10 Years • Joel Pimentel

Chapter 19

*Joel's POV*

I leaned against the cold wall of the lifeless waiting room I've ever been. The world moved in slow motion, like in a movie--at least that's how it felt. My heart shattered as the doctor's voice echoed in the background. I looked up at the bodies of Emanuel, my mother and the doctor which were now blurry shapes. I couldn't help but let my tears fall down. I broke down crying not caring. I felt anger built up inside of me as confusion took over. The flashbacks of millions of memories played in my mind as I stared at the wall. I rested my forehead so the coldness of the wall would help  knowing I was going to get a headache soon.

"Is there a way, that her parents can come? There's gotta be a rule or law that allows them." My mother's voice was shaky as she tried to be strong.

The doctor sighed and I felt him stare at me although I had my back face to him. "I'll see what I can do." And with that he walked away. My cries were silent but my breathing was still uneven.

I never knew how close the end of my Amelia was. I tried to push it away because what good would that do? I'd be living in worry for those years that passed and missed all those opportunities. The opportunities of creating memories.

"Joel," I felt my mother's hand rub my shoulder trying to comfort me. I waited for her to say something but she stayed quiet knowing it was all just going to be a lie. She's not going to okay. Everything will not be okay. I'm not going to be okay.

"Ten years seemed so far." I spoke as my tears stopped.

"We'll make the most of these days," she said giving me a warm smile. "For her."

"And her parents?"

She looked down at the tiles and shook her head. "I don't think we can get them here before the day comes."

"We have to." I said now facing her. "They deserve to be with their daughter one last time. And I'll make sure it happens."

"Joel it's-"

"Hard, I know" I ran a hand through my hair and looked down looking for answers. "I don't want them to have to be living double the pain."

I looked up at my mother's eyes waiting for her to agree with me. She nodded and gave me a hug, something I needed right now.

----

I felt a pair of eyes stare back at me as I started to wake up. I opened my eyes and sat up straight. There in front of me stood the most beautiful girl I've ever seen.

"Morning sleepy head." She smiled at me and patted the space next to her.

I chuckled. "If I sit next to you, I'm going to fall asleep again. That bed looks so comfortable."

She giggled and shook her head. "It's actually not. Now come here, Joelito."

I smiled at her and sat next to her. She rested her head on my shoulder as I wrapped my arm around her. "You know what will be great right now?"

I looked down at her knowing exactly what she was going to say. "A Walk To Remember?"

She looked up at me in surprised. "How did you know?"

"Lucky guess." I gave her a cheesy smile. "You're always talking about how much you love that movie and Nicholas Sparks."

"Do I really talk about it that much?" She said a bit embarrassed.

I laughed and smiled at her. Every time I'm around her that's all I manage to do and in that moment a brilliant idea came into mind.

"Marry me, Amelia." I blurt out not thinking twice.

She furrowed her eyebrows at me in confusion. "What?"

"I love you. Ever since I met you." I said brining her face closer. She stare at my lips then back to my eyes. "Yes, I had crush on you ever since we were little kids. Every time I'm around you, I can't help but smile. You bring me so much joy and happiness. I'm in love with you and I can't imagine loving someone else that isn't you."

Her eyes got watery as she rested her forehead against mine. "I love you so much but I don't want you to be in more pain after I'm gone."

I backed away to look at her more clearly. She was crying and looking down not wanting to look at me. My heart aches seeing her in pain and now knowing she was right, that I wouldn't be okay without her, made me break down crying and hug her.

"I'll never stop loving you." I managed to say between sobs. "You're my best friend, the love of my life. I'll never stop loving you." And in that moment, she crashed her lips into mine. The butterflies erupted and the fireworks went off. Her soft lips were like an addiction, I didn't want to stop the kiss. I wanted this to last forever but she pulled back.

"Yes." She whispered as her forehead rested on mine. "I'll marry you."

••••••••••••••••

The feedback make me so happy. I'm glad you guys are enjoying this book. Honestly, I thought it was sucky but I guess it's not. Thank you so much for all the love. And just a heads up, this book is coming to an end soon.

-JoelPxmentel