"Don't cry now.." Ryder said, his voice softening slightly. "My mother will come shortly, and if she sees you like this, she will think I have bullied you."
Thea sniffled, trying to hold back her tears. She didn't want to cause any more trouble or worry for Ryder. She took a deep breath and wiped her eyes with her sleeve, trying to compose herself.
Ryder stood up and walked over to her, his movements fluid and graceful."Here, drink this." he said, handing her a glass of water from the table.
She took the glass and sipped the water. She knew he was trying to protect her, even if his methods were sometimes unorthodox.
After staying at the hospital for two days, she was finally Grandma Grace came to take her home, helping her into the car.
