the winter i turned intelligent: chapter 11 (pt. 2)

Important Note from Dreamy Plots & Story Talks: This story contains suggestive language and sexual content and is only suitable for readers that are 18+.

Chapter 11 (part 2):

Jeremiah’s POV:

Belly, Mateo, and I waited in the hospital lobby for the doctor’s update. We had all decided that it would get too crowded if Taylor and Steven joined us, so they left the ski resort as soon as the ambulance had come.

We sat here in silence. Belly distracted herself with an audiobook she was listening to with her AirPods in, while I scrolled mindlessly through different apps on my phone. Mateo hadn’t said a word to either of us this entire time. At first, he skimmed through a magazine that was in the waiting area but then quickly put it down. For the remainder of the time, he stared blankly at the individuals passing through the building.

I was about to go and bring some snacks for us since it was around 7 PM when the nurse came to the lobby, “if you want to go to her room, you’re welcome to do so now. She’s still asleep from the pain medication but should be waking up at any moment.”

I replied as we all got up anxiously, “thanks.”

When we got to her room, the doctor was already inside and explained to us, “she’s lucky that she landed on her side because this could have been a lot worse. There was a lot of impact to her left arm, and her wrist is fractured, but it’s milder than we first thought, so I’d give it around 6-12 weeks to heal and definitely no skating during this time frame.”

“Well, when can she skate again?” I was surprised Belly asked this instead of Mateo.  

“That depends, if she feels okay, I would wait another couple weeks in addition to that.” The doctor replied to her as he walked towards the door.  

While we waited for Natasha to wake up, I offered, “I’m going to get us some food. What do you guys want?”

Mateo coldly replied, “I’m not hungry.”

Belly quietly added, “I’m not either. Maybe just get me something small like a cup of soup or an apple. Thanks.”

As I made my way to the cafeteria, I tried not to think about Natasha’s disappointment once she would find out how long she wouldn’t be able to skate for.

When I got back, Natasha was still asleep, and Mateo was also asleep on the chair right next to her bed.

After about thirty minutes, Belly touched my arm with urgency, and I looked up. Natasha’s eyes were slowly opening, as I told Mateo softly, “Mateo.” He jumped in his seat as he woke up and turned his attention towards Natasha as well.

“How long was I out? Did you guys tell my parents? They’ll be so pissed. Shit.” Natasha was panicking.

Mateo gently touched her right hand, “Tasha relax. I didn’t call them. I figured you didn’t want them to know right away, but I think it’s best if I call them now that you’re okay.”

“Does it look like I’m fucking okay?! There’s no way I’ll make it to qualifiers. My mom is probably not going to speak to me for the next month at least and-” 

“Fuck the competition,” she looked startled as Mateo continued, “You could have been really hurt.” Then he took a deep breath and hugged her as tight as he could, while making sure to not add pressure to her left arm, “You scared the shit out of me.”

Natasha looked a little less tense as she slightly relaxed into his embrace.

She addressed all of us, “thank you for coming. I appreciate it.”

I got up from my seat and went near her bed, “Natasha I-, I’m so sorry. This is all my fault. I don’t know what to do. I wish I could fix this. This should have been me, not you. Thank you for protecting me from getting hurt.” 

She tried to smile through her pain. I could hear it in her shaken voice, “It’s not your fault at all. Don’t even think that. You need to work on your skiing technique though, but Belly can help you with that. She kicked your ass.” 

I laughed nervously and admired her strength as Belly got up now and added, “it wasn’t supposed to be a competition. I went before him because of the snow. But thanks.”

Natasha laughed softly, “still, you did great.”

Belly smiled as Mateo asked Natasha, “are you hungry?”

“Yes, I’m starving. Can you get me some French Fries? With a grilled cheese.”

“What’s the magic word?”

“Fuck you. Please.”

Mateo chuckled, “And with that Tasha’s back,” and then left the room.

I turned to Belly quietly so that Natasha wouldn’t hear, “I need to go check on Hazel. It’s been hours since we left her. I’m sure she’s also very hungry. Is it okay if we leave in a few minutes?”

“Yes of course. Actually, do you mind getting the car now, while I stay here? I want to talk to her alone before Mateo gets back as well.” 

“Yeah sure. I’ll call you when I’m outside.” I didn’t question Belly, but I was curious as to what she wanted to tell her. I said goodbye to Natasha and wished her a speedy recovery before leaving Belly and her alone.

Belly’s POV:

Deep down I felt like this was my fault and that the conversation I had with Natasha during her practice the other day is what led to this. I knew it was irrational to think this way, but I still felt ashamed. I got up and went near her bed, “I owe you more than one apology Natasha. I wish I could take back how I spoke to you. It was very out of character for me. And to answer your previous question from the other day, yes, I felt terrible about how I felt after saying that to you, but I also felt awful about how I made you feel. I’m very, very sorry. You didn’t deserve this.” I didn’t know what else to say as a tear dropped down my cheek.

“Belly stop. I forgive you. I forgave you when you first apologized. I was just angry that day.” She motioned for me to sit on the edge of her bed.

I wiped away my tear as I felt another one land on my cheek, “I really thought you liked him. I’m also sorry for questioning that you did.”

Natasha’s POV:

“I did...like him,” I knew after all this, I shouldn’t have thought about him anymore, but feelings didn’t work like that. I still liked him a little, but I couldn’t tell her that. “So you weren’t wrong, I really liked him actually. I’m sorry that I didn’t admit it you. I didn’t want to admit it to myself.” I paused then continued, “I was ashamed for liking someone that was involved with someone else already. It wasn’t me either.”

Belly’s POV: 

I was surprised but also relieved that I was right all along. What I was shocked at was why she hadn’t tried to start something with him, “Why didn’t you tell Jeremiah how you felt then?”

Natasha’s POV:

“Because it wouldn’t have changed anything. He adores you. You don’t need me to tell you that...and it’s not really my style to break up a happy couple...I know how happy you are around him as well. Oh, and I’m sorry for being a bit of a bitch for calling you out about the whole honesty thing when clearly, I’m one to talk.” I laughed nervously through my watery eyes.

Belly’s POV:

I laughed along with her. I tried to console her, “You know you’re going to find an incredible guy one day. You’re a very special person, and someone will see that. I promise.” 

Natasha’s POV: 

I felt my eyes grow waterier, but I fought back my tears, “yeah I doubt it, but I don’t know. Maybe love isn’t for everyone? I have my career, well I used to have one... who knows now.” I laughed loud enough where both of us knew I didn’t find anything funny about this.

Belly’s POV:

“Hey don’t say that. If anyone might still have a chance to make it to qualifiers despite this injury, it’s you.”

She argued, “That won’t happen, but I appreciate the motivation.” 

“But it could.”

“I bet Kate can’t wait to replace me. She’ll be thrilled to skate with Mateo now that I’m out.” My brows furrowed so she clarified, “She’s my replacement for competitions if I get injured.” 

I understood her frustration, but I reminded her, “If you just focus on being positive and relax your wrist for the next few months, you might still have a chance. I get the negative thoughts, it’s so easy to get caught up in them, but if you have any chance of being able to skate in time to make it for the competition, I know your odds are much higher if you stay positive.” I wanted to lighten the mood so I added, “and don’t even worry about Mateo, he’s only focused on skating with you. I see the way he looks at you.”

Natasha’s POV: 

My heart rate spiked a little, and I was confused why because I never thought about Mateo in a romantic light, “what are you talking about? He looks at me like everyone else does, just with more annoyed expressions.”

Belly defended, “that man didn’t leave your side this entire night. I know a guy that’s smitten when I see it. You might not like him back, or...you might and not even know it yet. But the way your eyes lit up just now when I said that is what I mean about positivity.” She explained, “I dated someone once that didn’t let others be there for him when he needed it. I know it’s hard, but just try and let your family, friends, even Mateo be there for you right now. That might make all the difference for your recovery.” She looked sincere as she smiled, “I want to see that gold medal performance.” 

She hugged me, and when she removed from the embrace, a single tear finally fell down my cheek. I cleared my voice, “I hope that happens, thank you Belly.”

Belly’s POV:

“Of course. Thank you for practically saving Jeremiah today.” Then I added, “Oh, and I almost forgot, thank you for not telling Conrad or Jeremiah about our conversation. You had every right to tell them, and I could tell that you didn’t. I know Jeremiah would have brought it up.” I was still surprised she hadn’t told them.

“It wasn’t their business to know. I always knew you meant well.” She yawned while smiling, and I knew she was very tired, so I decided to leave since Mateo had just returned. “Well, good luck with everything. I know everything will work out. Bye.” 

Mateo entered the room with a giant bag filled with snacks and drinks as well as a balloon that said ‘Happy Birthday!’ on it. I smiled to myself knowing that Natasha wouldn’t be alone for the rest of the evening as I left her room.

Natasha’s POV:

“What’s this?” I tried not to laugh.

“They were out of the ‘get well soon’ ones, so this one looked nice, and you’re welcome.” He handed me a warm cup of fries and a grilled cheese with a side of tomatoes.

As I took a bite of the hot bread that was filled with a variety of cheeses, my wrist felt exponentially better, “thank you for staying with me.”

He took a bite of his sandwich, “who else was gonna come?”

He was sitting close enough to me so I took a handful of his fries from him at that comment, “I know I’ve fucked up our chances though. I’m so sorry, but I’ll try my best to make it, I promise. I’ll do warm-ups during recovery. I’ll research what exercises will help my wrist heal faster.” 

“Tasha stop. Everything’s going to be fine. But I’ve gotta level with you here, why the fuck did you protect that idiot at the cost of your own health?” I felt even worse after he said that, but he continued and surprised me even more, “I know you would have done that for anyone though...that’s why I hate that I love you.” 

I was frozen as I looked at him with wide eyes, and he quickly clarified, “like a friend that I don’t like very much.” I threw a fry at him as he smirked at me. That was the sweetest thing that Mateo had probably ever said to me. As we shared our grilled cheeses and fries, I almost forgot that I was sitting in a hospital bed and that my next few months were going to look much more different than I had planned.

Jeremiah’s POV:

It was a week later, and MBA graduation was today. Things were a lot more different than a few years ago to say the least. Belly was at my graduation in the stands with the rest of my family and friends. When I took the stage as the director of Duke University called my name, I could hear Trusky and Belly’s voices among the already loud crowd. Unlike high school graduation where I felt very alone, my heart had never felt this full.  

I had chosen Belly’s favorite Italian restaurant, Giulia dal Mare, to celebrate after the ceremony. Conrad gave a toast before our food arrived, “We all know Jere gets enough attention as it is, so I won’t take too much of your time,” I laughed along with the rest of the table, “I’m obviously proud of you for your degree, but I’m just honestly proud to be your older brother. Proud is an understatement actually. The way you care about everyone around you, the way you cared about mom.” His voice cracked a little as I felt my eyes water before he quickly continued, “I know she’s the proudest, Jere. To Jere!” Everyone raised their glasses, and I got up to Conrad’s seat and gave him a big hug. “Thanks man, love you.” 

We shared lots and lots of pasta, salad, pizza, bread, and tiramisu. Since it was during the weekend, there was a live band playing music at the restaurant. I asked Belly to dance during one of the slow songs as it approached midnight.

We danced right by her favorite fountain that I reminisced we sat at together every time we came here. I twirled her around as her red flowy dress reflected in the candlelight. She landed in my arms when our foreheads touched.

She whispered, “I’m so glad you’re okay.”

“Babe how many times are you going to tell me that?” I kissed her forehead.

“I’m never letting you go. It’s too risky.” She ran her fingers up my neck and caressed my ears.

I smirked, “I’ll hold you to that...” I kissed her firmly, and her mouth opened as my tongue gently touched hers.

My hands traveled below her back not caring if my family and our friends were in the background.

I wished the fall had never happened because we both still felt awful for Natasha. However, the silver lining that came from it was that Belly and I were closer than ever before. It’s almost as if we put all the nonsense aside and focused on what mattered the most to us, each other. The best way I could describe it was that it felt like meeting your best friend again for the first time, and that felt incredible.  

Two Weeks Later:

Natasha’s POV:

It was almost the middle of February and a few weeks since the injury, and my wrist somehow felt even worse now than it did at the beginning.  

When Mateo had dropped me off from the hospital, my parent’s reaction was unexpected. They were more concerned about how I felt than I thought they would be. Even though it wasn’t a big injury by any means, Nina hadn’t left my side since she found out. Every day, she would bring me my laundry, help with preparing my food, etc. My parents did voice their frustrations about the competition though. After all, they were realistic and knew how hard I had worked to get to this point. I felt bad enough for myself, but knowing how much they had sacrificed for me, for it to have ended up like this was something I was having a hard time accepting.

What made everything worse was when my mom had told me to call some friends to spend time with, while my wrist was healing. I hadn’t realized that I didn’t really have any friends. I was so focused on skating that Mateo was probably my only friend. I didn’t have anyone to distract me right now since I never took the time to get to know anyone or put myself out there enough to have someone else get to know me.

When you’re stuck and have a lot more free time to think about everything, it’s very easy to go down the rabbit hole of rethinking all of your life choices that led up to this point.

I went outside during sunset. The air was cold, and I could barely even feel my right wrist. Walking in the snow made me feel more at peace, and I needed any distraction that I could get right now. I was distraught when I passed by a small outdoor rink a few people were skating on. I felt a rush of anxiety because it brought me back to the ice that was near my backyard, the one where I first fell in love with skating, back when my grandma was here, back when everything was perfect.

I turned back towards my house and ran to my room. My chest felt heavy as I sat on my bed. I turned on a movie and instead opened a book while the film still played in the background. I didn’t want to think about skating. I didn’t want to think about the competition. I didn’t want to think about Mateo. I only wanted to focus on this book. As I read every line on each page, all I could think about was skating, the competition, and Mateo.

Kate was probably already convinced that she would be competing in this year’s Olympics. Knowing her, she most likely tried to go out with Mateo by now as well. But I knew she only cared about herself, not anyone else including him.  

I felt sick to my stomach. I spent my entire life working towards this one dream, and it had been crushed overnight.  

I tried my best the past few weeks to have hope, hope that I would get better sooner than I thought I would. I tried to be positive, but nothing had changed. Tears poured down my cheeks as I wondered what the silver lining of all of this was for me. Could everything have a silver lining? I doubted it.

Once I had released my tears, I felt a little lighter and less anxious. I checked my phone and noticed a bunch of notifications from Mateo that I had missed. I texted him back but then shortly after heard a knock on my door, “can I come in?” 

“Uh, just a second!” I made sure to wipe away my tears so he couldn’t tell that I had just bawled my eyes out. I put on some lip gloss and bright pink blush to look more refreshed and then wondered why I cared about looking nice in front of him. I never cared before. I removed some of the gloss and then replied, “come in!” 

He had a bunch of grocery bags in his hands, “Hey, I brought ice cream, but you didn’t respond to my texts, so I brought like five flavors.”

“Thanks, sorry my room’s a mess. I’m surprised my mom even let you come into my room.” 

“Even she feels sorry for you.”

A few tears fell down my cheeks, but I quickly wiped them away and took a deep breath.

“Shit, Tasha, I’m sorry, I was trying to make you laugh, I didn’t mean that. I really am an asshole.”

“No, you’re not an asshole...unfortunately.” I teased then took some of the ice cream from him, “You didn’t say anything wrong really. I’m just a bit of an emotional mess today, more than usual.”

“Wow, that bad?”

“Way, way, worse. How’s Kate?”

“Well... she’s Kate.”

I laughed at how bluntly he said that and then felt my cheeks blush brighter than the shade of blush I had on at what he said next, “did you wear makeup right before I came in?” Mateo was one of the most observant people I had ever met before.

“No... why would you say that?”

“If you cried, your makeup would have smeared, and your makeup looks fresh. Remember I have sisters... My younger sister did that after she broke up with her first boyfriend and then told us about it.”

“Eat your ice cream.”

“I think it’s cute that you wanted to look cute for me.”

My stomach felt tight the same way it had when we had rehearsed our routine at the ballet studio the other day, “don’t flatter yourself... makeup makes me feel better right now.”

“Okay whatever you say...”

“Stop looking at me like that.”

“I’m not looking at you the way you think I’m looking at you.”

I rolled my eyes playfully, and he gave me another flavor to try. As we ate the ice cream, Mateo explained how Kate had argued with our skating coach twice already. We laughed as he filled me in on this story and others. It was odd how my pain disappeared even though he was telling me everything that I had missed out on. It somehow made me feel better and that I was still involved in some of these experiences through him.

Mateo coming here tonight was more entertaining than the movie that played in the background and the book I had tried to read earlier, and that said a lot since it was my favorite film and book.