Saving Olivia

Numb

The doctors performed surgery as soon as they gained permission. Every second counted when it was something as serious as the brain, the doctor said.

Mason slept at the hospital that night. I tried to convince him that he had to go home to get good sleep but he wouldn't have it any other way. I eventually relented and stayed with him. I didn't want to go home either. Hospitals are eery. I was glad I wasn't alone. I don't know how long it took me to fall asleep but when I woke up, I found the white clad doctor standing in front if us. My head was resting on Masons shoulder, Mason was still asleep. I straightened up and nudged Mason. He didn't even stir.

"Mason, the doctors here."

"I don't need a doctor. " he mumbled. "I'm fine."

I cast an apologetic look at the doctor before nudging Mason again. "The doc is here about your mom, Mason."

That snapped him awake. His head jerked upright and he stood, running his fingers through his hair.

"Doctor." He cleared his throat.

"Mason, would you come with me?"

"Of course. Is the surgery over?"Mason slipped his hand into mine and pulled me along with them.

"Yes, we'll discuss it in a moment." It was complete silence then as the doctor led us down a couple of hallways and into a small office room. I noticed the clock on the wall read 3:23 A.M. I settled into the chair beside Mason and waited while the doctor got a file and took his seat.

"Mason." They doctor looked at me then returned his gaze back to Mason. He spoke softly. "More of your mothers brain was damaged then we originally thought. She didn't survive the surgery, son."

Mason's hand went limp in mine. I squeezed his hand, knowing the turmoil of emotions that must be swirling through him.

"Are you sure?" His voice was hoarse.

"I'm sorry. We did everything we could to save her."

Mason swallowed, I could feel his hand shaking.

"Doctor, could we come back later and finish this?" I asked. Mason was very white. I wasn't sure he was up to any more discussion right now.

"No, let's finish now." Mason said, when he looked up his eyes were clear, his expression blank. "I don't want to come back after I leave here."

"Of course."

It took twenty six minutes to wrap up all business at the hospital. Each minute was long and agonizing. Mason maintained his distant blankness the entire time. He dropped my hand, and never took it back up the entire time. I tried not to let it hurt me but it was difficult. I was only trying to help him, but he seemed to put up a shield around him.

Mason drove me home so I wouldn't have to take the bus.

"Do you want to come in? I can make you something to eat."

"No. Goodbye, Olivia."

His words sounded final. The use of my full name hurt.

I nodded. "Call me, if you need me."

"I'll be fine. Shut the door. I'm leaving."

I shut the car door and watched as he sped away.
Trying to keep my tears in check I hurried into my building and up the stairs to my apartment. It was 4:20 in the morning and I felt miserable. Mason must feel even worse but I didn't know how to help him. He acted like he didn't want me around.

I'm used to people not wanting me around, but Mason is my friend. He always liked having me around in the past. I would help him get past this though, he just needed time to heal.

I went to bed and slept until elven. I never usually slept that late but yesterday had be completely draining. It was Sunday so I didn't have to worry about work. The bookstore was always closed on Sundays.

I had no messages or calls from Mason. I called Lydia but she hadn't heard from him either. She advised me to give him some time, but it was really worried. I didn't think he took the news well last night. I don't think being alone is good for him right now. Remembering the site he said he'd be working on over the weekend, I decided to pay him a visit.

Getting off the bus, I walked a couple hundred feet to the where the road crew was working.

"Hello!" I yelled to be heard over the noise.

One man with a long gray beard and a shovel turned towards me. "It's not safe for you to be here without a hard hat, lady. I have to ask you to leave."

"Please, I'm looking for Mason. He's supposed to be working here today."

"Mason didn't come in today. Something about his mom. Now please, get out of here before you get hurt."

Sighing and more worried then I was, I left.

Making a quick decision I took another bus but instead of getting off at my building I got off at Mason's. I knocked on his door but there was no answer.

"Mason! It's Livy, open up!"

No answer.

"Mason! Please open up." I knocked on the door again. I couldn't help the desperation that was filling me. I was truly worried about him.

"Ma-"

The door swung open to reveal a unkept, unshared Mason. He was wearing pajama bottoms and an angry expression. "What do you want?" He growled.

"Mason, I want to be with you. It's not good for you to shut yourself away. Let me help you." I pleaded.

"I don't want your help. Go find somebody else to bother. "He started to push the door shut but I put myself in its way.

"Mason, just let me come in. I won't bother you I'll just make you some food."

"I don't want you around!" Mason yelled. He shoved me to the floor and slammed the door shut.

I said on the floor, tears filling my eyes. I didn't know what to do. I felt in my gut that it wasn't wise to leave Mason, but he wouldn't accept me. What could I do?