A Linstead Life

Forever And Always

Erin's POV
It had been weeks since Jay had found out about his mum, and we cancelled or trip to Wisconsin. Despite the fact that we were both looking forward to it Jay knew he had to be here with his sister and I was right by his side. The last 3 weeks had consisted of Jay never coming home, he hadn't left the hospital since his mum was emitted, I would visit everyday and most nights I would stay too. However the nights I didn't I went home and brought back fresh clothes to Jay the next day. Being there every hour of the day, was taking a toll on him, he always looked drained and tried as if he was unable to make a sensible decision. Despite this I was there for him, whenever he needed me.

Jays POV
Three Weeks. It's been three weeks since my mum was emitted into this damn hospital and there's not been a single bit of improvement. They say she is stable, for now, but I don't know how long that will last. The doctors said last week that if there is no improvement by today we will have to consider terminating the life support, which I never told Erin. Erin has been a god send, which I don't tell her enough. She is here everyday and most nights. I don't know what I would do without her. She's due back any minute and I have to tell her but I don't know how. Today is my mums final day. We are turning off the life support machine.

Erin's POV
As I turn the corner, I see a sight the shatter my heart into a million tiny, unsolvable pieces. Jay slumped down the wall in tears. I throw the coffee I just bought for us in the trash and quicken my pace over to him. When I reach him his deep sobs are loud and clear. "Jay, what wrong?" The minute after asking the question I realise that I had just put my foot in it. "His mums in hospital Erin! Not the best question to ask!!" I thought to myself. "Jay I...." But he cut me off mid sentence, " hey, it's....fine....I..I knew what you meant." He stuttered. I slumped down the wall beside him and put my arm round his shoulders. I felt his body shaking and I automatically pulled him closer, hanging onto him for dear life. Eventually he seemed to relax and he adjusted himself within my grip. He turned his body at an angle, Just to face me ever so slightly however he avoided total eye contact with me. I knew he had something to tell me but I was in no way going to force him.

Jay's POV
this was it I had to tell her now before its to late, before it happens. I knew I had Erin's full attention so I took my time and gathered my thoughts before telling her. " Erin....there is....eh....there is something that you need to know." I eventually blurted out of nowhere. She just looked at my and I knew I had to continue, it was now or never, "Today we are.....ehh....today....we are....turing off mums life support." I rushed out, as if my mouth couldn't keep up with my brain. As I looked up at Erin, the look of confusion we clear as day on her face. "What? Why?" Was the only response she gave. "Ehh... Last week the docs said that if...if..thee was no improvement, we would have to well....." Shock was the only emotion on Erin's face, pure shock. I felt so guilty for not telling her. But I just couldn't tell her she would have given up just like my sister did two weeks ago, she said her goodbye to our mum and left. I was snapped out of my thoughts by Erin, "Why didn't you tell me Jay?" She asked. "I...I was scared in case you left too....just like Rachel did." I whispered. "Aww Jay" Erin said "I would never leave you and especially not at a time like this. I will always be here for you." Erin spoke softly whilst wiping away my stray tears with her thumbs and kissed me on the cheek. Just then the doctors came round. "It's time" they announced. I looked at Erin and she looked at me, this was it the final time I will get to speak to my mum, the woman who raised my and cared for me, and now I can't do the same.i dragged myself up the wall and fixed myself before heading to my mums room. I turned when Erin wasn't behind me, to see her waiting against the wall, "Aren't you coming?" I questioned, "I thought you might just want some family time." She replied, "You are my family" I offered and she accepted. We entered my mums room to see her the same way she has been for weeks, connected to tubes, with needles in her arm. To be honest it's not the last way you want to remember your mother, but at least she's not in pain. When I reached the side of her bed the doctor had entered the room and stood at the opposite side from Erin and I whilst I said goodbye. "So mum....I guess this.....this is....goodbye...for now" I stuttered through sniffles. I felt Erin's hand tighten round mine for some support. "Thank you for giving me the most amazing life mum......I love you, forever and always.......see you soon." Just then the shallow beeping in the room mellowed and eventually stopped and the doctor left. I couldn't do it anymore, I couldn't hold myself together, I broke down into a fit of tears, my knees started to buckle and I nearly ended up on the floor, but Erin was there like she always has been, she was there to catch me from falling. " come on let's get you home for some rest" Erin whispered in my ear, I nodded in agreement and we left the hospital, Erin carrying my dead weight every step of the way.