An Old Friend

Chapter 16 - Don't Leave Me

I was dizzy and nauseous as I ran down the hall of doctors and nurses. None of them tried to stop me. I had to get to him, I just had to. As I passed a bunch of patient's rooms, I scavengered for his name.

And then, at the end of the hall, there was a door entitled, "Armstrong."

I took a deep breath and let myself in. I gasped.

There he was, Billie Joe laying in bed with his leg in a cast and his wrist was wrapped in bandages. His eyes were closed. His face looked as if he was having a very happy dream.

I walked over to his bed side and sat down slowly on a small chair. My hospital gown was very uncomfortable when sitting, but it was all worth it for Billie.

I reached out my hand to touch his. It was warm with the blood flowing through his veins.

"Billie?" I whispered. "Billie Joe?" I rubbed his forehead, he was so delicate like this. So...perfect. I could watch him sleep for a week and never get bored.

He started to open his eyes. And when he did he smiled. I was beaming back at him.

"Oh Beej, I so sorry," I told him as I stood up and kissed his forehead.

"Don't be," he said and he squeezed hand.

"But, why'd you want to save me?"

"Because, you're one worth saving. I'd rather die than have you dead." He said. His big beautiful green eyes were sparkling.

"But what happened? I thought you were fine, I mean you seemed fine right after..."

"I was, but the very end of the train just barely got my leg, and as we landed in the dirt you sorta... uh, crushed my wrist." He chuckled. "But that's alright because were both still fucking here right?"

"Um, yeah, I guess we are." I looked at him with the utmost passion and concern. I loved him very much and I never wanted him to feel pain.

"Come here," he motioned for me to hug him. I opened my arm and I we embraced. I made sure not to hurt him. We laid there forever. Just...hugging. Enjoying each other's company.

"Lizzie?" Billie said into my hair, (which smelled really bad by the way) "don't leave me, ever."

"I won't Billie Joe, I realize now that there's too much to lose." We pulled apart.

"I love you Elizabeth Marie Devonshire."

"I love you, too Billie Joe Armstrong." I grinned back at him.

"Well, I guess I should get back to my room. I'm gonna get my ass kicked for leaving, but I don't care. I had to see you." I smiled and stood up to leave. Billie squeezed my hand one last time before I left.

"See you, Lizard," Billie said.

I waved goodbye and walked out the door. As I closed the door behind me, I heard someone behind me crying.

I turned around and it was Mike, with his head in his hands. He was sitting in the corner closest to Billie's room. He hadn't seen me walk out, so I just kept walking.

But then something occured to me.

Had he been watching us?

I quickly turned around. I approached him and sat down next to him. Still, only in my hospital gown.

"Hey," I said simply. I felt stupid.

He looked up at me and replied,"Hey."
He hurriedly tried to wipe the tears off his cheeks. He looked embarassed.

"Are you okay?"

He laughed, "Why do people always ask that when they already know that answer, yes I'm okay." He grinned.

"Ok, then what's wrong Mikey, tell me." I rubbed his back with pleading eyes.

"I can't stand that my bestfriend got the girl, that's all," he paused,"actually, you probably don't want to hear this so...umm..."

He got up quickly and walked away. I didn't go after him. What the hell would I have to say to that? I'm sorry? I just couldn't.

It hurt me to know that Mike was getting his heart ripped apart, but it hurt me more to know that our friendship was at stake.