Page 73 of Pucked Together

"Izzy!" The door nudges open, revealing my older brother standing on crutches. "Oh, thank fuck you're ok!"

"Kee-lan. Language," Aunt Ginny scolds him.

He hobbles over to us. "Sorry, Aunt G. I just can't believe she's actually awake."

I don't mention Trevor to Keelan. He doesn't know I've been in a very serious relationship with someone from one of his most hated college hockey rival teams.

"She was just asking for..."

"You!" I cut her off with a glare. "You, bro. How's the leg?"

He shrugs, "I'm out for the season. But look at you. You get a cool designer hat and everything and all I get are these stupid crutches," he smirks.

"What were we doing going to Philadelphia, anyway? I mean, besides the whole city of brotherly love thing and all?"

"Shit," Keelan says, his head dropping. "So Ryker was right."

"Who's Ryker? What am I doing in Houston, Kee?"

The diminutive but impressive doctor knocks on the door, standing at the entrance.

"I see you've been reunited with some of your loved ones. It's been a full circus in here the last week. You're very loved, Isabella."

What could she possibly be talking about? I live a pretty secluded life. It’s just me, my roommate, and my...

"Oh my god, Wednesday!" I blurt out.

"The guys have her. Don't worry, sis. They are under strict instructions to spoil my niece. Whether or not she lets them—well—” He shrugs.

The guys. Keelan's roommates he's told me about. He brought her all the way from Cali. That’s sweet of him.

The doctor comes closer, checking my vitals on the constantly beeping machines next to my bed.

Aunt Ginny moves to the other side of the room, followed by Keelan, who tries to sit on the sofa and is clearly struggling.

"Isabella," the doctor begins. "My name Dr. Aiko Tanaka."

I look to the lanyard that is hanging from her jacket pocket to confirm.

"Can you please tell me your full name?"

"Isabella Landry," I answer without a hitch.

"And what's your date of birth, please?" She types on a small tablet in her hand.

"August 23rd, 2002. So I'll finally be legal soon," I laugh.

Aunt Ginny and Keelan both exchange a look before turning back to me.

"Izzy, what is today's date?" Dr. Tanaka asks.

I squint to think. "August 12th, 2023. So, do you think I'll be healed from this head injury before my big day? I'd hate to be still hooked up to this thing by then."

The doctor gives my family a solemn look. "Isabella, this might come as a shock to you. But there's an almost three-month gap in your memory."

"Um...what?"

She nods. Aunt Ginny clutches her bag closer to her like she's hugging it for emotional support.