A Place In The Universe

The Promise pt 3

"I'm sorry but I'm afraid she can't go out. Yet."

"Why?" Sasha asks.

I swallow hard, preparing for the bomb that's about to drop.

"She's just too weak and...I'm afraid....she...things...."

"Things....?"

"Just don't look...good..."

I turn around to the other side, angry and annoyed. I can't....

"Elsa...?"

Nothing.

"Love....?"

Still nothing.

"O-okay....I'll just...go..."

---------

"But this temporary high wasn't worth all the drama..."

My train of thought is scary when my chances of living is altered. Not that it happens often but when anything threatening or scary comes my way and my chances of losing someone increases....

Let's just say I turn into a jerk without meaning to.

Its just fear.

That line replays in my head like a broken record and I can't help but....

"No."

"Elsa....please..."

"I don't want her here, okay! Keep her away from me, keep everyone away from me!"

A sigh escapes his mouth. See? Even the only one who can help me gets tired of me. With good reason too.

"Fine. I'll....let her know..."

With that he walks out and I fall asleep with effort.

-------
Sasha's POV:

"I'm sorry." He says with a sad look in his eyes. "But...she doesn't want to see anyone right now."

I looked up, shock and fear racing through me.

"But...."

"There's nothing I can do to change her mind, Sasha. I'm sorry."

But....why.....?

"Doctor.." Someone calls from behind him.

"We need help in room 107."

He nods and he looks back to me one last time.

"I'll....talk soon." He says before leaving

What was going on.....was she done with me?

Why would she.....?

Must've been....something I said. Oh god I'm an idiot.

"Sasha....hey..." A familiar voice comes up from the hallway and I look up to find Jake coming my way.

"Jake....hi....."

"What's up? Aren't you.....supposed to be...?"

I keep my eyes on my feet and I feel this weird feeling in my stomach.... Not...good...

"She doesn't...want to see me. I think she's...done with me..."

"I highly doubt that."

I look up to meet his gaze.

"How can you be so sure?"

"When she makes a promise, Sasha, she keeps it."

"Jake!" The doctor comes up from behind Jake and they shake hands. While they talk I take a seat, trying to make sense of what's happening.

There has to be a reason why Elsa is shutting me out.

"Sasha."

"Yes, Jake?"

"I'm going in to check in on her. She....wanted to see me for some reason."

I nod okay and he leaves for room 109...

------

My eyes open to the sight of Jake standing beside me and I instantly feel calmer. Guilt, however, is another story on its own. Entirely.

"Is she okay?" Are the first words to come out of my mouth.

"Yeah just....confused."

"I'm such an idiot..." I sigh, closing my eyes, hoping if I open them again time somehow reversed....

No, Elsa, that's not how it works. And you know it.

"Why though...?" He asks.

"Fear."

A confused look.

"I...don't want to make promises I can't keep. What if something happens and...."

"You picked yourself up just in time. And even if...something happens despite of you trying to fight against it....your victory will be in your fighting spirit."

A small smile escapes my lips at his words. Maybe he's right. The only way to go is....onward as Sasha would put it.

"She loves you, Elsa. Anyone can see it. She wants you here. We all do."

"I know. And I swear to Grassi....I want to stay."

We sit and talk for a few hours until Jake has to go. Just upstairs for radiation. With a tight hug I wish him good luck and I spend my time in silence...trying to make sense of what I'm going to do.

I can't believe I did what I did.

Making up my mind I press the button beside my bed, calling a nurse and soon Nurse Elaine comes in.

"Yes love?"

"Is Sasha here?"

--------
Sasha:

"Elsa wants to see you."

Never before have anyone's words made my eyes light up and turn my tired self into a bundle of energy. Well...except one.

I rush to room 109 one more time and I find her sitting upright in her bed, flipping through the pages of a book, a gorgeous smile planted on her face.

I just stare at her for a moment, thinking how damn lucky I am to have her.

"For how long are you going to stare at me like that?"

I smile. "Oh I could look at you forever, mi amor."

"I don't have forever...."

I look down to the ground as I take my seat next to her. I feel her taking my hand and planting a light kiss on it, instantly making me blush.

"But we have our little infinity. And that's okay with me. I'm going to annoy you and Aai and Jake for a long, long time."

She looks up at me and I can see the fear is still strong inside of her.

"Look...." She starts. "I'm sorry for shutting you out. But I was afraid of....leaving you behind and....breaking a promise I try so damn hard to keep. But I'm not afraid anymore."

I hold her hand tighter.

"And I love you. So much."

She squeezes my hand in return, making me smile too.

-----

Doctor Raymond comes in and I feel nausea just building up.

"Well....looks like you only have to stay two days, not five. You're okay. You're going to make it."

"Of course she is." Sasha says with a smile.

"She promised she would."

"And I did." I smile.