The Wrong Guy

Chapter 33 The Paper Swan

                The next day, I decided to visit Sharon. It was the last opportunity that I could’ve seen her before winter break. The snow got a little worse. It was getting really chilly even when I wrapped myself up with all the sweaters I had. Even so, I managed to drive my way to that hospital.

                I didn’t really mind taking a small absent mark on my attendance on class. It was almost winter break, so we don’t really do much in class anymore. Anyway, it was good that the hospital managed to keep the place cozy even with the deadly weather. Their heaters worked splendidly.

                I made my way to Sharon’s room. When I entered, I found her sleeping, so I walked to her and just sat on a chair beside her. She, then, had consciousness after hearing me barge in.

                “Hi.” She woke up. “Liyah.”

                “Hey.” I dropped the bag I brought on the floor. Sharon looked a lot thinner than usual. She was very pale, and her lips were dry, too. “How’s it going?”

                “Sitting here’s boring, so…” she chuckled. “But I’m glad you’re here.”

                “I’m sorry I couldn’t come too often.”

                “It’s okay.” She tried to get up. She did, but a bit barely. “My aunt was just here 30 minutes ago, so I wasn’t really that lonely.”

                “Really? That’s good.”

                “So, why aren’t you with Sander?” she asked out of the blue.

                “What are you talking about?” I was intrigued… well, curious in a good way.

                “Boyfriends should always come with their girlfriends.” She stated. I was a little shock… relieved, in a way. I was a little complimented by that.

                “He’s not my boyfriend.” I chuckled. “I’d be lucky if he was.”

                “You like him?” she teased.

                “Yeah, I guess.” I smiled. “He’s just really inspiring.”

                “I think he likes you, too.” She said. That was really capturing! I was curious as hell.

                “Really? You think so?” I was nervous.

                “Yeah.” She laughed. “When you were sleeping last time, he kept on staring and smiling at you. I think he found you cute.”

                “Uhm, really?” I got nervous and excited. I started acting weird, and I felt my face turn red again. “Do you really think so?”

                “Yeah. I think you two would make a really cute couple.”

                “Oh, stop it.” I felt my face turn even more red, and she laughed at my face. “You’re just teasing me.”

                “No, seriously…” she stopped laughing. “You two so fit together.”

                “Thanks.” I got even excited. Then, I remembered I bought something for her. I took my bag from the floor and reached in. “Hey, I brought you something. It’s to keep the boredom occupied.”

                “Really? That’s so thoughtful.” She said as I handed her a book.

                “It’s not much, but I put a lot of thought in picking a book.”

                “Before I fall. Lauren Oliver.” She read the book title and author and stared at it. She turned the book around and started reading the back of the book, “What if you had only one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your life?”

                “I kind of thought you’d like it.” I said, hoping she did like it.

                “Yeah.” She turned to me and nodded. “I like it. I feel like I’m gonna relate to it a lot.”

                “I’m glad you liked it.” It suddenly occurred to me to ask Sharon what she liked most of all. I just figured I could do something for her if she ever failed to make it through her condition. “Sharon.”

                “Yeah?”

                “What object or anything do you like most of all? I mean, what makes you smile? What makes you happy?”

                “Seeing you and Sander makes me happy. You’re my two friends.” She said. I found that really sweet.

                “I mean, like an object… a favorite character or perhaps something.” I further explained.

                “I do like paper swans.” She said. I was sure I first didn’t have a clue what she said until she further explained. “Folded paper turned into swans… I like them. My father took me to an occasion one time. I can’t remember where, but it was night time. There were fireworks. We were standing by this very big pond. Everyone was gently placing these paper swans on the water, and they glowed! They looked really beautiful! It was a really good sight. It was one of the last good times I had with my dad before he passed away.”

                “Wow.” I processed what she said. It sounded really nice. I wondered if I could make that dream come true again for her. “That sounds amazing.”

                “Yeah, it was.” She nodded. “But it was great because I had my dad. It wouldn’t have been great if I was alone.”

                “Don’t worry. Next time that’ll happen, we’ll be here so you’re not alone.” I smiled, and she smiled back.

                “Thank you.” She said. “Anyway, how are things with school?”

                “School? Not much. There’s just that Snowball dance coming up this Friday, and then, school’s on for the winter break.”

                “Snowball dance? They had that this year?” she sounded surprised and happy. “I wasn’t able to come the last time they had that, but this time, I wanted to go.”

                “So, let’s go!” I encouraged a loud yell. I was sure I bothered the other patients that were on the same room. “Sorry.”

                “I can’t.” she chuckled. “I don’t think the doctor’s gonna let me. She’s going to say get some rest and get some rest, but I’ve been doing nothing but rest. When do I get to spend the rest that I’ve been doing?”

                “Yeah.” I laughed. “How about I bring you to the dance? How about breaking the rules for once? It’s only if you’re okay. If you’re not, I’m not going to force you.”

                “Force me? I want to go, too!”

                “Okay. I’ll let you meet some new people. How’s that?” I offered with a smiled.

                “Okay!” she yelled back with enthusiasm.

                I spent six hours at the hospital. Sharon and I had lunch there. All the time, she talked. She told me her whole story, too. It was surprising how she didn’t make friends until me and Alex when she was really good with talking to people. She was nice and kind like Alex. She didn’t deserve what she had. Being sick and all, she never deserved that. That’s why I wanted to make things different for her. As a friend, I wanted to see her smile like everyone does. I want to make her feel like she’s not alone. I started a plan.