Someone Like Hugh -Draft Complete And EDITING-

Chapter Twenty Three

Amelia's POV:

I stretched as I woke up. Today I was set to spend the whole day getting ingredients and cleaning in preparation for Thanksgiving. It was only two days away. Our turkeys were already defrosted and in the fridge.

I quickly took my medicine and showered, ignoring the pain that came with the water running down my back. I made my way downstairs to prepare breakfast.

An hour later the spread was served at the dining room table. Justin and Jason entered the kitchen. "Are you alright?" They asked worriedly.

"I'm fine, why?" I asked them as I scrubbed the dishes.

"James told us what happened last night," Jason whispered.

"I'm fine, you boys don't need to worry about me, it would take alot more than something like this to tear your sister down," I smiled.

"He also said Hugh stayed with you," Justin smiled, crossing his arms and leaning against the doorframe. He smirked. "Has someone actually broken through your walls and wormed into your heart?" Justin teased. 

"As much as I love the idea of being with Hugh, it's not realistic. He has his life, and I have this one. He deserves to be with someone that can be with him for the long haul. Someone who can love him and give him the future he wants," I explained. "That's not me, as much as I'd love to be, I'm not able to fill that role."

"How do you know you can't be that person? We know how loving and kind you are, you protect those you love and care for everyone else. It's okay to put yourself first every once in a while," Justin spoke.

"I can't put myself first. As much as it hurts, I need to put him first," I spoke softly. I pulled off my apron and gathered my small bag and car keys. "I'll be back, I need to get some things from the store."

I slid into my car, grateful that I was able to slip out without anyone joining me. I needed to run by my doctor's office before going to the store.

I spent the drive to Dr. Hernandez's office in silence. I was hoping this was some horrible mistake, but I knew in my heart that it wasn't. My time was coming to an end and there was nothing I could do about it.

Pushing Hugh away was the right thing to do. He didn't deserve to be strung along by the promise of forever when chances were I wouldn't see next year. I pulled up at my doctor's office and took a deep breath before I entered.

The nurse at the main desk looked up at me with a sad expression. "I'll get the doctor dear," she spoke as I sat in the waiting area.

My phone buzzed. "Where did you go?" read Hugh's message.

"I had to take care of some things," I replied as the nurse returned and led me back to a room. Dr. Hernandez was already inside waiting.

"I didn't want to waste any of your time, dear," she spoke.

"Thank you," I replied in a daze.

"Is there anyone I can call for you, maybe your brothers?" She offered.

"I don't want them knowing until I find a match for the transplant, or until it gets so bad it's clear I won't live to see the next day. I need them to remember the strong version of me who was willing to fight for what's right. They'll need that strength," I replied.

"I understand. Looking at your scans, this was from six months ago, and this was from last week. As you can see, there has been significant deterioration of your liver. With rest, you should be able to hold on until the first week of January. I'm hoping we can find you a match before then," she smiled sadly.

"I'll get my things in order then, I'll plan for January first," I replied. I stood and left, not waiting to hear anything else. In a daze I went to the store, bought the groceries and came home.

As I unloaded the car, Hugh came downstairs. He must've sensed something was wrong, because he cupped my cheek in his hand and peered into my eyes. "Hey, what's wrong?" he asked softly.

"Everything, but I'll be okay," I whispered, holding back my tears. I broke free and continued unloading the car.