A Spark of Hope

Chapter 12- A Breakable Promise

Layla paced back and forth in the hospital, both terrified and eager to hear any news. She couldn't think... couldn't process anything. All she could think about was Hope.

Finally after hours of waiting, a doctor entered the room looking very distraught.

Instantly Layla rushed to him. "How is she?"

"I presume you're here to see Hope Francis?" the doctor questioned.

Layla nodded, "Is she okay?" She needed to know. She didn't know how much longer she could go without knowing.

"We're running some tests right now. I'm afraid we won't have results for an hour or so." the doctor gave her an apologetic look that looked so practiced. After all this was something he did regularly."

"She'll be okay though, right?"

The doctor looked at her, his expression sad. "We can only hope." He left the room, leaving Layla to her own thoughts. 

She sat down, trying to process everything that was happening. Only hours Hope had been fine. Now she didn't even know if she would be okay. What if that was the last time she ever saw her alive?

Hours felt like an eternity. Like it was holding time itself captive. She has to be okay, she has to be. Layla was willing to accept anything else.

The doctor reentered, an even sadder look on his face. That was never good for anyone.

"Well?" Layla perked up, praying that Hope would be alright.

"We know what's wrong now." he sighed, not even meeting her eyes.

"What is it?"

He met her eyes for a moment, not wanting to tell her. "She has a tumor in her brain that has begun to spread through her body."

Layla felt all of time stop. "Oh god. No.. no... no! Are you sure?" She was begging for there to be some mistake. Maybe he was talking about a different patient. Or maybe it wasn't as severe as it sounded. But she knew it was.

"Has she been experiencing bad headaches? Been zoning out a lot lately?" he questioned, eyeing her with concern.

"I- she said she was fine! She said I had nothing to worry about!" Layla exclaimed, remembering her words like they had been said yesterday.

"I'm sorry. You can go see her when you're ready." the doctor offered, giving her space.

Layla didn't need to be told twice. Without even thinking she rushed down the hallway, racing to Hope's room. She stopped in the doorway, her heart breaking with the sight in front of her.

Hope was laying in a hospital bed, looking as fragile as a piece of china. Tons of machines were hooked up to her, making her look even smaller than she already was.

"Hope!" Layla rushed to her side, trying to keep the tears in.

"Hey Layla." Hope croaked, smiling slightly at the sight of her best friend. At least she wouldn't be alone.

Layla took her hand, allowing her tears to flow freely. "Why didn't you tell me? Why didn't you bring up how much pain you were in?"

Hope paused, looking guilty. "I didn't want you to worry-"

"Now you might die!" 

"Layla-"

"I should have paid attention! I should never have agreed to enter that contest! I-"  Layla sobbed her eyes out, immediately blaming herself like she always did.

"Layla, I'm okay. I'm still here." Hope whispered, beginning to run her fingers through Layla's hair. It brought a nice sense of comfort.

"But for how long?" she whimpered.

"The doctor isn't sure." Hope admitted with a sigh. She hated the idea of leaving her best friend.

"Then I'll stay with you! I won't leave your side!" Layla proclaimed, meaning full well what she said.

Suddenly her phone ringed. Slowly she slipped it out of her pocket, clearly not wanting to talk to the person on the other side. But she also didn't want to deal with the wrath of not answering.

"Hello-... but Dad! I- Dad please!" the conversation was short, leaving no room for any kind of an argument.

Layla slowly turned to Hope, her eyes growing glassy once more. "Hope I-"

"Your father?"

Layla nodded. "He wants me home... to take care of Olives. But that can wait!"

"I can wait, Layla. Trust me, I'm not going anywhere. Someone has to look after Oliver. You know how he gets when he's alone. He needs you. Besides, I'll be here when you get back."

"Promise?" Layla sniffed, holding her pinkie up.

"Promise." Hope linked their pinkies.

Layla never should have forced her to make a promise she couldn't keep.

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Thank you for 94 reads!!

Hope you have an amazing day!

-Snowy