Sleeping with a lie

(53)

Theo P.O.V

There are stories in which people pass down from generation to generation. Mothers tell their children to pass it down. And one day, all our legends, and fairytales will be old photographs stuffed away in a book.

I saw her eyes growing tired. Feeling her pulse, I wrap my index and middle finger together over her wrist.
"Shailene? You still there?" I whisper.

My phone buzzed in my pocket. I scroll over the lockscreen, revealing Veronica Roth's contact.

Veronica Roth: Children are finally asleep!! Where are you guys?

I sigh. Calling her, I hold onto Shailene's wrist. Faint.

"Theo! Hey!" She greeted.

"Veronica, I'm in the car with Shai, and she's dying. We're sitting down waiting for time...time to pass."

"Oh, Theo. You need to call a ambulance." Veronica made her tone more serious.

"I don't want to leave her! They'll take her away, then by the time they have her hooked to every single machine possible, she'd be dead."

"Theo...do it because you love her." She hung up the phone, a video message coming right after. Opening it up with a slide of my finger, I smile at the first few seconds.

Shailene's eyes were closed. I hurry to wake her up.

"Look what Veronica sent us!"

Belle kissed Oliver on the cheek.
Veronica asked them what she loved about her brothers, and also what she wanted to tell her mom.

"I love you Mama!" She blew a kiss. "Get bedder!"

That was the end. I replay it a couple times until Shailene paused it herself

"I can't watch them anymore." She cried. "I just can't!"

Glancing back at my phone, the 911 button was almost calling my name.

"Don't you dare." She says between clenched teeth. "Or I will never forgive you."

"Shai, you're dying. I can't leave you in here!"

"No!" Her voice squeaked.

Her hands were over my phone, soon, out the window.

"I WANT TO BE HERE WITH YOU! IF YOU CAN JUST GODAMN UNDERSTAND THAT!!" She yelled. Taking off her oxygen mask, Shailene pulled me close to her. I don't say anything but hug her back. "Hold me closer, Theo."

So I did.

Shailene P.O.V
I clawed my hands into my face. I was itching everywhere. Going to the hospital was my last option. I backed away from him.

"I want to go to sleep." I whisper.

He nods, us both laying down on the pillow.

"Thank you, Theo." I clenched his hand.

Before I felt my release, I stared into his eyes The whole time.

"I love you." He said running his hand among my leg. "Don't forget that."

Theo P.O.V

Shailene died minutes later. I called 911 once I heard her last breath. Driving back home was terrible.

I couldn't stop thinking about her.

Flipping on the ignition, I turn my head away from the rearview mirror.
What was I going to tell Ansel? The kids? Our family?

In frustration, sadness, and rage I scream the loudest I can. Sobbing and smashing the horn multiple times, I bury my head in my hands. Then,

Dear Shailene, our first words were off a script. Immediatly, I was turned on by your looks. But being in a relationship at the time- it was hard to resist the urge to not stare at you from afar. Our first kiss... it was when you had our beautiful daughter Belle who I have came to a full conclusion to understand and love like my own. Now with another baby that is mine, I know we can make it another round. You have been battling in what seems like total hell, brain cancer. I've witnessed your ups, downs, the painful heartache to watch you in a lonesome sleep is terrifying because I don't know when-" tears run down his left cheek. "I will ever see you again. I promise myself everyday that when you die, I will take the role of you. The outrageously insanely, sexy, woman you are. Shai, when you leave this very earth, you will leave a trail of greatness behind. I love you."

"When you leave thus earth, you will leave a trail of greatness behind.." I repeated.

We will be okay." I back away from the intense kiss, gazing in her hazel eyes.

We will always be okay.

I made a turn off the mountain view to the road.

...HUGE A/N NEXT PART.