Game Over (Andley)

End of an Era

Andy sat up against the propped up hospital bed, looking at the bunch of balloons that sat by his bed. Each of the four balloons were shaped like hearts, two a dusty pink, and the other two a dark red. On the bedside table, there was a small note written on the back of what looked to be a store receipt. With a weak, shaking arm, Andy reached over and managed to snatch it up with his thin fingers, pulling it back over to where he could read it.

'Good morning, baby. You were still asleep when I got here this morning, so I went to get some coffee from the gas station down the road and find. The balloons are from a fan, they were left at the desk in the lobby. The nurse had me bring them up. There should be a card there somewhere, I can't remember where I put it though.
Your mom is stopping by this morning, too. She texted me last night. Thought you'd like the heads up.
I don't know when I'll be back, I might go see if I can find Jinxx, Jake, and CC to talk to them about that record idea you talked about yesterday to give you some time alone with your mom.

Love you, Andy, I'll see you when I get back<3

- Ash xo'

Andy smiled and set the note down, looking at the time. It was a little past 10:15 in the morning. He wondered how long ago Ashley left... When did Ashley even get here? He did a quick scan of the room to see if he could locate that card Ashley had mentioned. Of course, just his luck, he spotted it on the chair by the wall.

"He's right in here, Mrs. Biersack. He may still be sleeping." Andy heard a voice from outside of the room and looked over curiously as the door was opened slowly.
"Yes, of course. Thank you." A quieter, softer voice spoke in return, and Andy's heart immediately leaped in his chest. A woman entered the room, her hair just above her shoulders and a simple pair of glasses resting on the bridge of her nose. Although her back was turned to close the door quietly, under the impression he was asleep, Andy immediately recognized her, tears springing to his eyes.

"Mom?" He croaked.
She turned around quickly, a hand flying to cover her mouth. "Oh my..." She exhaled, taking steps towards him. "Sweetie, look at you... You look so pale and thin, are you okay? Have you been eating enough? Hydrating? Has Ashley been taking care of you? Is the bed comfo-"
"Mom- Mom, stop. Please..." Andy laughed weakly. "I'm fine... That's just what happens when you don't use your body for three and a half months. Ashley's been taking great care of me, and so has the hospital. Now can I please have a hug?" He slightly lifted an arm, shifting to sit up a little. His mom smiled sadly and rushed over, leaning in to give him a tight hug. She closed her eyes and held him in her arms for a few moments.

"Sweetie, I was so worried about you..." She whispered and pulled back. "When Ashley texted me that you woke up, your father and I got on the first flight out here."
Andy smiled faintly at her, laying back against the bed. "Yeah? Where is dad?"
Her smile faltered. "He's at the hotel... He woke up feeling pretty sick, and didn't want to risk getting you sick. You're still pretty weak, the last thing you need is a nasty head cold." She sighed, brushing some fly-away hairs from Andy's face. "He'll come visit when he's feeling better, okay?

Andy frowned a little and nodded. "How long are you out here?"
"As long as you're in here, we're here." She insisted gently. "We're not leaving our baby boy for the world, not when you need us the most."

Andy closed his eyes and relaxed. "Really? You're spending money to stay in a hotel for a few weeks just for me?"
"Of course we are. Why wouldn't we?"
Andy shrugged. "I dunno... I'm sure Ashley would be more than happy to let you two stay at his place. He's been practically sleeping here, anyways."
His mom smiled. "I suppose, but I don't want to intrude."
"No, mom, seriously. Just ask him, he'll say yes." Andy laughed.
She nodded and set her purse down. "If you insist... And I brought you something, since you can't be home while you're healing, I figured I'd bring you a piece of home."