Forgive Me (Color Me book 3 H.S) EDITING

CHAPTER 44

HARRY STYLES

I held Leo in my arm, my free hand clutching Carli's hand. The hospital smelled sterile, the blank white walls making me sick to my stomach. I looked up and read the instructions, wondering where exactly I had to go. Carli tugged me inside the elevator and rested her head on my chest as she pressed the third floor button. I kissed her head as I wrapped my arm around her shoulders, her perfume giving me a sense of comfort. Carli looked up at me and kissed me, her lips folding against mine slowly. 

"You okay?" Carli asked softly. Her doe eyes were filled with concern and sadness. To be honest, I don't know what I would do without her. I know everyone says that but it's true. She's my rock and she's my light in the storm. 

I took a deep a breath and shrugged. "Not really. Is that okay to say?" Carli smiled weakly and wrapped her arms around my waist.

"It's perfectly okay. Just don't lose it and freak out on Gemma, you have a tendency to do that." Carli giggled, making me roll my eyes and let out a soft chuckle.

"No promises." I kissed Carli's forehead and led her out of the elevator, looking down at Leo as his little hands clutched my shirt tightly. I kissed his head and held him close as I neared the Intensive Care Unit. Carli pressed a button and replied back to the nurse, her voice friendly but short. 

"Thank you." Carli replied as the nurse buzzed us in. I opened the door for her and smiled as she thanked me. I followed her inside and walked to room four, stopping when I noticed how frail my mum looked in the hospital bed. Her skin had no color, her arms laid out beside her. I took off my hat and handed Leo to Carli. I walked over to my mum and gripped her hand softly, her eyes slowly opening. Her thin chapped lips turned into a smile once she saw me.

"Harry." She breathed.

I smiled. "Hi mum. How you feeling?"

"Not so great." She shakily laughed as Gemma walked in.

"Harry, can I talk to you outside please?" Gemma asked, her arms crossed. I looked at her and stood up, following her out.

"What is it?" I snapped, my voice harsh. Remembering what Carli said, I took a deep breath and apologized. 

"It's okay. Everyone is on the edge of their seats." Gemma muttered. "Anyways, I wanted to tell you what the doctor said."

"Why is she here in the first place? Like what happened?" I asked. 

"Her and I were shopping for ingredients for the bakery when she complained of a headache. You know mum, she always had them so I just brushed it off and helped her pay for everything. When we were driving.. Mum kind of just... Blacked out and crashed into a tree. The car is totaled but we're fine.. Well.. I am at least. I called an ambulance and they took mum in the E.R. I guess they took several tests and that's when they found the mass on mum's spinal cord."

"Which means?" I softly asked. 

"I don't know yet. The doctor is supposed to come in soon and tell us what the results are. I just thought you deserved to know." Gemma said.

"Thank you." I whispered as I hugged her. I know, I'm hugging Gemma. I'm surprised and by the way her body tensed up she's surprised too. I pulled away and walked back in, sitting down on an uncomfortable hospital chair. Carli held Leo as he fussed, his eyes staring at my mum.

"Come here baby boy." I breathed as I took Leo from Carli. Carli stood beside me as a man walked in, his smile friendly and warm. 

"Hello everyone, I'm Doctor Sheppard. I'll be your mother's doctor during her stay." The man shook my hand and looked at Carli.