Staring At the Edge of the World - An Austin Carlile love story

Chaper Sixteen - The First Steps

A little update for you guys! It's really late, and I shouldn't be writing but I can't help it! I'm dedicating this to my friend Micaleigh, because she's my best friend, and without her, the last two chapters wouldn't have been written!  Hope you enjoy it! Remember to Vote and Comment!

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Kat’s POV

I opened my eyes and blinked a few times. I looked over to my right and saw Austin sleeping in his bed; I rushed out of bed and over to him. I sat at his feet and waited for him to wake up; after a couple of minutes he started moving.

“Morning Kat” He said with a raspy voice.

“Morning” I greeted back. I crawled up to his arms and hugged him. He gave me a kiss and squeezed me a bit.

“So, can you move your legs?” I asked looking excitedly at him.

“I don’t know, and I don’t want to mess everything up; so I’m not trying until a doctor tells me I can.” I nodded, understanding that he was still frightened. For a while, we just laid there and enjoyed each other’s company. I felt his chest rise and fall, and his heart beat, in the same rhythm as mine. We were interrupted by a couple of doctors, who entered the room.

“Good morning Mr. Carlile! How are you feeling today?” One of the doctors asked.

“I’m feeling good I didn’t dare moving my legs before any of you showed up; I hope that’s all right?” Austin spoke. I removed myself from his bed and walked to his side by the window.

“Most patients do that, so it’s completely normal. When Katelynn here was in your bed, could you feel anything?”

“Yes” He smiled over at me; I couldn’t hold the smile back that cracked my face.

“We’re just going to see if you can actually move your legs, all right?”

“Yeah” Austin took a deep breath; calming himself down.

“Ready? Okay” I looked worried at Austin because nothing was happening; then suddenly his legs started moving. His face erupted in the biggest smile, and I could see tears forming in his eyes. And then it hit me; Austin could walk again. I slung my body around his; we both knew what had just happened.

“I can see you both know that this is good news. Will you try walk for us Mr. Carlile?”

“Yeah” Austin said almost skipping out of bed. His legs were a bit weak because of him not walking for weeks. I hurried over to his side, for support. A bit insecure, he took a step, and then another, and another. I let go of his hand and he was now walking by himself; it was like seeing your kid taking its first steps.

“You’re doing great Austin; the surgery was successful. With the progress you’re making now, you’re able to go home in a couple of days.” The doctor said.

“Thank you doctor!” Austin was overjoyed.

“You keep stimulating your legs, and you’ll be home before you know it. I heard that you’re in a band and currently on tour. I’m sorry to tell you that you won’t be able to perform any time soon; you have to wait a month or two.” I saw Austin’s face drop into a frown. This was going to kill him; he had to let so many fans down.

“Austin honey, I’m sure your fans will understand. They only want the best for you; you’ve done so much for them, and maybe it’s time to take a break.”  I walked over to him, looping my arms around his waist.

“I know babe, I just don’t want to let them down. I know there are kids who haven’t cut because of these concerts, and I just don’t want to cancel them. “

“Let’s talk to Justin when we get back okay?” I asked and he agreed.

“As for you Katelynn, you’re free to go. We’ve checked the last swaps and there’s nothing wrong with you.”

The doctors left the room, and I called Julie. She would bring the boys, so they could have a talk, and after that take me back to the bus. Austin and I started walking around the hospital, so we could get his legs going. We talked about what was going to happen now that tour was being canceled; we decided that I was going to move in with Austin in Los Angeles. Just as we returned to our room, the guys arrived. They were all super stoked about Austin walking again, but when Austin told them his situation, they all got serious again.

“So we have to leave tour?” Alan asked. Austin nodded.

“I’m thinking of asking Oli to let Bring Me the Horizon headline tour, and continue without us; there’s no reason for them to travel all the way back to England because of that. I’ve also thought about something else but I’m not what you guys think about it.” He finished off.

“And what’s that?” Phil asked concerned.

“What would you guys say to me being replaced for the rest of the tour? I think Matty knows all of the songs, and he also owes me a favor”

“No. That is not going to happen, there’s no Of Mice & Men without you Austin; we all saw that when you left and Roush replaced you. That was the biggest mistake we’ve ever made; hell he even changed Second!”

“All right, it was only a thought. Well, then Of Mice & Men is leaving tour.” He said sounding depressed. I scooted over to him, giving him a hug.

“It’s the right thing to do Austin” I said kissing his cheek

“I really hope so”

“Kat you ready to go?” Julie asked.

“Yeah, I love you Austin” I said laying a hand on his neck.

“I love you too” He connected our lips, electricity flying throughout my body.

“I’ll see you tomorrow” I gave him one last peck on the lips before leaving.

As soon as we reached the bus I went for a shower. I washed away weeks of hospital grease and felt super relaxed after. I changed into pajamas and asked Phil if he wanted to watch a movie. He agreed and I put in Ponyo On the Cliff.

“How are you holding up Kat?” Phil asked me.

“I took the whole Austin situation pretty bad and even cried in the night when he was sleeping, but now that I know everything is going to be all right, I’m much calmer. Thanks for asking” I said.

“I’m glad you’re getting better, but I was thinking about your mental situation. How’s your depression lately?”

“Oh… After I met you guys, I haven’t felt it as much; you’ve really made my life happier.”

“I’m glad to hear that. So you’re getting married huh? That must be pretty exciting”

“Yeah, I’ve never tried that one before” I said joking. “But you know I love Austin and that I really want to marry him. I want to make him the happiest guy in the world.”

“I know, and I think you’ve already achieved that. I know Austin loves you just as much and I hope that one day, I might be an uncle to your kids; just imagine the beautiful kids that you two would make.” He dozed off and I waved my hand in front of his eyes.

“You’re not picturing me and Austin having sex right?”

“No! Eww! That would be gross!” I laughed at his reaction.

“I’m glad that I have a friend like you Phil, now let’s watch Ponyo, it’s one of my favorite movies!”

As the movies reached its end, I dozed off and fell asleep.