Back in Time

Chapter 25

Monica P.O.V

A couple of minutes later and I was quietly entering Roxanne's room in the hospital. I peeked my head and I gulped when I saw her immediately. Her small frame looked tiny compared to the wide metal bed.

"Rox?" I whispered as I closed the door behind me, I walked quietly next to her bed and watched her with careful eyes. She looked so pale, somehow more thin than ever! The guilt hit me squarely on the chest like a ton of bricks.

"Rox?" I whispered again taking her cold hand in mine, she was sleeping, she looked so peaceful that way, like a small little angel. I sat on her bed carefully and gripped her hand tighter in mine hoping it would warm her up. " I miss you so much," I whispered stroking her hand gently, my heart seemed to constrict painfully as I looked at her.

She seemed to stir and I held in my breath hoping I hadn't disturbed her, "Monica?" her voice was groggy, her eyes seemed to focus on me and she blinked back "Oh," she whispered "Am I dead?" she croaked.

I grinned "Not yet you're not," I said quietly.

She blinked more "Oh Monica! Is this a dream?" she asked blinking faster.

"No silly, I really am here," I told her clutching her hand more.

She tried to sit up but groaned, "Easy Rox, you're still weak" I said pushing her down again gently.

She sighed "I'm so tired," she groaned again. I nodded "I bet you are, you need to rest" I told her, she looked at me and smiled "Wow, I had forgotten what your face looked like" she joked.

"How could you?" I laughed mocking anger, "I'm sorry, I wanted to see you sooner, but they wouldn't allow it" I sighed.

"You're here now," she gripped my hand back "Oh Monica, I've missed you so much, I've felt so lonely these past days, its so weird sleeping alone!" she frowned.

"I have too," I admitted half surprised that she felt the same way I had!

"When will I be able to go?" she asked me in a small voice.

"Soon Rox, you have to get your strength back" I said.

She pouted "I really miss you, I cant stand being alone" she shook her head.

I stroked her hand with my thumb "I know, but the faster you get better the sooner you'll get to go home" I said.

She sighed "I still don't even know what's truly wrong with me" she frowned.

I felt a lump get stuck in my throat "Roxanne it's my fault," I whispered.

Her brow furrowed "Your fault?" she repeated.

I nodded "It's my fault we were slowly starving to death," I said.

She groaned and closed her eyes "Monica don't start," she sighed.

"It is!" I insisted "If I had done a better job searching for food then-"

"Stop," she opened her eyes "I don't want to hear it. It's not your fault at all okay? If anything Monica you kept me alive!" she said.

It was my turn to frown "For all we know I was slowly killing us!" I whispered.

"Monica relax, everything is fine, you weren't slowly killing us, you were trying to keep both of us alive" she said giving me a small smile.

"Roxanne-"

"Don't you Roxanne me! I'm serious Monica, please, don't blame yourself" she shook her head "Do you have any idea what I would've done without you?" she asked "If it weren't for you, I would have never been able to step one foot out to search for food!" she said quietly.