Dare Kings

Chapter 54: Not our last time

Alyssa's POV

I didn't understand how terrified I was regarding the surgery until it was the day it was to be done, and I knew my life was in jeopardy.

I could actually die today.

Knowing that you're going to die was something, but knowing exactly when was terrifying. I was extremely agitated out of my head.

My hands were shaking uncontrollably even more than it was before. My heart was flogging quickly against my rib cage.

Hearing the doctor say those words made my heart stumble over its own beat.

I wasn't ready.

My hands shook as I grabbed my phone, immediately scrolling through my contacts. I needed to reach Tristan. I had to. He couldn't miss being by my side, whether I healed... or didn't. I needed him to be here, to see me before the surgery, before anything could go wrong.

I called his number. Voicemail. I dialed again, and again it went straight to voicemail.

Why wasn't he answering? Panic started to creep in, tightening my chest.

He had to be here. He just had to.

I quickly typed out a text, my fingers trembling over the keys.

Me: Hey Tristan, you'll probably see this late, but the surgery got moved up to today. I was hoping you could be by my side before I go in, but I understand if you can't. I know your dad is important, and if you're too far, I'll get it. Just... being here with me would mean a lot. Yeah, surgery is happening today. Yeah...

I hit send, but the dread wouldn't leave me. Mom sat down next to me, her hand resting over mine.

She sighed softly, rubbing my hand in that soothing way only a mother can.

"Are you okay?" She asked, her voice gentle. I forced a smile, not wanting to add more worry to her already heavy heart.

"I'm fine," I lied.

Her eyes softened, filled with that maternal knowing. "Sweetie, you're my daughter. I can tell when you're not okay. It's alright to be scared, but remember, you're strong. You're brave, a fighter. You can get through this. You just have to keep having faith."

Her words broke me.

Tears welled up in my eyes and spilled down my cheeks despite my best efforts to hold them in. The fear was suffocating, pressing down on me from all sides.

"M-Mom, what if something goes wrong?" My voice cracked as I choked on the words.

I wasn't strong. I wasn't brave. I was terrified.

Mom turned my face towards her, her hands firm but tender on my jaw. "Look at me," she said, her voice steady. "You're going to get through this. Do you hear me? You are. I believe in you, and you have to believe in yourself too. Don't let fear take over, okay?"

I nodded, trying to absorb her strength, but the tears kept coming. My fear was too great, my anxiety too overwhelming.

I didn't want to leave anyone behind, especially not like this, especially not with the pain I knew it would cause them.

"Mom?"

The soft voice of my little sister broke through the tension. She stood in the doorway, clutching a Burger King bag, her eyes wide and worried as she looked at us.

Chloe and Ashley followed her in, both of them looking confused.

"Is everything okay?" Chloe asked as she closed the door behind her, juggling two bags in her arms.