her Chemistry book and grabbed another workbook that was buried amongst the others. She couldn't help but notice how blunt and straight forward this guy is, but she likes it.

  "I'll be going with my friend," She answered, placing her new workbook inside her large purse. "If you'll excuse me, Drake, I need to find a place to sit. It was nice meeting you!"

  But the strange man didn't take the hint.

  "Which friend? I might know him." Drake pushed on, catching up until he's walking beside her.

  She gave an impatient sigh and threw him an exasperated look, "What? No, Jenna. I don't want to sound rude, but can you leave me alone, please?"

  Who? Oh who cares, Jenna sounds like a girl, so he can still win this.

  "Aw c'mon, baby." Drake continued on, not noticing the way Emma threw him a dirty look. "You're the only English girl that is really cute and you seem like a smart girl. Let me take you out tonight."

  "American girls are attractive too." Emma pointed out, gesturing towards Jenna who was still standing in the lunch line.

  "Yes well, you're English like me, aren't you?" Drake waved his hand dismissively. "The education system here is a joke. We are far more educated than these foreigners."

  Moron, Emma couldn't help but roll her eyes. Technically, they're the foreigners.

  "Go on a date with me."

  Emma scoffed. Seriously?

  "No."

  "No?" Drake's voice rose; stopping his steps for only a second as he stared at her, clearly offended.

  "No."

  He wouldn't have it. "And can I ask why not?"

  "You may," Emma couldn't help but feel amused. "I just don't want to go out with you."

  Not only is he a complete stranger, he sounds like a complete douche bag. He may be handsome but arrogance, having way too much confidence than necessary, is a major turn off for her.

  "Plus I only want to focus on my studies" She explained, hoping he understands, "and have as much experience as I can in this so-called joke of an American education system, as you call it."

  What a nerd, Drake scowled.

  "Do you know who I am?" Drake scoffed, shoving his hands inside his pockets as he scowled at her.

  Well duh, he introduced himself like five seconds ago.

  Emma spotted her friend, Jenna, and waved. "You're Drake Rogers."

  Drake rolled his eyes. This girl clearly doesn't know who he is and how important he is. That's good; he can use his parents' money to woo her then. "My parents own a private plane, let me take you out and -"

  Emma inwardly groan and turned around to face him, "Drake, I'm flattered and thank you so much for your kind invitation, but I'm afraid I will decline."

  She gave him a sweet smile while Drake simply gawked at her.

  What the hell?!

  No one has ever rejected him before! Emma Collins would have to be the most beautiful girl he has ever seen and she freakin' rejected him?

  Him?!

  "One day, Collins!" Drake called out, as she waved him good-bye to meet with her friend. "You'll agree to go on a date with me one day!"

  .:End:.

  .

  Friday.

  .

  She spoke to her mother.

  Jenna brought her a calling card and advised her to speak to her mom, telling her that maybe hearing her voice would help.

  Jenna was right.

  It's been a while - again. But she finally spoke to her and told her everything she needed to know. To say that her mother was angry was an understatement.

  Her mother was furious.

  But after what felt like the whole entire day and her anger cooled down and her questions were answered, she switched back into that motherly mode and reassured Emma that everything will fall back into its rightful place. Drake had fought so hard to win her and Aidan back, he can't and wouldn't just leave them just like that. He's way too stubborn for that.

  "I hope you're right" Emma curled into her chair, remembering Drake would wrap his arms around her during her talk with her mother. "Aidan has been reaching out to him, and has been upset whenever his father wouldn't hold him. We clearly miss him, mum."

  "Oh sweetie," Her mother, Gina, said in a soft tone. "You're acting as if he's gone when he's just right there next to you. He's not going anywhere, not when you told him you'll always be by his side."

  .

  .

  "Emma, it's been nearly two weeks." Jason softly said, placing a hand on her shoulder while he carried Aidan with his other arm. "Why are you doing this to yourself, you need to get out. Just go home, have a proper meal, take a bath, get some rest!
"

  "I have been eating, and they do have showers here." Emma gestured towards the bathroom door that contains both showers and baths. "It's not like I haven't been keeping my hygiene -"

  "It's not that, Em." Jenna sighed, "You've been locked up in this room for two weeks, not once have you gone out to get some fresh air."

  "Do you think I love staying here, missing days at work, and missing my own bed?" Emma snapped; her annoyance increasing. "Put yourself in my position, for once. If Jason fell in a coma, do you really see yourself leaving him for even a minute just because you miss the breeze blowing through your hair or feel the sun shine prickle your skin?"

  Jenna fell silent.

  Now that she thought about it... No, she would never leave Jason's side, because she loves him way too much to even think about her own selfish needs. It's not healthy, but that's exactly what she would have done.

  "I appreciate your guys help." Emma sighed, reaching forward to give her friends a hug. "But if I was in this situation, Drake would do the exact same thing."

  Jason let out a deep sigh and gave up, "You're right. I don't doubt about that, he would probably tell us to back off and leave him alone in his bratty way, but I can see him staying with you the whole time."

  "Exactly, and besides," Emma giving them a knowing look, "A wife vowed to stay with her husband for better or worse, sickness and health, right?"

  "Well yes." Jason said, confused. But Emma and Drake aren't even married... right?

  "Anyway," Emma continued on, before Jason could elaborate what she was trying to say. "Thank you guys so much for baby-sitting Aidan again. I know he likes it here too for some odd reason, but I feel he needs a comfortable home environment to fully rest, rather than the hospital room, you know?"

  "You do too, though." Jenna squeezed her friend's hand and smiled, "Just remember to take care of yourself, okay Em?"

  Emma smiled back, thankful of her friends support and protection. Really, there are best friends but then there are the best friends. They were the ones who would truly look out for one another despite the problems the surfaces between them.

  .

  Saturday.

  .

  Emma yawned loudly, turning off the television when she noticed the time. Oh wow, it's already two in the morning and she hasn't fallen asleep yet? Her whole body is screaming with exhaustion but for some reason, her brain wouldn't put her to rest yet.

  Her friends are right though, she needs to take care of herself.

  Maybe a quick nap will do her some good. She stood up and stretched, feeling her muscles complain with ache and her joints cracking from lack of use. After giving herself the final back stretch, Emma bent down and adjusted the armchair and formed it flat as a bed.

  Before lying down, she gently moved Drake's hand so she can easily reach him. Giving him one last good-night kiss, she laid her body to rest; still clutching onto his hand.

  .

  .

  Emma huffed. Damn it, she can't sleep. Why the hell can't she sleep? She glared at the time before turning to Drake.

  Still keeping her hand on his, she leaned to do the nightly check of his monitors and felt at ease that his heartbeat was still normal. Perhaps she should speak to him again until she falls aslpee. "I'm so damn tired, Drake, but my body refuses to let me sleep."

  She continued to watch Drake as her mind took her elsewhere. She wondered if Aidan was okay with Jason and Jenna. She wondered if Jenna is awake at the moment, tending to Aidan's needs. Her son can be quite the disruptor sometimes during the night; she's pretty sure he's going to be a night owl when he grows up.

  It's already four in the morning and she is in the middle of telling Drake how her mother 'approved' of them both, but how she was royally angry for not telling her about her grandson.

  "If only you heard her, Drake." Emma winced, remembering her phone conversation. "She was extremely surprised that you stayed with us this whole time. But she surprisingly supports -"

  Oh shit.

  Emma stopped midsentence, staring at Drake with her eyes wide open as she edged closer to his bed and feeling her heart beat increase with shock and sudden excitement.

  Drake's head moved.

  Chapter 28

  .

  Thud. Thud. Thud.

  Shit, what the hell is this damn jarring feeling he's getting that is vibrating within his skull? It's literally throbbing in his head, causing his concentration to go to shit.

  Where is he?

  "Drake?"

  Drake?

  Right. Of course.

  He's Drake.

  Duh.

  "No, I'm not dreaming, I wasn't even asleep! I know I saw him move!"

  That voice...

  But ugh wait; there are too many voices he's hearing at the moment. He just wants to hear that one single voice again; can't these people just shut their trap?

  "His eyelids are shifting back and forth." Said a male voice, "He is reacting to a type of stimul-"

  Who cares! Just shut the hell up, the pounding in his head is becoming worse! Honestly, he's pretty sure their voices are probably the cause of his migraine of some sort.

  "Drake Rogers," A different voice spoke, adding to his annoyance. Fucking go away. "Can you slowly try opening your eyes, sir? Take it easy, sir; open one of your eyes slowly if you are able to."

  Of course he's able to open his eyes, why not? Does this nuisance think he's incompetent of lifting up his own eyelids or what?

  But he doesn't want to. At least not yet.

  "Drake?"

  There it is! That soothing feminine voice! It sounds so familiar... So soft and so -

  "Emma." He breathed, though a sharp pain scratched the inside of his lungs, causing him to stop.

  Shit, his throat is dry as fuck.

  A sharp gasp. "Oh my - Drake!"

  Suddenly, he felt these two smooth soft hands gather his own; enveloping them with their warm embrace. He could feel her body bumping into his arm, and the brush of her soft curls touching his chin, enveloping him with her kisses.

  "Miss Collins. Careful, Emma, if you please -"

  "Don't worry, Drake." He could hear his woman say against his ear, her voice so inviting while interrupting that rude person. "I'm right here. If you open your eyes, I'll be standing right next to you."

  "Emma," Another person said, much to his dismay. "I know this is exciting for you, but he is currently fragile and -"

  Fragile? This bitch. All he wants to hear is Emma again.

  Emma... It's all kind of a blur right now but everything is sorting itself and coming together as bits and pieces. Images flashing in his head as he tries to wrack his brain to connect a certain face with that name.

  She has that very loose soft curly blonde hair, beautiful hazel eyes that carry so many emotions and the only woman who can just freaking sass her way to his mind and heart.

  Emma!

  Emma's here? She's waiting for him?

  Of course she is...

  "Don't force yourself, Drake." He hears her say again, "If you don't think you can open your eyes just yet, that's okay. Don't hurt yourself anymore; we would all be very unhappy." She let out a small chuckle, rubbing her thumb against his skin as she continued to clutch his hand.

  Okay yes, he can do it. It's not like he never opened his damn eyes before. Who cares if it stings, he's a tough man, isn't he?

  Of course he is.

  Tightening his hold on the only woman he wants to see, he does what these annoying strangers around ask of him and just slowly - but painfully, let his eyelids lift open.

  .

  .

  Emma's shaking.

  She could feel the cold chill zoom throughout her body as she watched with apprehension. Does he remember? Can he still visually see? More random questions kept popping inside her head as she watched Drake struggle to open his eyes. He started to open them by a small inch, only for him to close them again as he let out a painful groan.


  Emma continued to murmur comforting words to him as she kept squeezing his hands, pressing her lips against his knuckles.

  This is all too much for her, she can't control the excitement and nervousness she's feeling as she felt the rhythm in her chest skip and - Oh goodness... there it is...Finally. Finally she's greeted with the sight of those handsome blue eyes.

  "Drake," Emma whispered; her own eyes stinging from being overwhelmed.

  Tired and weak blue eyes, but at least she can see them... And they are staring right back at her. Goodness, does anyone have any idea what kind of messed up roller coaster of emotions she's been riding?

  She knew that there was always that possibility that she would never see those eyes again, which gave her a sense of dread. But there he is; blinking and looking back at her with the same attention she's giving him.

  Ignoring the nurses and doctor, Emma felt a mixture of anxiousness and joviality as she threw her arms around Drake and cried. "I've missed you so much, you've no idea what we been through, Drake! Aidan also -"

  "Miss Collins,'' a Nurse Suzy said, interrupting their happy moment. "I know that this is very exciting for you, but you need to step away and please remember he just woke up from a coma."

  Drake couldn't help but feel bad for the poor nurse the moment he saw that expression on Emma's face. He's dealt with that same expression too many times, he's suddenly glad not to be the cause of it.

  "Remember?" Emma turned to Suzy and icily said, "Of course I remember, I've been staying here for nearly fifteen days, do you really expect me to magically forget the anguish I was feeling, thinking that my son and I, not to mention his friends, was going to lose him over some other asshole with gang issues?"

  Ugh, isn't she amazing? He loves this woman and her feisty 'don't-fucking-mess-with-me-bitch' attitude.

  Seriously though, are there any nurses here who actually care about their patients and their families' emotional state? Sure this is their job and they're used to this kind of stuff, but this patient is not. These workers are tipping Emma's annoyance.

  Nurse Suzy looked like she wanted to say more, but Emma ignored her. She turned back to Drake, the feeling of complete euphoria returning at the sight of him fully awake instead of unconscious again.