As Close As Strangers

Twenty One

Ella

"That was yesterday young lady." The doctor said.

"But it happened. He squeezed my hand. That means he's okay!" I explained.

"Yesterday that mean that he was okay. Today it means nothing. Your friend has to have surgery. I'm sorry. It's urgent." He said.

And just like that they wheeled Michael down the hall on the stretcher.

"I don't understand." I said to Luke.

"Me neither. Yesterday he was okay. He was okay. He has to be okay." Luke said.

"Luke. What if-"

"No! Stop right there! Don't start with the what ifs!" He yelled.

"We have to think realistically here." I told him.

"No. No. He's okay. He's fine." Luke muttered.

"Luke, he's not alright! He's not fine! He's in critical condition. You heard the monitor almost flatline! He's not fine!" I shouted.

And that's when Luke lost it. By it, I mean his composure. He crumbled into my arms and began to cry. I hadn't seen him cry since we were kids. This was serious.

"Sh, okay. It's okay. Just breathe, Luke." I said.

"T-this is my all f-fault." He stammered.

"No it isn't." I assured him.

"Yes it is! W-we got into an argument and h-he stormed out. I let him leave!" He sobbed.

"That still isn't your fault. If this is anyone's fault, it's mine. I should've been easier on him. He hurt me, but I hurt him back by not giving him a chance to explain himself. I was selfish and now it could be too late." I sighed.

"This is all my fault." Luke cried as he pulled the hug tighter.

"Hey guys. Wha-" Calum started.

Calum and Ashton stopped to take in the scene. Luke was crying in my arms and they had no clue as to why.

"What's happened?" Ashton asked.

"Michael." I said. His name was once again, all I could say.

"Out with it woman! What's happened to him?!" Calum shouted.

"He's in the operating room right now. It's pretty bad. Actually, scratch that. It's really bad. He almost flatlined. He almost died." I said.

Both boys froze at the mere mention of death. Their eyes filled with tears and they turned to each other to almost confirm that they had heard the same thing.

"Michael." They both said.

And just like that they grabbed onto Luke and I. The four of us sat together in a huddle while they cried. I, on the other hand, did not cry. I was numb. I am numb.