Letting My Brother's Best Friend Take My V-Card

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WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? THE NOW

JOSH

Walking into the hospital after practice felt like stepping into another world-one I didn't want to be in but couldn't stay away from. The smell of antiseptic was always the first thing that hit me, followed by the weight in my chest that never left when I was here. Luke was walking beside me, his duffel bag slung over his shoulder. "Jess said Asha had a good night," he said, trying to sound upbeat. "She's really getting the hang of it."

"Yeah," I murmured, distracted. I was grateful for Jess, but I couldn't keep leaning on her, especially now that her due date was so close. She already had enough on her plate without taking care of my daughter too.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "I need to figure something out soon. Jess can't keep watching Asha for me."

Luke glanced at me, his brow furrowing. "We'll figure it out, man. You're not alone in this."

!

I nodded, but his words didn't ease the pressure building inside me. I hated feeling helpless.

As we approached the intensive care unit, someone called my name. "Joshua?"

10:190

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feet away. She had dirty blonde hair pulled back into a neat ponytail and piercing blue eyes that, for a split second, reminded me of Laura. For that moment, I froze, my heart stuttering in my chest. But as quickly as the thought came, it faded. She wasn't

finally managed to say,

turned back around, feeling heat rise

me, shoving me lightly. "What the hell was

my head. "She was Laura's nurse

could feel his eyes on me as we

immediately noticed the extra people inside. There were nurses and medical staff moving around, and the atmosphere felt different. My chest tightened as I stepped in.

me, but before she could respond, the doctor walked in. "Mr. Andrews," he said, his tone calm but firm. "We need to take Laura to the theater to

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word foreign and heavy on my tongue. Anxiety prickled at

waver. "The breathing tube currently in her mouth is effective, but long-term use can cause complications-things like infections, damage to her vocal cords, and other secondary issues. A tracheostomy is a more permanent solution for now. It's a small surgical procedure to place a tube directly into her trachea through her neck. It will be more comfortable for her and

when he saw the tension in

the doctor assured him. "It's minor. It's very common for patients

wasn't major. It was common. But it still felt like