Should I Stay?

Chapter 14

''I've got exactly twenty minutes before our manager has a total shit fit.'' Perrie Edwards voice booms in the hospital's now-quiet lobby. It was Zayn's idea; Perrie Edwards, the music goddess and one of the singers of Little Mix. I think they're dating, but I honestly don't know for sure. I think they fit together perfectly to be honest.

''I'll have you out of here in fifteen,'' Zayn promises, stepping into her galaxy.

She strides toward him to give him a hug and a sweet little kiss. Zayn kisses back while he's smiling like he won the lotery.

I knew they were dating!! YESS!! Okay Lucy, calm your tits.

Anyway. Perrie hugs him again after they kissed, as if they know each other for years, though I know that they only met for like two weeks.

Just two weeks ago Zayn was saying how nervous he was about meeting her. But now she's here as his girlfriend. That's the power of the scene, I guess. As she embraces Zayn, I see every guy and girl in that lobby watch wishing, I imagine, that their own significant other were upstairs in grave condition so that they might be the ones getting the consolatory cuddle from Perrie.

After a while she lets go of Zayn and walks over to Harry. ''Harry, baby,'' she croons. ''How you holding up?'' she says while hugging Harry.

I can't help but wonder if I were here, if I were watching this as regular old Lucy, would I feel jealous, too? Then again, if I were regular old Lucy, Perrie Edwards would not be in this hospital lobby as part of some great ruse to get Harry in to see me.

''Okay, kids. Time to rock-and-roll. Guys, what's the plan?'' Perrie asks.

''You are the plan. I hadn't really thought beyond you going up to the ICU and making a show.''

Perrie licks her lips. ''Making a show is one of my favorite things to do. What do you think we should do? Let out a primal scream? Strip? Smash a guitar? Wait, I didn't bring my guitar. Damn.''

''You could sing something'?'' Someone surgested.

''How about that old Smiths song 'Girlfriend in a Coma'?'' someone calls.

Harry turns pale, like he had seen a goast or something, at this sudden reality check and Perrie raises her eyebrows in a stern disapprove. Everyone goes serious.

Zayn clears his throat.

''Um, it doesn't do us any good if Perrie is in the lobby all the time. We need to go upstairs to the ICU and then maybe someone could shout that Perrie Edwards is here. That might do it. If it doesn't, then sing. All we really want is to lure a couple of curious nurses out, and that grouchy head nurse after them. Once she comes out of the ICU and sees all of us in the hall, she'll be too busy dealing with us to notice that Harry has slipped inside.''

Perrie appraises Zayn. Then she smiles and links arms with him. ''Sounds like a plan. Let's motor, kids.''

I lag behind, watching this procession of teenagers barrel through the lobby. The sheer noisiness of them and loud voices, buzzed on by their sense of urgency galms through the quiet hospital and breathes some life into the place.

I remember watching a TV program once about old-age homes that brought in cats and dogs to cheer the elderly and dying patients. Maybe all hospitals should import groups of noisy teenagers to languishing patients' hearts.

They stop in front of the elevator, waiting endlessly for one empty enough to ferry them up as a group. I decide that I want to be next to my body when Harry makes it to the ICU.

I wonder if I will be able to feel his touch on me. While they wait at the elevator banks, I scramble up the stairs.

I've been gone from the ICU for more than two hours, and a lot has changed.