If Only They Knew (Book 1.5) (AU Series) - INTERSEX

Chapter Fifty-Two

Brooklyn

After storming out of Deleena's house, I head to Valiana's to tell her that De is leaving. As I pull up in her driveway, it feels strange being here after so long. I hadn't visited often since Macy and Adelaide started dating during senior year. But before that, I would attend the many swim parties Adelaide used to throw.

I reach the front door and ring the doorbell, but no one answers. I keep ringing it and calling out her name. Her Ram truck is in the driveway, so maybe she's just sleeping. I twist the door handle and notice it's unlocked, which is strange.

I know this is breaking and entering, but something telling me to go inside. I search the empty house, shouting Val's name. I run upstairs toward where I remember her room being. When I get there, the door leading to what I think is the bathroom is open. I walk in to see Vale on the floor, pale and holding her chest, but still conscious.

"Val?" She looks up at me with tears in her eyes.

"It hurts," she whispers. I grab my phone to dial 911, but she grabs my hand, shaking her head no. "I'm... okay." She says through strained breaths, trying to stand up.

I immediately help her, bringing her to the bed and handing her a bottle of water that had been left on the nightstand. I quickly start to pack her things. Every couple of seconds, checking to see if she's still conscious. But she is spaced out looking at the wall, grasping to breathe correctly.

I picked up my phone, sending an email that class was canceled for the day, looking back at her.

"Val, come on, we have to go to the hospital," I grab her charger, shoving it into the bag.

"Brook, I'm fine. I... just forgot... to take my medicine."

"Don't give me that crap. You can barely walk or breathe. Let's go. I'm not asking."

"You can't tell me what to do, and you know it. I said I was fine, so drop it." She tries to grab the bag from me, but I pull back, and she almost falls.

"Listen, this can go two ways. We can get into my car and I can drive you to the hospital so you can be monitored, or I'll call Adelaide to tell your parents what you are doing to yourself." I raise my voice, pointing to the door.

She looks as if she's having an internal battle for a few seconds before she nods her head saying okay.

We get in the car and she taps a few things on her phone before shoving it my way. "Take me here."

I look at the address. "Not the ER down the street?"

She shakes her head. "Macy works there." I groan annoyed that even at her worst she still won't tell them.

After 30 minutes of driving further then the closes hospital we finally make it to the address of her heart doctor.

They quickly bring her to a room after reading her chart. I stand by her side the entire time. I love Valiana as a friend. I wanted what was best for her, and it hurts knowing I may have to betray her trust to tell her parents what's going on. I don't want to out of respect for her, but if it gets too serious, I may have to.

"Ms. Reed, your heart is giving out faster than your last check-up predicted. The meds don't seem to be working as well as I hoped. The good news is because you're at the top of the donor list for a new heart, there is one in Texas waiting for you. We can have you transported by plane to Texas right now if this is something you're wanting. We'd leave in one hour." The doctor looks up from his clipboard.

"What is the percentage of a good outcome for this procedure?" I asked worriedly.

"We won't know until she gets there and does a further assessment. But Ms..."