Where Do Broken Hearts Go?

Chapter Twenty Five

Rose sat next to Aunt Bea reading the book Andrew had given her, Hope at Dawn.  Aunt Bea hadn't woken up since her surgery, but Rose chose to stay with her.  It was already four in the afternoon and Andrew had texted he was on his way.

Rose set the book down and let out a sigh.  A few tears fell onto her cheeks as she took a breath.  "When are you going to wake up, Aunt Bea?  Can't I at least say goodbye?" Rose pleaded quietly.

More tears streamed down her cheeks as she looked at a lifeless Bea.  Her aunt's face was pale and she looked extremely sick.  She was hardly breathing and her body felt like ice.  Now that Rose got a good look at Aunt Bea, she could see the pain permanent on her face.  She had wrinkles and her eyebrows seemed to be drawn together.  Her eyes were shut tight and her skin was pale and clammy.  Rose could see just how much pain Aunt Bea was in.

It was time to let her go.  She didn't deserve to die, but she also didn't deserve to be in so much pain.  Rose let out a shaky breath as she gently squeezed Aunt Bea's hand.  "It's okay Aunt Bea, you can go.  I'll manage," Rose spoke ever so softly.

The tears kept flowing and Rose's heart kept breaking.  But she needed to be strong.  She needed to be strong for her family.  Rose couldn't end her life early just because her family members had to.  No, Rose would take advantage of the time she had on earth.  She would do everything she wanted and she would fulfill her dreams.  It was the least she could do for her family.  She had to keep going, no matter how much pain she was in.

With fresh determination coursing through Rose's body, she let a smile spread across her lips.  It didn't quite reach her eyes, but some day soon it would.  Rose turned back and looked at Aunt Bea.  For a moment it had looked like Aunt Bea had passed.  But then Rose heard the heart monitor beeping ever so softly.

Aunt Bea began to stir slightly and before long she opened her eyes the tiniest bit.  Rose moved closer to her and smiled small.  She let Aunt Bea wake herself up as much as she could before she spoke.  Rose was about to talk when Aunt Bea beat her to it.

"Your mother," she said softly.  "Your mother left you some things.  They are in a box, under my bed.  I should have given it to you sooner, but I couldn't bring myself to do it.  There are things from your father, too."

"I-I don't understand," Rose murmured.

"I should have given it to you sooner, but I couldn't bear the reminder.  Just look through it.  And promise me you'll take care of my house?" Aunt Bea asked.

Rose nodded her head and wiped a hand across her cheek.  "I promise, Aunt Bea."   

"And don't give up on Andrew.  He's a good man.  Take care of him and he'll take care of you.  Will you do that, for me?" 

Rose nodded again, tears beginning to blur her vision.  "I will do that for you."

"Good," Aunt Bea replied.  "I can tell you two are in love.  Don't ever fall out of love, alright?  I know bad things have happened to you, and I know you want to build your walls up to block out the pain.  But don't do that to Andrew.  Let yourself love and be loved.  It is a magical thing.  The most beautiful thing if you ask me."  Aunt Bea paused and let out a cough.  Rose said nothing and waited for her to continue.  "Don't lose yourself because of this Rose."

"I won't," Rose replied softly.

"Take care of yourself, Aurora.  Be strong.  For me.  For your brothers and father.  For your mother.  I love you dear."  

Rose nodded and tears poured down her cheeks.  Aunt Bea laid her head on her pillow and closed her eyes.  A few minutes passed before the heart monitor made one consistent sound.