Hold My Hand

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Before our rehearsal, Nino called Gabriel to the bedroom with an excuse. She probably had to tell him the news. When he came back, his face was lit up with a smile. 

- How are you? - He sat next to me.

- Tired. 

- Did something happen? 

- No... I don't think so.

- Haven't you started writing?

- I was too busy.

- You're lying. Start, Mary! Don't hesitate anymore! The time won't stop for you!

- When, when should I start?!

- Today.

- I will try.

- Write. One sentence only, Mary. Just do it. And read it to me. 

- Fine! Ugh, I've never met anyone as stubborn as you! However, don't you dare to steal my ideas! - I tried to make a joke.

- You got right ahead to my point! 

- I knew your bad intentions. 

- Alright, let's put jokes aside... I need to tell you something. - he became serious. 

- What? - I felt a shot of anxiety rush in my veins suddenly. I thought, that he was going to refuse to perform with me and my blood froze in fear. 

- Well... I'm going to France in the second half of January.

The reason became clear, but to avoid awkwardness, I asked him why he was going.

- Mary, there might be a way... to regain my sight.

- Wow! That's awesome! Really! I'm not good at expressing my emotions, I'm sorry...

- I will stay there for three months, - he continued as if my words were scattered in the air and did not reach his ears. - Mary, I should try... - he said as if he was trying to apologize.

- Of course! You have to!

- Right...

- And if everything goes well?..

- I might go back to my school.

The phrase stung my heart like a thorn. A feeling of loneliness froze my blood. For the first time in the past year, I felt pain, deaf, covered, numb, but sudden and bitter. 

- Yes... it's good... 

Only the most stupid mind couldn't have noticed how dishonest my words were.

- Mary... 

- What!

- You know, I... I've never had a friend...

- So what?! I don't even know if I even have one!

- It may sound strange, but... You're the only one I trust, Mary. I really want you to be well... 

- That's amazing! - I couldn't help myself, the irony was spitting out of my mouth like venom. - Now, shut up, and let's keep working!

- No, Mary, listen first. I don't know if I'll regain my sight or not. But I know that I can't do anything in this state like before. I had expectations, dreams, and desires, I also planned my future and lived happily, but now I hate even waking up, because everything is in vain, Mary. You can. You can follow your dream, what are you doing here?! Please, listen!

- Where should I go? I'm fourteen years old, remember?! 

- Mary, time flies! You don't have time to think, just do it!