Two More Months

Chapter Six

Eve was at my side when I awoke. She looked at her watch, wiped away tears, and squeezed my hand. She whispered, "Hi."
I smiled at her, and her eyes got wet again. I could tell she was fighting tears back but she wasn't hiding it very well. I sat up and she gently pushed me down.
I then noticed I wasn't at the park anymore and got really tense. I was on a small bed, hooked up to a monitor. The room was completely white and had one large window, and a TV on the side. It was unbelievably clean. I looked back at Eve.
"Let me get Fountain."
"Where am I?"
Eve squeaked, "Burke's hospital." She then left the room.
Fountain ran in a few seconds later, Eve on her tail. The door slammed shut. Fountain squeezed my hands and laughed, "Hey May!"
"What's going on?"
"Ummm..." Fountain paused. Eve began to sob in the corner.
I looked at her, pleading with my eyes. "Please, what happened?"
"You had a heart attack." Eve cried.
I held my hand to my heart. I felt its slow weak beat. Then I suddenly felt tired. I was beyond afraid. I wanted to ask how long I was asleep, but I didn't have the strength.
"How could you not tell us that you had a bad heart?" Eve asked quietly.
I couldn't even shake my head. I swallowed hard. I tried to take a deep breath but I couldn't. I began to feel wet drops run across my face.
Fountain flicked them away and spoke the softest I ever heard her speak, "You won, May. We got a note yesterday, Montgomery wants you! So..." Her lips began to quiver.
I nodded my head. I had a hundred thoughts running through me. I couldn't believe I had won! I wanted to smile but I just couldn't.

Fountain whispered, "The doctors said you can eat ice cream. What's your favorite kind?"
I laid there motionless, wanting to scream chocolate, but I couldn't. I noticed pink roses on the bed stand. They were so gorgeous that they brought light in the room. On the tag it said Mocha. I also saw that it had cost five dollars. My boss must have sent them because he was the only guy I know who could find things so precious for a great price. It was so nice to see something familiar that I began to calm down.
I whispered, "Chocolate." Fountain nodded and walked away quietly.
Eve stopped crying and gulped. She began to speak the loudest I had ever heard her speak. "My grandma's sick. I take care of her. Every day the doctor comes over at 2:00. That's why I always check the time." She blew her nose and continued, "I actually live close to Robert's Park, I run because..."
I extended my hand to her. She took it and took a deep breath. "I feel like I took you for granted. You became someone I see everyday. I can't imagine not seeing you." She looked at me. I hadn't noticed I had began crying again. Eve looked away. "I run because I don't want to loose any more time I have with my grandma. They say she has a year left. I just... I wish I had more time..." Her voice trailed off as Fountain entered.
She had a puffy nose. I guess she didn't want anyone to see her crying, which I was surprised by. Fountain was an open book!
Then she dropped the cones of ice cream. It made a thump and spilled all over her new heels. Eve covered her mouth and began to scream. Fountain wailed, "Nurse!"
I didn't notice the beeping at first. I just suddenly felt empty.
I really wanted to say and do so many things. I wanted to thank my boss for the flowers. I wanted to give Eve a hug and say that she had me and Fountain no matter what. Also, that her grandma and us were lucky to have her. I wanted to kiss Fountain on the cheek and tell her to never change.
I then looked at the girls for the last time. I was so grateful for each one of them. Fountain's enthusiasm made me happy to wake up, and Eve's kindness made me want to start my day. I smiled. I'm probably the first one to smile when dying, but before them, I was alone. Even though I didn't get to say goodbye, I knew that I had made friends. I had made a family. I won a scholarship!
The beeping began to fade out as darkness crept in. I took my last deep breath.
I closed my eyes, and when I opened them, there was only light.