A Little Bit Stronger

Chapter Twenty

The morning dragged on. All I wanted to do was go home and be alone. I was already tiring of the endless check ups and meetings with various doctors and nurses. I spent my first day in the hospital on lock down. I had been classified as high risk. The place was hell. I wanted to stay in my room for the duration of my day but alas, that wasn't allowed.
The seconds felt like hours. I didn't talk to any of my peers and kept interactions with staff to a minimum. As 11 o'clock rolled around visitors began to arrive. I watched as other kids run into their parent's embrace. My hope was low, knowing my mother and Martin weren't going to show. Still, I had a small flicker of hope that Parker would keep his promise and come see me.
My hopes depleted as time went on and there was no sign of Parker. Why would he come see me? I didn't mean anything to him. He was probably only being polite. He's probably happy to be rid of the weird girl next to his locker.
"Lacey?" I turned my head to face the nurse that had called to me "you have a visitor."
"Lacey!" Parker exclaimed embracing me into a hug.
"You came" I said, barely above a whisper.
"Of course I did. I've been worried sick about you" he confessed as he pulled away. If I didn't know better I'd think he was blushing. We made our way to a table and sat down. "So how are you feeling?"
"I've been better" I said trying to laugh.
"Lacey," Parker started with a sigh as he took my hand, "you don't have to lie to me. I want to help you. Please"
"Parker, that's not how this works" I said looking down.
"You don't have to be alone anymore, Lacey."
"I'm used to being alone. Let me keep it that way," I let go of his hand and started walking away.
"Lacey!" He called as I walked down the hall. I turn slightly, not making eye contact. "Stay..." I turned around slowly.
"I can't... Goodbye, Parker"