Tucked (REWRITING/EDITING-)

22

Eli.

I sit alone, in a room inside my mind. My surroundings consist of white, empty space. .

So alone.

The space starts to fill, swirls of color forming pictures around me. At first, I can't make out any shapes, but then I can start to see faces,and words. No, one specific face, one specific name.

Emma.

Where am I? I don't know where I am. I don't know where I am. Someone please help me? Where am I? I can't see, please, please, where am I? Eli? Where's Eli? Is he okay? Please. Please. Please. It's black, I'm alone. Somebody, please. Please.

Eli.

I startle awake, jolting up in the uncomfortable hospital chair. I wipe drool from my mouth, and look around. The waiting room has a scarce amount of people, including Sadie fast asleep beside me. I look around for a clock and spot one by the front desk. 2:07 am. We've been here for hours. Where's Emma? Is she okay? I move to stand up, but remember that I have to watch Sadie. Where are the Caldwells? I slump into my chair. I can feel my heart beating fast, pounding my chest. I'm so scared, I've been here before, and it didn't work out. I sit, agitated, on the edge of my seat. Finally, a few minutes later, I see Emma's mom coming from the hallway. I stand up immediately and jog over to her. She looks tired, sad, but not like she's lost a child.

"How is she?" I say when I reach her, desperation in my tone.

"She's unconscious still, but they've done some tests and they found out what it was. She needs surgery within 24 hours." she says sadly.

"Oh. And then?"

"Chemo, more surgery. The surgery has about a 40% chance of success. If...she makes it, she will likely live."

There's a moment of silence.

"Can I see her?" I ask.

Mrs.Caldwell observes me, with her familiar eyes.

"Well, it's family only but... I guess we could sneak you in."

We find a nurse to watch Sadie, and we walk through the labyrinth of halls. We reach the room, and I turn the door handle slowly.

She's lying there, no color in her cheeks, chest heaving with little breaths. Her hair fans out a bit on the generic white pillow. I sit down beside her, and the Caldwell's wordlessly leave the room.

"Emma, I don't know if you can hear me, but if you can, just know that I love you." I say softly, pleading her to wake up.

Emma.

I can hear his voice, murky at best, but I know it's him. The sound is like I'm underwater, and I can't expose myself to air. I call his name, but nothing comes out. I have to wake up. My heart starts pounding at what seems like a mile a minute.

Eli.

The steady beeping from the machine starts speeding up, showing that her pulse has quickened. Her eyelashes flutter briefly Can she hear me? Did I do that?

"Emma?"

Emma.

Wake up wake up wake up wake up Wake up!

Eli.

Her eyes snap open, and she jolts up.

"Eli! Oh my god."

"Hey there sleeping beauty." I say, a grin on my face.

"What happened? Um," she looks around "where am I?"

"You fainted during our date. I called the ambulance, your parents. You have been out for a few hours. Something happened...with the cancer. I don't know details, your doctor will tell you more."

"Oh." She looks so disappointed. I just want to take her in my arms and hold her and keep her safe from anything that could hurt her. I want to kiss her, so I do.

"Shit. I better call a nurse. You just woke up." I press the call button.

"I love you, kay?" Em says, pulling me closer.

"You too Em, you too. Always. Want me to get your parents?"

She shakes her head.
"Not yet. Just...tuck me in? Please?"

I nod, and smile slightly. I adjust her blankets around her, taking great care, as if I bump her too hard she'll break. I tuck her in, then sit down. We stay like that, me holding her hand with both of mine, until the nurse comes.

A.N. Sorry it's so short, I haven't really been in a writing mood. Hope you enjoy, it's going to be over soon.