That evening
Jake and Talia were at the hospital visiting Jasmine while Asher and Layla were at home.
Asher: It's getting late.
Layla: Yeah but I'm still scared to sleep.
Asher: You don't have to be scared with me.
Layla: I know I said this earlier but I'm sorry about-
Asher: Laylia, please stop apologizing so much. It's cute but none of this was your fault.
Layla: Okay, I'll stop.
Asher: Are you okay with us getting back together?
Layla: Yes, I am. I just want to take things slow.
Asher made a disappointed face and Layla laughed.
Layla: Why the long face?
Asher: I wanted to see that "not-so-innocent" side of you again but I'll wait.
Layla: Thanks.
Layla's phone then started ringing. They exchanged looks before she picked up.
Layla: Hello?
Caller: Good evening. Is this Layla Gavin?
Layla: Yes, who am I speaking to?
Caller: I'm a doctor. I'm sorry to call this late but your father is in the hospital.
Layla: Excuse me, what? Is he okay?
Caller: I'm afraid not. His condition has rapidly gotten worse and we fear that he might not make it.
Layla: His condition?
Caller: Has he not told you?
Layla: No...
Caller: He requested that we call you. You'll have to hurry though.
Layla: I'll be there soon.
Caller: Alright.
The call disconnected. Layla ran to her room. She put on a hoodie, sweatpants and her sneakers while Asher also got dressed. When they were done, they rushed to the hospital. When they got there, they were greeted by the doctor who led them to Leo.
Layla's POV
I walked into the room to see Dad lying on the bed. He smiled when he saw me. I hugged him and was shocked to see the machines.
Layla: What happened? The doctor said you have a condition.
Leo: Yes I do. I have a heart failure. I couldn't bring myself to tell you. I know this is hard for you to hear.
Layla: I'm just happy I gave you that second chance.
I smiled with tears in my eyes. My smile faded when his heart beat began to slow down, according to the machine.
Layla: Dad, I can't lose you. Is there anything I can do?
Leo: There isn't...
At this point I was crying so much. I didn't want to lose Dad. I get that dying is a part of life but the Jason issue and this is too much to handle in one day.
I felt a hand on my back, which belonged to Asher. Dad asked to speak to Asher alone so I walked out of the room. This is too much...
Asher's POV
Layla's dad asked to talk to me alone. I'm kinda nervous now...
Leo: Asher, I can tell that Layla loves you and you love her. My time is up, so I'm hoping that you will take care of her and treat her the right way.
Asher: I will, I promise. There's something I need to ask you...
Leo: What is it?
Asher: I want to marry Layla. We've known each other for a while and even though we haven't been dating for a long time, I want her in my future.
Leo: Then you have my blessing.
Asher: Thank you! I promise, I'll take care of her.
Leo then pulled me down to hug me, so I hugged him back. All of a sudden, I felt him let go. I looked at the monitor and realised that he was gone...
I went outside the room and found Layla with her head in her hands. I sat next to her and hugged her tightly. She looked up at me. Tears fell from my eyes and she knew what it meant. I pulled her close and we hugged for the next few minutes.
We had to leave so we did. We went home and when we entered the house, my parents were sitting on the couch. I could tell that they were crying. They looked at us and hugged us.
Jake: I'm so sorry Layla. I know this isn't hard for you.
Talia: We're here for you, okay?
Layla: Thank you.
A few hours later
**6 years ago**
Layla's dad had picked her up from school. They drove to the hospital, making Layla confused.
Layla: Why are we going to the hospital?
Leo: Your mother isn't feeling well. We're going to go see her.
When they got to the hospital, they went into a room where Layla's mother was on the bed. They stood next to the bed.
Mom: I'm happy to see you guys.
Layla: You're gonna be okay, right?
Mom: I...I don't think so, but I know where I'm going will be a better place.
Leo: Are you sure there's nothing we can do?
Mom: Unfortunately not.
Leo: *muttering* If we had gotten you the treatment-
Mom: Leo, you know it was too expensive.
Leo: I would've taken that risk to save you. I can't bear the thought of you leaving.
Leo hugged Layla's mom.
Mom: I'm not leaving either one of you. I'll be with you wherever you are.
She smiled and Layla joined the hug. Leo and Layla shed some tears. Soon, they felt her body drop and the monitor indicated that she was gone. Leo hugged Layla as she cried.
Leo: We'll get through this. I've got you.
**Present day**
Layla's POV
I woke up from my dream. It was the same way with Dad... I felt tears roll down my cheeks. I lost both of them. My only family is gone now... The tears continued to flow and I let them. All of a sudden I felt strong arms pull me into a hug. It was Asher, and he began playing with my hair.
We hugged in silence for a few minutes.
Asher: Are you alright?
Layla: Not right now but I will be.
Asher: I've got you, okay?
I nodded and smiled to myself. I guess I still have family with me: Asher, Jas and their parents. I'm really grateful for them.
~~~~~~~
Hey guys!
There's 2 chapters of the story left left, one will be posted later today and the other will be posted tomorrow. Both these chapters will be happier so yay!
I hope you're enjoying the story! I know this chapter was sad but I hope you enjoyed it.
Drink enough water, eat enough food and get enough sleep everyday. You guys are all beautiful/handsome. Love you❤️
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Always and Forever
عاطفيةLayla lost her mother at a young age and was abused by her alcoholic father. Her best friend, Jasmine knew about this and so Layla spent majority of her time with Ashley and her family, basically growing up with them. After highschool, Layla moved a...
