A Million Trillion Billion (What's Eating Gilbert Grape Fanfic) *ORIGINAL*

Chapter 26 - It's All Up To You Now

"It's just up this way." I say to Jimmy, as we walk through the long corridors of the hospital.
We climb one last flight of stairs and turn the corner to see Ellen and Leon standing in the hall just outside the door to Arnie's room.
"What are you doing here." Ellen pierces her eyes into Jimmy.
She frowns when Jimmy doesn't respond, and looks at me expectantly.
I press my lips together. "I brought him to see Arnie..." I say quietly, earning disgusted looks from both Leon and Ellen.
"HAVE YOU ACTUALLY GONE MAD?" Ellen shouts. Jimmy steps back, looking ready to leave. "El, it's okay, I'm sure there's a good explanation for this.." Leon says, unsurely, putting his hand on Ellen's shoulder.
"Yes, I know what it looks like, but you know I would never put Arnie in danger." I say to Ellen, shooting Jimmy an apologetic look.
"Then why is he here?!" She snaps back.
"He's not like that anymore." I reply, watching as Leon raises a stern eyebrow, his eyes locked on Jimmy.
"Oh sure, I'm sure your wondrous miracle-working advice changed him did it?" Ellen grits her teeth.
"No. I changed." Jimmy speaks up. "For what I have done to your brother, I know I may never be forgiven, and I understand that. I can never forgive myself, and for that I am deeply sorry."

"What's made you change your mind?" Becky appears from around a corner, Gilbert trailing behind her. She stands still, folding her arms. "I'd never do anything to hurt Janie." Jimmy slings an arm around my shoulder, and I know his apology is sincere.
Becky doesn't look convinced. She once accused me of sleeping with Jimmy, and I'm sure it must look like that to her right now.
"He's my cousin." I blurt out, earning raised eyebrows from everyone but Gilbert.
Becky puts a hand to her mouth, "I'm sorry." She says quietly to me. "I'm sorry too." I say.
Gilbert gives a small nod in Jimmy's direction, and I mouth 'thank you' to Gilbert.

Just as I'm about to open the door, Dr Mickel walks out, followed by Dr Chang.
Gilbert raises his eyebrows expectantly.
"They'll take him in very soon. You can go in and say goodbye." Dr Chang smiles at us, before following Dr Mickel down the long hall.
I walk straight in, to see Arnie lying on his bed, shaking in his hospital gown.

He looks at me with damp eyes and I run over and hug him tightly. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry we fought." I whisper to him, as he strokes my hair. "I'm sorry too, even though we fought I still love you." He says quietly into my ear.
Then he pulls away, and I assume it's Jimmy he's spotted.
Jimmy takes a step toward Arnie, and Arnie widens his eyes, looking fearful. Arnie holds my hand tightly, and I grab onto Jimmy's to show he isn't hurtful or dangerous.
Slowly, I wrap my fingers around Jimmy's wrist, and drag his hand closer to Arnie's.
In a moment of utter silence, I slip my hand out of Arnie's, so that he may hold Jimmy's hand as a sign of truce.
Tears escape Jimmy's eyes when he looks up into Arnie's. "I'm sorry for all the dreadful things I ever did to you." Jimmy mutters, using his free hand to wipe away the tear stains on his cheeks,
"I promised myself that I'd never be like my father, and when I began to act like him, it slowly killed me inside, but I did it anyway because I was angry... Angry at anyone who showed an ounce of happiness and that I couldn't grasp on."
After hearing this, Arnie's face softens. "I understand, and I forgive you, because you are family." He says, nodding, with a small but sweet smile.
Jimmy nods, putting his other hand on top of Arnie's.

One by one, everyone says their goodbyes to Arnie, until the last left and Gilbert and I.
"You've gotta be strong buddy, and I know you can be, because right now you've got no choice. Don't....don't let this get the best of you, okay? We've done all we can, and now it's up to you." Gilbert says to Arnie.
He then stands up, brushing back his long hair with a hand.
Arnie takes my hand and pulls me close to him. "I'm scared." He says, as I rest my forehead on his. "It's okay," I say, my eyes darting between his, "It's okay to be scared. I love you, and the moment you come out of there I'll be right by your side, and I always will be." I say, watching as his eyes well up with tears. "I'm sorry." He says, his bottom lip quivering. "No." I shake my head. "You've nothing to be sorry for, now don't be so silly, okay?"
"Okay." He nods. "I love you Janie." He presses his lips against mine, until the doctors come in, and begin to rush everyone out.
"Okay, time's up guys, we'll see you in a few hours." Dr. Mickel says, shooing us out.
I back out towards the doorway, with Gilbert, as they wheel Arnie's bed out into the hall. I grip onto Arnie's hand, as he looks at me in despair and I hold onto it until I can no longer reach him anymore.
I close my eyes, as Gilbert puts a hand on my shoulder, and Becky holds my hand.

He'll be okay my darling.

My eyes snap open, and I look around the room, wondering who in the hell would be so rude as to mimic my father in a time like this.
Frowning with frustration, I hear the voice again.

Trust me.

I shake my head, blinking a few times.
"Come on, we've got somewhere to be." Becky says, pulling me along with the others.