Someday

Clouds- Maddie

I open my eyes, but I'm not awake. I'm surrounded by clouds. Big, puffy, pink clouds. There is a castle in the distance. I grin at the childish fantasy of a magical kingdom. I decide to walk to the castle. When I arrive it's like I can see what is going on outside my mom and dad sit outside the entrance dressed as King and Queen. They are hugging each other and crying. Because of me.
Shaken, I keep walking. Next, I see Dylan asleep on a chair. I grin at his sleeping face which makes him look disgusted. Now I'm in the dining hall. Aunt Cheryl and Uncle Alec are in there. I walk through a long hallway. There are beautiful pictures of my favorite memories. As I get closer I realize the pictures are moving, like small video clips through the frame. All the cliche memories like my first kiss.

It was Caleb Slody under a tree at camp. It was sloppy, but sweet. Not that I've had much experience since, but I watch enough movies and read enough fanfics to know.
I grin and move on to my first pet, a bunny named Dolce because I was OBSESSED with dulce de leche. Mila named her rabbit Smoke. It was seventh grade and she was in her seventh grade emo stage. Dolce always made me smile and she loved to cuddle. Dolce's life didn't end to great though, because mom was depressed and didn't feed her while we were at camp. I sigh and go to the next picture video thingummybobber.
I beam with pride because it was me at my first debate team debate. I won for our side with my sound argument on why Ridgeglen should get rid of uniforms. (Obviously I had a lot of support.) Then I hear hushed voices whisper yelling.
I abandon the wall of memories and follow the voices. It's 'Princess' Mila and Ashton. They are in a heated discussion and all of a sudden Ashton kisses Mila.
My dream world breaks in a million pieces and I wake up. I stay quiet and still, listening to the conversation. My brain won't work how I want it but I hear Ashton sounding satisfied with himself. Tears stream down my face. Mila notices and walks over subtly. She lets her hair fall to her mouth and whispers my name.
"Maddie. What's wrong? Please don't cry. Do you need a nurse?" I shake my head and she sighs in relief. I nod in Ashton's direction and frown. She understands and asks Ashton and Dylan to go get flowers and coffees for when I wake up. She touches my pager and calls the nurse.
After I get my vitals checked she feeds me some medicine and crushed ice. Every time I try to speak she shushes me and begins to address Mila and me. "Honestly, we have no clue what happened to you, darling. At first we thought you just fainted but you were completely unresponsive." A tear slips down my cheek. I feel horrible for what I put people through.
     She continues on, oblivious to my sorrow. "We think it was either a seizure or you passed out and stress forced your body to shut down. Both require further testing. Now, your vocal chords are a different story. They will not work and if you try to use them. Strangely unique." I grasp at my throat and try to form words, but they don't come out.
     "Now, darling, here is a pen and paper. Need anything ring this bell, write it down, and we'll be on it. Kay hon?" I write on the paper 'Ashton?' My sister sighs.
     "He's getting flowers and coffees. But Madds-" I cut her off by holding up my finger. No, I didn't flip my sister off. I would never do that. I shush and write 'get him?' I sit for a moment and write 'please?'
     "Madds... He's coming. Will you listen to me?" I shake my head and cross my arms. I'm not in the mood right now to listen to Maddie's problems. What, did she bend her homecoming queen crown? Pfft I have an actual problem and all she thinks about is herself. Unbelievable.
     I put my pad down and close my eyes. I'm not dealing with this. Mila sighs loudly and tries to talk to me. I block her out and take a hit of pain meds. I drift off to sleep.
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*time lapse*
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     I wake up and see Ashton sitting in a chair worriedly. Mila's gone, thank god. Ashton jumps up when I sit up and he runs and hugs me. I stop him by putting a finger to his lips. I touch my throat and make an x, hoping he'll get the point. He doesn't.
     I pick up my paper and pen and tell him I can't speak. He gasps and touches my hand. "Really Maddie? I'm so sorry. I just feel like it's all my fault." The pain in his eyes makes me feel horrible, but I don't know what to say. I have no memory of that night, so I have no idea what to say.
     My nurse walks in. I realize her name is Charlotte. I flash her a smile and she smiles back. She checks my vitals and says three more days till I can go home. I can be mobile and walk around, but still no speaking. No more pain meds either. I frown, I've been kind of depending on those. Guess I'll make do. Ashton grips my hand tightly and I feel secure. This isn't what I wanted, but it's close enough. I doodle on my pad of paper.
     A picture of Ashton, who is sleeping now. He looks so cute when he is asleep. I think I'm falling for him. I don't try to deny it. This is going to be just like the movies. I'll come out of this better than ever and we'll fall in love and live happily ever after.