The Nerd Who Stole The Quarterback (Astra and Zayne) novel Chapter 131

Chapter 131

ASTRA

M

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The hospital lights blurred past as Elira parked just after eight. We pushed through the sliding doors together, the sharp bite of antiseptic hitting me like a warning. My chest tightened on instinct.

The nurse at the station straightened the moment she saw me.

“Astra.” Her shoulders dropped. “You’re back.”

“I came for my mom.”

She nodded down the hall. “Dr. Ray’s been waiting.”

He rounded the corner seconds later, white coat wrinkled from another long shift. The exhaustion on his face softened when he spotted us.

“Astra.” His gaze moved to Elira. “Mrs. Ashton.”

“It’s been a while, Raymond,” Elira said quietly.

“It has.” He glanced between us. “Landon called. Everything’s arranged-private transport is en route. Discharge papers are nearly done. They should be here in twenty.”

His attention settled on me, gentle. “She’s been asking for you.”

I swallowed and nodded. My bag strap dug into my shoulder as I followed the familiar path to Room 214. My hand shook against the door.

Mom was propped up, twisting the edge of her blanket the way she always did when she was anxious. The second she saw me, her face crumpled.

“Astra…”

I crossed the room in three strides and folded myself around her as carefully as I could. Her arms came up instantly, thin

but fierce.

“I’m here,” I whispered.

She held me tighter. For a long moment there was only the quiet beep of machines and the way her fingers trembled against my back.

“I’m sorry,” I managed.

“I was so worried.” Her voice cracked.

The guilt landed heavy in my chest. I buried my face in her shoulder, breathing in the faint hospital-soap smell of her. “I shouldn’t have left.”

She smoothed my hair like I was still little. “But you’re here now.”

I pulled back just enough to wipe my eyes and give her a shaky smile. “Mom… there’s someone I want you to meet.”

Elira stepped closer, her usual poised grace tempered with something softer.

“It’s lovely to finally meet you, Mrs. Hawthorne.”

15:47 Tue, Jul 14 M.

Chapter 131

Mom managed a tired smile. “You must be Mrs. Ashton. Astra speaks so highly of you.”

Heat rose in my cheeks.

Mom continued softly. “Thank you… for giving Astra a place to work.”

Her eyes shimmered.

“She’s carried so much responsibility for someone so young.”

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Elira reached down and gently covered Mom’s hand with hers. “She earned her place with us. The boys adore her.” A smal pause, then quieter. “So do I.”

Mom’s eyes shone as she looked between us. “I’ve been praying she’d find kind people.”

Elira’s smile warmed. “I think we’re the lucky ones.”

I had to look away, blinking hard.

I cleared my throat. “Mom… we’re taking you with us tonight.”

She blinked. “With you?”

“To the Ashton estate. Mr. Ashton had a hospital bed set up. You’ll stay there until we find the right care.”

Mom’s brow creased. “Sweetheart, we can’t..”

“We can,” I said, squeezing her hand. “Don’t worry about that right now. Please.”

She searched my face, reading everything I wasn’t saying. After a moment she brushed her fingers over my cheek. “You’ve grown up too fast.”

I leaned into her touch. “I had a good teacher.”

A soft, shaky laugh escaped her.

A knock sounded. Dr. Ray stepped in. “Transport’s here.”

The next minutes passed in a careful blur, officers wheeling in the stretcher, gentle transfers, final signatures. While they worked, I turned to the people who’d been our quiet anchors for years.

I hugged Dr. Ray first, tight and quick. “Thank you. For everything.”

He squeezed my shoulder. “Go take care of your mum, We’ve got the rest.”

Linda pulled me in next, then Sofia and Ben, their words a warm tangle of “We’ll miss you” and “Visit under happier circumstances.” I could barely speak by the end. All I managed was a shaky “Thank you,” but it seemed to be enough.

Dr. Ray walked us out. Outside, the transport vehicle waited, rear doors open. Elira had already pulled her car around.

“You ride with her,” he said.

I nodded and climbed in and took Mom’s hand the second I sat down. She squeezed back, silent.

Elira leaned toward the open doors. “I’ll be right behind you.”

The doors closed and the engine rumbled to life. Through the small window I watched Elira’s headlights follow as the city lights slid past. Mom and I didn’t speak much. We didn’t need to. Every now and then her fingers tightened, and I answered with my own.

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