Someone Like Hugh -Draft Complete And EDITING-

Chapter Seventeen

Amelia's POV:

I rolled over in bed and the memories from last night came flooding back to me. Hugh snuck over to my balcony like a character in one of his movies. He had come into my room and held me in his arms until I slept.

He even saw my bruises and I told him the real reason I stuck around. He knew I was doing this to protect my brothers. I never intended for him to know the truth. But somehow, I found myself trusting him. He was sweet, and different.

I took a deep breath and slid out of bed. I made my way to the bathroom and washed my face. I changed into a black and red plaid dress with leggings. I took my morning medicine and brushed my teeth. I started coughing toward my sink and ignored the droplets of blood that escaped my lips.

I returned to the bedroom. I sat gently on my bed and pulled out my cellphone. It was in 19%. I smiled as I noticed a text from Hugh.

"Good morning sunshine. 'Henry' is going shopping with your brother for some new clothes. I'll have to show you how it went. See you later!"

A couple of hours went by begore he had texted again at 12:19 PM. "Hey, I hope everything is alright. I hope you're just sleeping in or busy. Though something tells me you don't sleep in much, so if you are, enjoy it. I'll see you soon."

I looked up at the clock. It was already 12:34pm. "Hey, sorry. I actually did sleep in. There's not much else to do while you're on room arrest, I'll explain later. Have fun," I sent back.

I quickly scrolled through my phone contacts and selected my oncologist. I took a deep breath as I pressed the call button.

"Dr. Hernandez's office, how can i help you?" The nurse answered in a sing song voice.

"Hi, this is Amelia Dawson, I was wondering if my test results are in," I spoke and I could almost hear the nurse stiffen.

"One moment please, while get Dr. Hernandez on the phone for you," she spoke in a strained voice as she rushed off.

I took a deep breath and waited patiently for one of them to return. "This is Dr. Hernandez, Amelia is that you?" Asked the older woman.

"Yes, I was looking to recieve my test results," I spoke softly. I knew they were going to be bad, but I needed to know.

"Your liver is dying much sooner than we anticipated. Without a viable transplant, you likely won't make it past the new year," she explained as compassionately as possible. I had known all along that this was a possibility but hearing it was something entirely different.

"Thank you," I spoke with a hollow voice and hung up. I needed to find a way to set up the boys with a new home after their 18th birthday. A place where they would be free from mother. There was so much to do, and I only had a little over a month left.

I slid off of the bed and onto the floor, pressing my back against it. I forced myself to keep breathing, to power through my feelings. My phone rang again, "what?" I asked forcefully as I answered, not paying attention to who it was.

"Are you alright?" My step father asked, his voice dripping in concern.

"I am alright," I replied. "I apologize, I thought you were someone else."

"It's alright dear," he replied sadly. "I should have stuck up for you at dinner. You did a wonderful job preparing everything."

"It's not your fault, she will do what she wishes. I understand the importance of you guys staying out of her way. I'd rather have you and the boys safe."

"Still, I should be able to protect you to some degree. Besides, I shouldn't have to protect you from your own mother," he replied.

"That would be a wonderful world, but it isn't ours," I whispered.

"Can I get you anything? I know she has you on lockdown," he asked.

"Just some lunch please, just something little like some fruit or a sandwich. I don't really feel like eating, but I know I should. Would you please also bring that book you used to read us?" I asked him.

He would read us many when we were young, but he knew the one I was speaking of. It was a large book of fairytales.

"Consider it done," he spoke as he hung up the call.