On The Edge of Invisible.

Chapter 13 • almost alive

Grace

I waited on the other side of the door as Matt did his business. He was taking a while so I assumed his dad was in there.

Finally, Matthew could be happy. A strange feeling exploded in my chest, I'm guessing happiness. I was content. Everything would be alright from now on, though part of me wanted to live again, and enjoy a life with the boy who truly saved my life, I knew that this in between would be enough.

Matt was the one. The reason I was sent here was to meet him, to find closure not only with my situation, but with myself. He gave me a reason to live, a reason to smile. Something I had lost years ago.

Just then an all too familiar feeling replaced the happiness in my chest. I tried to inhale but it was harder than ever, like I was congested. Like I had lung cancer. And then there was a flash, the ceiling was coming closer, the walls caving in, everything was fading. I screamed for Matt but nothing came out of my lungs. I felt tears in my eyes, then suddenly everything went black.

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When my eyes opened, the light was blinding. I tried to cover my face with my hand but my arm was stuck in a jungle of what felt like wires.

Where am I?

"She's awake."

Mom?

"What??"

Sam?

"She's awake!"

I heard shoes shuffling on the floor, coming closer, but my eyes were still blinded.

"Out of the way please." The deep voice was familiar and I cringed as a brighter light shined in both of my eyes. "Grace, can you wiggle your toes for me?"

I rolled my eyes, annoyed with the situation. attempting to wiggle my toes, I strained myself, my throat dry, and breathing uneven, but I finally felt my toes slide apart and then together. My eyes finally adjusting to the light, I saw first the eyes of Dr. Reagan. I blinked, sitting up straighter.

"Wh-wha.."

My mom rushed to my side, "Gracie, Grace, you're okay! Oh my gosh I was so worried!"

My dad popped in with Annie and Jack, all of them smiling and running to my side. I smiled slightly, but frowned again. I shook my head, chocking out the words, "What? What happened?"

Dr. Reagan stepped up, "You had a stroke. It's not very common but it happened, you were in a coma and for a little while there, you had me worried."

I shook my head,

"Then why are you all smiling..?"

He nodded and continued speaking, "I don't know how to explain it Grace.. The experimental treatment we were trying wasn't working before.. But after the stroke, the scans show that the monster inside you is dying, and rapidly. It's almost half of the size it was a week ago. At this rate, I think you're gonna make it, maybe sooner than we ever expected, I'm thinking a month or two, but Grace, you're going to live! I don't know how to explain it Miss. Manning, it's just a miracle!" He laughed at the end and my mom smiled widely, tears of joy falling from her eyes. I shook my head, not believing the news.

"No.."

Everyone nodded, my dad and siblings, all crying and smiling, besides Annie who was just smiling. I felt a smile creep onto my face. There's no way. Tears fell down my cheeks and a laugh escaped my mouth. I had never in my life been more happy.

But then it hit me.

Matt. Was he just a dream? It seemed so real. There was no way.. I was so confused, I glanced around me, the all too familiar hospital room with my family surrounding me, holding me, seeming more like a dream than Matthew ever was.

I bit my tongue, smiling at my mom, she looked so happy. All that praying to god finally paid off..

"How.. How long was I.. In the coma?"

My mom answered swiftly, "About a week. You had me scared to bits Gracie."

I smiled, "So I'm 18?"

She nodded, "Yeah you kinda missed your party, but I've got gifts in the car for you."

I shook my head softly, "No no, you guys are the best gift I could have ever gotten, and this miracle.. It's a blessing."

My mom looked at me and lifted an eyebrow, "What else did that coma do to my daughter? You're so happy!"

I half smiled, if only she knew half of the things I had experienced, the things I had seen. Never in my life had I been more grateful for what I have than right now.

"I guess I'm just excited.. I'm going to live mom!"

She smiled and I smiled.

The only thing that would have made this moment better, would be Matthew by my side, his smile sending butterflies crazy in my stomach.

Wherever he was, I hoped he was okay, I hoped he was happy. I hoped he was living, and I hoped maybe someday, I might see him again.

For I knew Matthew was real, and he saved my life. Matthew was the miracle, and I loved him.

I loved him.

And I was going to live.

I was going to live.