Everything I'm Not ~ Solangelo

Chapter 36

The next day, Will arrived in the Thunderbird at about three thirty to pick up Hazel. 

"Do we need to go in?" Will asked as I slipped into the passenger's seat. 

"Nah, she wants to meet us at the curb," I replied. 

Will raised an eyebrow, "She knows that we're fine with going inside, right?"

"Yeah," I answered. "She just wants to feel independent. I guess nearly two weeks in a hospital having people wait on you hand and foot does that to you."

Will chuckled, "Alright, if she insists." Will started the car and we pulled out of the driveway. 

When we arrived at the hospital, Hazel wasn't outside. "Wonder where she is," Will said, scanning the parking lot. 

"We're a little early, she'll be out in a minute," I replied. Will leaned back in his seat and rested his feet on the dash. We sat in silence for what felt like an eternity. 

"Will," I said, breaking the quiet. "I want to thank you."

He looked at me and blinked, "What for?"

"For sticking with me through all this," I answered. "I'm a piece of work, and life's been Hell these past few weeks."

Will smiled, "You act like it's a choice."

"It is," I answered. 

He shook his head, "No, it's not. When you love some one, you stick by them no matter what."

"Even if they're a pain in the ass with a shitty life?" I teased.

Will grinned, "Even if they're a pain in the ass with a shitty life." 

We fell back into silence, and I couldn't help but recall everything that had happened. Two months ago, I was a depressed, emotional wreck who hated every aspect of life. But now, I was happy. I had friends, Hazel was happy, I had a loving boyfriend, I had defeated my demons. I couldn't help but think that everything had turned out okay. I always thought about how awful my life was and how it would never improve, yet everything ended up being fine. It was as if I had opened my eyes and I was seeing color for the first time. Everything was pastel, no more black and white. 

We suddenly spotted Hazel in a wheelchair being pushed to the curb by a nurse. "There she is," I said. We slid out of the car and joined hands. And, together, we made our way across the parking lot.