A/N The next bit might be a tad graphic. If you want to skip that just skip the underlined bit.

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I unwrapped the wet cloth to reveal red streaks on her skin around the wound and yellowy greenish gloop in the centre was dribbling down her arm.

"Oh, hell no," I muttered soft enough so she couldn't hear. I had that sick feeling again, like the roof of my mouth was covered in blood. (Don't ask me why I know what that feels like.)

I drove her to the doctor's office once more and had him check her shoulder.

"It isn't as bad as it could be," He told me. "I've given her antibiotics, but you'll have to apply a warm cloth on her shoulder three times a day for at least twenty minutes."

"Okay," I sighed, running my fingers through my hair. "I can't believe I forgot."

"It happens to the best of us I suppose," he patted my shoulder and walked away.

~~~

We got in the car. "I'm so sorry, Linda"

"That's okay, I forgot too"

"No, I mean it. I should have remembered." 

"Well, if you're gonna be like that then I forgive you." She looked at me.

"What do you mean?"

"Whenever anything goes wrong you always blame yourself. You shouldn't. It's not your fault,"

I thought about that for a moment. "How is it not my fault?"

She spoke softly. "If anyone's it's his." Jake's.

I sighed again, closing my eyes. I left the conversation at that, starting the car. I changed the subject. "When's your birthday?"

"September twenty-fourth,"

"Oh, it's coming up then"

"Yeah,"

I'll have to get her something. But what?

We stopped at the pharmacy on the way home and I bought her another package of bandages. 

"Stay here, alright? I'll be right back." I felt anxious leaving her there, but I locked the doors so no one could get in.

I was right to be worried.