The Perfect Gift

Chapter Twenty Five

Ashton

Afraid to go in, I wait outside her room, my heart beating rapidly in my chest. According to Ems, she's been conscious for close to two hours. Doctors and nurses have been trooping in and out of her room. 

What if she doesn't want to see me? What if she hates me? I keep thinking these thoughts, scared of what answers I might find.

I call Adrian to let him know that Sarah's awake. Then I call Dex, Mason and Quinn, they've been worried about her and even visited her a couple of times.

When Maddy comes out of the room, I rush to her. "How is she?"

"Weak but okay. Ash, she has been asking for you," she replies quietly. 

I take a deep breath, push my hands into my trouser pockets so no one will see them shaking and walk into her room.

My heart crumbles at the sight of her frail-looking body and I kneel before her bed, my head bent. Unshed tears come pouring down my cheek, "Thank you for not dying."

She puts her hand on my hair, running her fingers through it. "You're welcome," whispers Sarah.

***

Three weeks later and Sarah's room has been transformed into a garden house. She has visitors everyday. Most of them from her church and others from Westmore High.

I go home more now and spend the night in the hospital with Sarah. I knock on the door and when I hear her consent, enter.

"Hi," she says with a wide smile, "I missed you."

"I missed you more," I reply, kissing her on the cheek. "How do you feel today?" 

"I'd feel better if you didn't ask me that everyday! I'm fine, Ashton," and in a softer tone, she adds, "You don't need to worry about me all the time, okay?"

"Okay, okay. I'll stop asking."

A smile creeps upon her lips, "Good, can we take a walk?"

"Sure. Just hold on, let me get a wheelchair."

***

The air feels cool on my skin as we seat underneath an oak tree outside the hospital.

"The day of the accident... when I saw you on the hospital bed, that was the worst day of my entire life," I take her hands in mine and squeeze them.

She squeezes mine and says, "I know." And I believe her.

"What happened at the bonfire was both stupid and immature. I-I never should have walked out on us like that, Ash."

"Shh. It was my fault too and I'm sorry."

"While I was in the coma, I met a boy. I don't think he was a regular boy because he told me things that even I didn't know. We spoke for length about the Father, about me and about you. It was the most beautiful experience I have ever had, Ash. I really think I was in heaven," she says with eyes so bright.

I blurt out, "I found God, Sarah." After my little chat with Rev. Baker, I felt drawn towards the bible he gave me. I started by reading the book of Matthew. Some nights I didn't get any sleep because I was so engrossed in the Scriptures, I couldn't put it down.

I read about Jesus, the Son of God, who came to save the world; the parables in which He spoke; the miracles He performed and I was in awe. I began to hear the Lord's voice daily speaking to me, His presence beside me and His peace filling my heart.

Sarah envelops me in a tight hug, tears running down her face. "I know. He has been waiting for you for so long, Ash. I am so happy."

"So am I," I say truthfully.

I spend the next hour talking about the passage I read where Jesus calmed the raging storm. Sarah didn't say a word except in approval, she just let me go on and on.

"Oh, when do you think you'll get discharged. Because Adrian's wedding is in two weeks time and Natalie was hoping you'd be one of her bridesmaid."

"What? Me?" I nod. "The nurses told me I should be leaving by the end of this week."

"Great!" I bend down on one knee and take her hand in mine. "Will you, Sarah Elizabeth Hope, be my date?"

"Hmm, the best man's date. Very tempting offer, Mr Stewart," she puts her hand on her chin as if contemplating her choice before nodding.

***

At the wedding reception, I am seated with Sarah, Ems, Maddy, Dex, Quinn and Mason. The wedding was a beautiful ceremony and now is the time for the toast.

I clear my throat loudly to get my audience's attention. "I have a few words to say to Adrian and Nat. Adrian, you have been the best brother I could have ever asked for. You picked me up when I was down and you never gave up on me. Nat, I don't know why you chose such a thick-headed guy like my brother but you did. I've seen how happy you make each other and I wish you both a long and happy marriage and I really need to move out soon," I raise my glass of water and say, "To the bride and groom."

Everyone repeats after me, followed by a chorus of cheers and applause.

"You Are In Love by Taylor Swift" starts playing and Sarah nudges me in the elbow. "Come on, let's dance."

She leads the way to the dance floor.

"That was a good speech. So where would you live?" she asks, a glint of humor in her eyes.

"I could move in with you, then we'd get married and have babies,"I tease mischievously.

She laughs, a sound which is like music to my ears.

"I'm never leaving you again. I love you, Sarah Hope."

"And I love you, Ashton Stewart."

And I kiss her.

The End.

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