Beside You - Sequel to Unpredictable

Epilogue

I slowly pull away, our kiss only lasting a few seconds. "I'm so sorry, Luke. I really am." I hold his hand, sitting back down in the chair. 

"I know Mads, there's nothing to be sorry about though." He nods and rubs his face gently. "I've missed you." He smiles weakly, brushing his thumb across my knuckles. "I've missed you too, Luke."

-

Over the next few days, it seems that Luke is getting better. They don't think they will need to do any surgeries to help him. 

His mom came and visited yesterday, so did his brothers and dad. Just in case. No one came to visit me though. I know they're like family to me. But I still wish my mom, or my dad were here..

Luke and I convinced the nurses to let us share a room since I was in there the whole day anyways. They agreed so now Luke and I spend our days together in the uncomfortable hospital beds, just talking and being together.

Even though he's getting better.. The doctors say there's still a small chance something could go wrong. I wish things could be different. No matter how much I cry, wish or pray.. I don't think things will change.

I look over at Luke who has his attention turned to the tv on the wall. "Maddie?" He turns to me, taking a deep breath. "Yeah?" I sit up more, my eyes looking into his.

He leans over to the other side of his bed, grabbing a small box from the side table. I had thought that was a gift his mom had brought him, why is he holding it out to me?

"I wanted to find you, the night we crashed, so I could ask you.." He mumbles and opens the box, a ring sitting inside. I gasp and cover my mouth, "Luke.."

"Maddie.. When we get out of here.. Will you marry me?" I nod quickly and go to get up as he coughs loudly, gripping his chest. 

"Luke? Luke, what's wrong?" He gasps for air, coughing more. 

It all happens in slow motion as the ring and the box clatter to the ground and a few nurses run into the room, the beeping on the moniter speeding up. 

One of the nurses unlocks the wheels on his hospital bed and starts to wheel him out. "Wait! Where are you taking him!" I yell, trying to get up. But the huge cast on my leg makes it harder. "Why won't anyone answer me?!" I scream and almost fall off the bed. 

The other nurse looks at me, "His lungs aren't working. He may not make it."

Ashton runs into the room as they're taking Luke out. "Maddie! What's happening?" He runs over to me. I throw myself into his arms, sobbing. "H-He.." I cry out and hold onto my best friend.

-

Two days later, Luke Hemmings died from heart and lung failure. I'd like to think all things happen for a reason, but this was just unfair. Someone who was so happy and full of life was torn from the earth in just a few seconds. I wish there was more they could have done, maybe kept him alive just a little bit longer. But I know that couldn't happen. 

Luke was always there for me. He was there for everyone. Always cheering us up. He made me feel wanted. He wanted me when no one else did. Part of me feels like this is my fault. If I hadn't have left, this wouldn't have happened.

But I know you can't cheat death.

So now, a couple days after the funeral, I sit in his empty room clutching his favorite shirt to my chest, wishing he was in my arms. The pain in my chest is worse than my leg or my ribs times a thousand. My love, my lifeline, my one and only is now gone. And I can't do anything about it.