From Good to Bad to Worse

Chapter 9 - Visitations

It took only one step into Aunt B.'s room for the tears to flood from my eyes.

Oh my God.

She looked worse than the night before. There was crust in the corners of her eyes and dark circles had formed under them. Her tongue and neck were more swollen. Her hair and face looked oily. Her chest was still rapidly rising and falling. Despite all of this, she's still the most beautiful person I know.

"Hi, Aunt B.," I squeaked between sobs, "It's me, April."

I slowly walked to her side. She was still unconscious, but I swear her head and arm moved in my direction, ever so slightly.

I sat down in the chair next to Aunt B. and put her cold hand in mine. I took a deep, shaky breath. There was a moment of silence before I spoke again.

"I really miss you Aunt B. I hope you become conscious soon and heal so that we can go on our 'Aunt B. And April Adventure Day' excursion. I want you to get better; I need you to get better. For me... for Mom... for Dad... for Sophie. You becoming well would be the best birthday gift, even if we have to postpone our special weekend. Please, please... just get better, Aunt B."

Then it hit me hard.

Damn it, next weekend... my birthday... my eighteenth birthday... she's been planning this surprise trip for a couple of months... we have to do whatever it is that she's been planning for so long.

We have to.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I spent a long time beside Aunt B.; I was beginning to doze off. My hand was still intertwined with hers.

Suddenly, I heard quiet footsteps. Nurse Emily appeared in the doorway of the room.

"Please excuse me, Miss, but visiting hours are over. And there's a boy and a little girl waiting out here for you so you can go back to your parents together."

I rubbed my eyes, trying to wake up.

"Are they allowed to come in?"

She hesitated.

"Well... I suppose it wouldn't hurt... five minutes, no more, okay?"

"Thank you."

With that, Nurse Emily nodded politely and walked out of the room. In walked Dylan carrying a sleepy Sophie.

"Hey, Love."

"Hey, Dylan."

"Hi, Sissy."

"Hi, Princess."

Dylan walked to the foot of Aunt B.'s bed.

"Hello, Aunt B., it's Dylan. Sophie is here, too."

"Hi, Aunt B." Sophie whispered.

"We have five minutes, by the way," I told Dylan.

"Hm, all right."

He turned back to Aunt B.

"I hope you get well soon, Aunt B. We all miss you very much."

"Me too," Sophie piped in, "I miss talking to you and also your warm hugs."

My eyes filled with tears again, but I held them back. I don't want Sophie to see my cry. At least, not now.

"I miss you too," I said quietly.

We waited in still silence until our five minutes was up and Nurse Emily came back.

"All right kiddos, visitations are over."

"All right."

I looked at Aunt B. one more time, then squeezed her hand.

"Don't worry, dear. I will be here to check in on Miss Bethanne, along with other nurses. We'll take good care of her." Nurse Emily said reassuringly.

I nodded politely and thanked the nurse.

Reluctantly, I stood up and walked out of the room with Dylan, who was still carrying Sophie. Together, we walked back to my parents.

"I think it's about time you all went home," Dad suggested.

I nodded and hugged Dad. Then I turned to Mom.

"Try to get some sleep, dear," Mom pleaded as we hugged.

"I'll try. Same to you. See you both tomorrow morning."

I turned to my boyfriend.

Dylan was still holding Sophie; she was fast asleep.

"I'll walk you to your car."

I nodded.

We started walking out of the hospital to the parking garage. Soon, we found my car.

"Thanks for all your help," I said to Dylan after he buckled Sophie into her car seat.

"Of course, April. It's really no problem. You know I'd do anything for you. I love you, April."

Tears welled up in my eyes.

"Thank you... I love you, too, Dylan," my voice cracked.

He pulled me in close to his warm body, his arms wrapped tightly around me. I felt safe when I was with him. I felt at home. It felt... right to be with him.

"I'm so grateful to have you," I sobbed.

"Me too," Dylan smiled, wiping my tears.

Then he pressed his soft lips to mine, and togther they became one. His arms were still wrapped around me like a blanket.

Oh my God, I love his lips, his warmth, his touch... Oh my God, I'm such a girl... Oh my God, I think I'm in love...

Our lips parted.

"Will you be all right driving home?" he asked me.

I nodded.

"Hm, okay. Don't forget to text me when you and Sophie get home, okay?"

"Okay."

I gave him one last hug, then I let go and got into my car. Dylan stood there, waving, until I drove away. I drove Sophie and me all the way home, trying not to cry, trying not to think. It was tough, but we made it home.

I immediately texted Dylan.
Made it home safely w soph. You okay?

Ding! Ding!
Good. Yeah, me too. See you tomorrow at the hospital?

Yes, see you then.

Ding! Ding!
Okay, g'night love.

G'night baby.

I picked up a now half awake Sophie and carried her into the house.

"April, can I sleep with you again tonight?"

I smiled, "Of course you can, Princess Sophie."

I walked to my room, carrying my little sister.

"Goodnight, Sophie. I love you."

"Goodnight, April. I love you more," Sophie said, cuddling with me.

"I love you most," I said, kissing her forehead.

"I love you mostest."

I fell alseep with a smile on my face and my sister in my arms.