The Life I Want To Live With You

Waking Up Chapter 12

Lisa arrived at the hospital, but paparazzi were still lurking near the main entrance, eager for any news. Their intrusive questions irritated her.

"How is your husband? Is he going to make it?" they shouted.

She turned to face one of the reporters, her frustration evident. "Do you realize what you guys are doing? This is a hospital, a place where people are very sick or dying. It's not a place to harass me, my husband, or his family. Show some respect, not just for me, but for the other families here too."

Although the reporters continued to yell questions, hospital security intervened and managed to get them to leave.

She proceeded to Michael's room, where he was no longer connected to the array of machines. A nurse was writing notes while monitoring the cardiac display.

Lisa sat down in the same chair she had occupied the night before, observing the nurse's work and occasionally glancing at Michael. As the hospital worker prepared to leave, Lisa seized the opportunity to inquire about Michael.

"Excuse me," she began, "did my husband wake up before I arrived?"

The nurse smiled and nodded. "Yes, but he fell asleep shortly afterward."

Lisa understood and offered a nod of gratitude as the nurse left the room.

An hour later, Janet and Katherine arrived, taking seats on either side of Michael's bed.

"Hey, how is he? Did you talk to him?" Janet whispered, her concern evident.

Lisa shook her head. "Darling, did you even eat anything today?" Katherine asked, her worry palpable.

"No, I just came straight here, so not really," Lisa admitted.

Janet looked at her with a gentle expression. "We'll stay here. You should try to eat something. He's not going anywhere."

With that, Lisa agreed. "Fine, I'll be back later. I also wanted to talk to someone." She left the room and headed to the hospital cafeteria, where she hoped to find William.

After spotting him sitting at a table and gazing out of the window, she approached him. "Will?" she called, taking a seat in front of him. He looked at her and greeted her with his usual warm smile.

"Oh, Lisa, darling, how are you? What's going on with Michael? Is he okay?" he asked, his voice filled with joy.

Lisa smiled in return. "Well, he woke up and is resting. I came here to eat, but I also wanted to talk to you and ask about your grandchild."

William's eyes sparkled even more. "She's being released today. My son and his wife are on their way, so I'll be going home or visiting my daughter because she invited me after leaving the hospital following the birth of beautiful twins."

Lisa couldn't help but feel happy for her older friend. "That's incredible. We probably won't see each other then."

He chuckled. "Maybe we won't, or maybe I'll see you in the newspaper with your husband."

Lisa laughed softly. "Can you not? I don't like the fact that Michael sometimes faces these paparazzi attacks. It wasn't like this all the time, but since he's been in the hospital, it's been a media circus."

William shook his head and heard himself being called. "Oh dear, I need to go, Lisa." They both stood up. "I'm so glad I got to meet you."

They shared a warm hug, and Lisa looked at him with a smile. "Thank you for being like a father I've been missing my whole life. You've truly helped me through everything, and I'll always be grateful for that."

He gave her another hug before heading off. Lisa waved to him and then made her way to the cafeteria counter to buy something to eat.

As she stood in line, Daniel suddenly appeared by her side, holding a bouquet of flowers. He wore a somber expression.

"Hey," he greeted her.

Lisa glanced at the flowers and frowned. "Are those for Michael? He's not dead, and I won't accept them if you're trying to tell me that you love me or anything else."

Daniel looked disheartened. "I wanted to apologize for my behavior."

Lisa turned away from him, unimpressed. "I told you something yesterday. I thought you understood my message. I love Michael, not you. Not only that, I don't want your apology. You did what you did, so live with it. But don't involve me in your issues while I'm trying to find happiness with Michael."

She turned on her heel and walked back to Michael's room.

Upon entering, she found Janet and Katherine laughing by Michael's bedside. Startled, Lisa accidentally dropped the bottle of juice she was holding. Michael was awake, and his gaze met hers, his face showing a mixture of emotions. She quickly picked up the fallen bottle and glanced at Michael. There was something off about him.

Intrigued, he leaned in to whisper something to Janet. Her eyes widened, and she approached Lisa, guiding her out of the room.

"We have a problem," Janet said, her voice trembling.

"What's wrong now?" Lisa asked, confusion in her eyes.

Janet hesitated before revealing,

"He just asked me who you are."