Approximately fourteen days had flown by. I had become closer to Alli, Nate, Theo, and the gang. Although Mason still wasn't pleased with me being there even after the incident where I admitted that my parents had left.
522Please respect copyright.PENANAQ7LkJgJDR0
I had completed my round of chemo sessions and couldn't wait for my two weeks of rest. Josh has been there with me every step of the way and even held my hair back when I found myself throwing up in the bathroom.
522Please respect copyright.PENANASwP10VAs0i
The thought of my hair suddenly popped into my mind, making me realize that I would soon have to start explaining to people why I was bald. Dr. Silver had explained that my hair would start falling out in about a month or less. Just the thought of losing my hair was terrifying but I knew that if I wanted to get better I would have to let go.
522Please respect copyright.PENANA77LIvT5Xz2
I was currently lying down in an MRI machine to see the progress I had made over the last two weeks. I was extremely nervous and I suddenly found it hard to breathe. What if it had progressed greatly? I knew that I couldn't expect the chemo to work right away but my hopes were still high. "You can come out now." Dr. Silver called through the intercom. I got out and silently prayed for a change, a sign to show that I will get through this terrifying journey.
522Please respect copyright.PENANAPcdHf31UVp
. . .
522Please respect copyright.PENANAJCTMM4TE64
As I sat in Dr. Silver's office, two hours later, listening to the results of my MRI, I realized that my prayers had not been answered. Most of what Dr. Silver had said became a blur up until these few minutes. His faint voice rang over and over again in my head. "I'm sorry....". "The cancer has progressed to stage three....". "We'll have to up your chemo dosage...". His voice faded and I felt tears flowing from my eyes just like how water flows from a fountain. Josh who was seated at my side grabbed my hand as my body began to convulse with sobs.
522Please respect copyright.PENANAnsUMMdGoOn
"No! This can't be happening, please tell me that this is a joke. I don't want to die. I don't wanna die." I found myself shouting over and over again. Josh held me in his arms while whispering calming words in my ear. Dr. Silver was standing there looking at me with a pained and sorrowful expression. I guess it's true what they say then all good thing must come to an end, and this, this was the end of my positive outlook of my messed up life.
522Please respect copyright.PENANAyjOHCSaxHK
. . .
522Please respect copyright.PENANAZSc5nqJHNr
It took a while for them to calm me down, and when I had, I was staring silently at the wall in front of me. Dr. Silver had explained that even though I had done chemo for two weeks cancer had still progressed into stage three. I would now have to continue chemo from tomorrow which meant no two weeks of rest. If this didn't work then I would have to receive a bone marrow transplant.
522Please respect copyright.PENANAqGn2KBpcXH
"I'm sorry I broke down...and I'm willing to do anything to beat this cancer. I don't exactly feel positive right now but I do know that I want to live and I guess that's good enough for me. Is it ok if I go find Alli and Nate?"
522Please respect copyright.PENANAXDvSJrsLqh
Josh took a deep breath before looking into my eyes with tears flowing down his cheeks. "You don't need to apologize for crying. It's ok, you can go find your friends while I get tested to see if I'm a match for the bone marrow transplant ok?" He said, his voice cracking at the end. I nodded and exited the office, releasing a breath I didn't know I was holding in. I made my way to the cafeteria to find Alli and Nate who always seemed to be here. Alli was here every day for chemo and Nate was here because he had to stay in the hospital until he got a lung
transplant.
522Please respect copyright.PENANA67kbFvIt9T
I found them sitting at their usual table. When they spotted me they instantly knew something was wrong. I sat down and looked at each of them. "Uhm...my cancer is at stage three...I just found out." I said while tears flowed down my cheeks. Alli gasped and sat there frozen but Nate for up and hugged me like I was going to disappear.
522Please respect copyright.PENANAezOLNt41LD
I held onto him tightly, praying and hoping that I wouldn't have to let go. I stood there crying into his chest when I felt tingles rush up my spine, and if this wasn't an extremely terrifying moment, I could have sworn that somewhere within me, I could feel myself growing feelings for Nathan.
522Please respect copyright.PENANACgc6xv1YU5
After what felt like hours of Alli and Nate telling me that I would be fine, they decided to take me out for ice cream but not before asking Josh for permission. Of course, he said yes but he did caution me that I have to be home within two hours. Nate has his tank bag on his back and had his arm around my shoulder once again.
522Please respect copyright.PENANAVYlQc9kD6k
We walked into the ice cream shop and found seats at the front. I propped my elbows onto the table and put my head into my hands. "Hey, stop worrying. When I was first diagnosed it went from bad to worse within a few weeks. But now I'm getting better and hopefully, I'll get a transplant soon." Nate told me. I looked up at him and smiled. "Yeah, I'm going to try to be strong.". "You're already strong, you just don't realize it yet." He retaliated.
522Please respect copyright.PENANAADCPYwn28g
"You guys would make a cute couple." Alli suddenly announced causing me to blush. I looked over at Nate who had a flushed face. "Thank you so much, Alli, for ruining the moment," I said sarcastically. She rolled her eyes with a smirk on her face.
522Please respect copyright.PENANAiRFBmIyVZD
I quietly ate my ice cream, hating the fact that I couldn't keep cancer off of my mind for more than five seconds. I really did hope that I would get better like Nate said, just the thought of leaving Josh alone without any other family hurt me deeply. "Nathan?" A voice called out. A short girl with similar features to mine stood at our table smiling shyly at Nathan. "Eliana? How are you?". "I'm really good. I haven't seen you in a while.". "Yeah...I've been uh...busy. Eliana these are my friends Allison and Angelina." He said while introducing us. "It's nice to meet you, Eliana." Alli and I said at the same time which caused us to burst out with laughter.
522Please respect copyright.PENANAPQ8W0nYOwf
"Wow! I love your accent Angelina, and it's nice to meet you both too.". Eliana said with surprise laced in her tone. "Thank you very much lad but my accent is not that special," I replied with an amused tone in my voice.
522Please respect copyright.PENANAae8GM05UvE
"Eliana is dating my best friend, that's how we met. How is Logan by the way? I haven't seen him in a while.". He's fine, he doesn't really talk much about you but I think he misses you." Eliana explained. "Well, Eliana why don't you join us?" Alli said excitedly. "Oh wow Alli, your excitement isn't noticeable at all," I said sarcastically. They all laughed and Eliana sat down in our booth, soon joining in on our banters and jokes.
522Please respect copyright.PENANA3oqxwAEgwR
. . .
522Please respect copyright.PENANAh4L5uqQ2Yb
Somewhere along the line, I saw Nate getting paler and paler as the minutes went. I frowned and looked at him with a worried expression. "Nate? Are you ok, you look pale?" I asked quickly. He nodded while closing his eyes tightly. "Yeah, I just think...I can't...I can't breathe." He suddenly said. My body immediately began to panic and I soon found myself standing next to him.
522Please respect copyright.PENANATlvcg5OZi0
I took my phone out and tossed it to Alli. "Call the ambulance! Now!" I yelled in frustration. I turned towards Nate to make sure he was still conscious. "Nate! Nate stay with me. Your gonna be ok. You're not going like this, you're not gonna die." I told him firmly. He coughed and looked up at me. "Angel......I'm sorry...I don't....think I can.....stay awake.....". "No-no-no. Nate, you're one of the first persons I became close with after a long time. I care about you too much to let you die on me." I yelled at him. I could hear the sirens in the distance. "Wow...Cancer Girl....you care...for me? I knew.....you had....a soft spot....for me." He said between breaths. I looked him in his eyes with my teary ones. He reached up and brushed the tears off my cheek. "Don't talk, keep your breath," I told him softly. He lifted my chin and looked at me with a look of worry and something I couldn't quite make out.
522Please respect copyright.PENANAN7nlz9MKW8
"Can I.....try something?" He asked before leaning in, filling the gap between our lips. At first, I was surprised but kissed back once I realized that the boy I liked was kissing me. The boy I liked? I Angelina Winters have feeling for Nathan Hale. Wow was all I could say, I pulled away from Nate when I realized that his breathing was bad enough.
522Please respect copyright.PENANAib70GVbna9
I suddenly felt myself being pushed away as paramedics rushed to put on oxygen mask onto his face. My breath hitched and tears fell onto my already damp shirt. "Angie come on, we'll go to the hospital and meet them there.". "Can I...can I ride with him?" I asked the paramedic.
522Please respect copyright.PENANAyz4RTKATNj
He looked at me with hesitant eyes but nodded. I quickly made my way into the ambulance and held onto Nate's hand. "I'm right here Nate," I whispered soothingly. His eyes were closed and he slowly regained some of his colors.
522Please respect copyright.PENANAe0mgAyB0vR
"Ma'am here's his phone. Maybe you should call his parents." The paramedic said with a sad smile while handing me Nate's phone. I quickly unlocked it and clicked the contact as my hand shakes violently.
522Please respect copyright.PENANAPpfdGD8clU
"Hello, Nathan?". "Hello...Mrs. Hale. My name is Angelina and I'm a friend of Nathan's. Uhm..I'm so sorry but you need to get to the hospital...he stopped breathing for a while. I don't know what happened." I explained that flowing down my eyes once again. "W-What? I-I'll is right there." She hung up and I kept the phone in my pocket. I looked down at Nate who looked peaceful and combed my hand through his hair.
522Please respect copyright.PENANAAU8eWrWHKK
"I told you that you'd be alright," I whispered into the air, forcing myself to stop thinking negatively while praying that Nate would pull through.
522Please respect copyright.PENANAMHOnAZSXeC
. . .
522Please respect copyright.PENANAqG33DxErl5
I've been sitting in the hospital waiting room for approximately one hour and twelve minutes. Alli, Eliana and Nate's friend Logan sat waiting with me. "It doesn't make sense. Why would he just stop breathing? Did he forget to check his tank?" Alli said confused. "I don't know Alli, I really don't know," I said hopelessly. "Hey! You're the positive one so start being positive. This is Nate we're dealing with. He's gonna make it through." She said firmly.
522Please respect copyright.PENANASzIK9tkOLJ
"You guys seem like really good friends for Nate." Logan suddenly said. "Yeah, I was having a great time with you guys before uh.." Eliana replied. I nodded, not being able to focus. The doctor wouldn't let us see him unless we were family. His parents had arrived not long after I called them and ran straight to his room.
522Please respect copyright.PENANANGeYI0hQXs
"Angelina?" I heard a gruff voice call to me. I quickly looked up with a confused frown. "I'm Nathan's father. He's been asking to see you since he woke up so I'm here to take you to him.". "Mr. Hale right I'm so sorry. I have no idea what happened. I would really like to see him." I replied softly. He motioned me forward and I looked around at everyone who gave encouraging nods before following him to room 205.
522Please respect copyright.PENANAns7NUhSr5c
I took a deep breath as soon as I stepped into his room. A short lady who looked to be in her late thirties day next to him. His mother. They both spotted me and Nathan gave me a small smile.
522Please respect copyright.PENANA44B0v0M4Ex
I rushed to his side and hugged him. "God, you scared the hell out of me. Don't ever do that again." I told him with a frown. He rolled his eyes at me before turning to his parents. "Mom, Dad this is Angelina. My friend and also that one who called you.". "Hi. It's lovely to meet you both.". "Oh, how charming you are! It's lovely to meet you too dear." His mother died kindly but his father just stood there staring at me like a person does his worse enemy.
522Please respect copyright.PENANAyJ0C895fVu
"Nate? What happened one minute you were fine and the next you were pale." I asked with worry laced in my tone. "I may or may not have forgotten that my tank needed changing so I ran out of oxygen." He replied sheepishly while rubbing the back of his neck. "You need to be careful with these things Nate. You really did freak me out.". "I'm sorry Angel, it won't happen again. Promise."
522Please respect copyright.PENANA1w2VIFkYwm
"It better not.". "Angelina are you aware of Nathan's condition?" Mr. Hake suddenly asked me. "Of his cancer? Yes, I do Sir." I replied hesitantly. "Well then, why did you convince him to do something as stupid as going out when he has trouble breathing?" He suddenly snapped, making me flinch. I looked up at him to meet stone-cold eyes. "Dad, stop we were-.". "No Nathan, if this girl really was your friend she would have cared enough to know that going outside was dangerous for you. She clearly doesn't understand the risks of having cancer."
522Please respect copyright.PENANAnUtiqpcUkr
I felt a few tears on my cheek once again. I glance up at him with hurt evident in my eyes. "Sir, we were at the ice cream shop. It's only five minutes away from the hospital. I had just gotten the news that my leukemia has gone into stage three and Nate offered to buy me ice cream. I know the dangers, I know what you have to go through but I wasn't aware that he couldn't go out in public or I wouldn't have let him in the first place." I said worriedly.
522Please respect copyright.PENANA0QRb7Wr0jh
His mother gasped from where she sat. "Mark, you need to apologize to this young girl. It wasn't her fault.". She told her husband firmly. "I'm sorry, I just worry about Nathan sometimes. I bet your parents do the same things too." He said with a small smile. At the mention of parents, I tensed. "Brother, not parents. My brother does the same things. He's a tad too overprotective sometimes." I said softly. Luckily, they didn't press the matter.
522Please respect copyright.PENANAVumzEyr0rz
"Well, Nathan we're going to go talk to the doctor. We'll send your other friends in too." Mrs. Hale said before taking her husband's hand and walking out. I took a deep breath and turned to face Nate. "Well, that was something," I said awkwardly. He laughed and mumbled a small yes before motioning me to sit next to him.
522Please respect copyright.PENANA9dYhRHBOlz
I slowly approached the bed and sat down, feeling more nervous than I ever have. "I wanna ask you something, Angel." I nodded hesitantly. "Can I kiss you again?" He bluntly said with wide eyes. I laughed at his shyness, feeling more comfortable now. "Yeah, you can.". He smiled and slowly leaned in, his lips touching mine softly. I leaned into the kiss and felt as if I were in a fairy tale movie.
522Please respect copyright.PENANARzWS4wzo9R
We slowly pulled apart and stared into each other's eyes. I found myself slowly letting go of my worries. "Nate, I-I like you a lot, what does this mean?" I asked him while biting my lip in anticipation. "Well, hopefully, this means that you'll let me take you out on a couple of dates then ask you to be my girlfriend?" He said while rubbing the back of his neck.
522Please respect copyright.PENANAtfjDC6OM83
I laughed at him and nodded. "I'd like that.". "I like you a lot too Angel, you're the first girl I've liked for a while. You sure are a special one.". "Of course I'm special lad, have you seen me?" I asked cockily. He laughed and nodded. I soon joined in and sat down next to him while he has his arm around my shoulder.
522Please respect copyright.PENANAfh9g0SfSle
"I'm not hurting you am I?" I asked him with concern lacing my tone. "No of course your no-." He was suddenly cut off by someone opening the door and barging in. "Nathan Hale you scared us all!" Alli yelled at him while stopping next to his bed. Nate rolled his eyes with a grin on his face. "Don't grin you, idiot, I was scared out of my mind.". "Ok ok, Alli I'm sorry for scaring you." He said chuckling, which sent vibrations into my body.
522Please respect copyright.PENANAaCLZKKZDzD
"See, I told you guys you'd make a cute couple." She said oh so bluntly once again. "Yeah yeah, turns out you were right," I said with a glare. Two figures walked into the room and I soon recognized them to be Eliana and Logan.
522Please respect copyright.PENANAWVL1mCEGCh
"Logan? What are you doing here?" Nate spat harshly. "I called him, I thought that maybe you guys could be friends again," Eliana said hopefully. Nate scoffed and had an angry look in his eyes. "I don't wanna be friends with someone who can't deal with me having cancer.". "Look I've said sorry so many times. What else do you want me to do?!" Logan yelled at him.
522Please respect copyright.PENANAlZ6bbzAPFr
Nate's Harare monitor started rising rapidly. "Nate! Are you trying to give us another heart attack stop it!" Alli yelled at him. I groaned in frustration and turned to face Logan. "You need to leave, I'm sorry but maybe you should try talking to him when he's better," I said trying to reason with him. "What?! No, I've known him longer than you have. He's my best friend. You're just some girl he met! I bet you don't even care about him!" He suddenly snapped causing me to flinch.
522Please respect copyright.PENANASRhotRwBWa
"Enough! You will not talk to her like that! Get the fuck out! Now!" Nate suddenly yelled, causing me to flinch once again. This tone he felt it and pulled me into his side. "Nate wait let me explain-." Logan started. "No Logan I'll talk to you when I'm ready. Angelina knows more about my cancer than you do. She has leukemia and this is stressing her out just as much as it is me. She was just trying to get you all to calm down. There was no need to shout at her. Now leave." He said forcefully.
522Please respect copyright.PENANApmbHdhvDNc
He nodded and left the room. "Hey Eliana, you can hang out with us anytime you want. You have my number." Nate said. She nodded and gave us a sympathetic smile before leaving the room.
522Please respect copyright.PENANAZw7FwTIJdx
"Well, I don't think this day could get any worse. Though I am famished, does anyone fancy Italian?" I asked, trying to change the subject. "Your accent is so hot, I can never get over it. But yeah I'm good with Italian." Nate said with a grin. "Ok guys, no flirting when I'm present."
522Please respect copyright.PENANA84G444KWz6
522Please respect copyright.PENANASSyonTjwFw
522Please respect copyright.PENANAxPPkV7g04q
522Please respect copyright.PENANAM7VQJfhweq
522Please respect copyright.PENANA2Sd6dRzIiT
522Please respect copyright.PENANAnSeYTlGxWI
522Please respect copyright.PENANAnTy3hgPpdy
522Please respect copyright.PENANA1sJ1p8ZagT
522Please respect copyright.PENANAH1evTRj9dT
522Please respect copyright.PENANAuHYCh1ZBlm
522Please respect copyright.PENANAh3vhjr8GSk
522Please respect copyright.PENANAB7nUAwe3bU
522Please respect copyright.PENANAX6M1Sv1GY6
522Please respect copyright.PENANAAig9MBRH2p
522Please respect copyright.PENANAu6SfrHv5AE
522Please respect copyright.PENANA8BhBWYOzOc
522Please respect copyright.PENANAkNNEzpTLoD
522Please respect copyright.PENANAsZa6hLoKsp
522Please respect copyright.PENANAQUJL2cUz7E
522Please respect copyright.PENANAfoX11eLTra
522Please respect copyright.PENANAz0pgzkKEf7
522Please respect copyright.PENANAjFrFK5RWh4
522Please respect copyright.PENANAqjBAZiwT9Q
522Please respect copyright.PENANA6k0TsNpReC
522Please respect copyright.PENANA8zCgVbcLXo
522Please respect copyright.PENANAk9q0Onzig7
522Please respect copyright.PENANAWLJPCohFPV
522Please respect copyright.PENANASbFYet1cKt
522Please respect copyright.PENANAheNS8LLhyL
522Please respect copyright.PENANAMwiGpJCEkS
522Please respect copyright.PENANALSjp8MojQb
522Please respect copyright.PENANAfgZ1cxWviD
522Please respect copyright.PENANAaQMbiJsEGd
522Please respect copyright.PENANAfwfPhvMj4a
522Please respect copyright.PENANAn0E1OdfTVn
522Please respect copyright.PENANA8q7D5GRqfb
522Please respect copyright.PENANA2XtDxHFUTK
522Please respect copyright.PENANAyR90H0IQmX
522Please respect copyright.PENANAE51OQipGOU
522Please respect copyright.PENANAWpfwZQA00H
522Please respect copyright.PENANAb6As3KiRV9
522Please respect copyright.PENANAI4fZ70e2Ye
522Please respect copyright.PENANAh9jiqTMQTo
522Please respect copyright.PENANAoHXwgwYzVF
522Please respect copyright.PENANArTSNmEWiax
522Please respect copyright.PENANAszhnFzZBbW
522Please respect copyright.PENANAkgEWnZBsLW
522Please respect copyright.PENANAYc5D7ysb16
522Please respect copyright.PENANAVDtBrxqs5g
522Please respect copyright.PENANAAtGnb6lXAD
522Please respect copyright.PENANAsgIFPQfgtx
522Please respect copyright.PENANAy5mu6B84jT
522Please respect copyright.PENANAcSZX6UP1ql
522Please respect copyright.PENANAG6fE64ZzTd
522Please respect copyright.PENANANadoWcAOPu
522Please respect copyright.PENANA6t1tlfr9kP
522Please respect copyright.PENANAsLnuX4SdRS
522Please respect copyright.PENANAKXojjpFWM5
522Please respect copyright.PENANA6uNhUeypTG
522Please respect copyright.PENANAUpYlquOLHt
522Please respect copyright.PENANAhBi0Fw7cX4
522Please respect copyright.PENANARXQMuPWZsr
522Please respect copyright.PENANAvPy4ZUHMQ8
522Please respect copyright.PENANAQOsSUIU2g8
522Please respect copyright.PENANATcdiE2xzHM
522Please respect copyright.PENANAATRlDXWOwl
522Please respect copyright.PENANA6nqk4tb31q
522Please respect copyright.PENANAz1vIJHaRHc
522Please respect copyright.PENANA9gHxDDQClQ
522Please respect copyright.PENANAHtJebNcuck
522Please respect copyright.PENANApgQSqf0ocC
522Please respect copyright.PENANAKLjUione3b
522Please respect copyright.PENANAd3HqdPK0eO
522Please respect copyright.PENANARLsE3timbJ
522Please respect copyright.PENANAq18vKv4GRP
522Please respect copyright.PENANAWB1hHPv7lO
522Please respect copyright.PENANAFnDpqbXuaN
522Please respect copyright.PENANAXif7ia1Mzn
522Please respect copyright.PENANA6ornYo0arY
522Please respect copyright.PENANAvHbbpcHcqE
522Please respect copyright.PENANAYARltlnVwM
522Please respect copyright.PENANAWOtKeqe5dI
522Please respect copyright.PENANArqFmEgFQ7j
522Please respect copyright.PENANArHWrdeZ6oQ
522Please respect copyright.PENANAiJB9x5oVB7
522Please respect copyright.PENANAiluul9kIbW
522Please respect copyright.PENANAJkcqiRK2Y3
522Please respect copyright.PENANATOA6opKxox
522Please respect copyright.PENANAljA6KDpNX8
522Please respect copyright.PENANAnMDkD7fCAm
522Please respect copyright.PENANAExFQWtZRTV
522Please respect copyright.PENANA6D6Ew5lLN3
522Please respect copyright.PENANAxgyRclJFq2
522Please respect copyright.PENANAnBRxIvn3VL
522Please respect copyright.PENANAS2a2x4ptus
522Please respect copyright.PENANAZ1dOAXj1EL
522Please respect copyright.PENANAbeMdGDbCn7
522Please respect copyright.PENANAEokYZXbX81
522Please respect copyright.PENANAgmKS7maVpp
522Please respect copyright.PENANA9BihJpMCKe
"We're not together Alli, not yet anyway," I said with a giggle. She narrowed her eyes at me and a burst of sudden laughter replaced her silence. And that was when I realized that no matter how bad my cancer got, I would still have Josh and my amazing friends to be there with me, and for that alone, I was grateful.
ns216.73.216.35da2