I'm A Loser

(Just Like) Starting Over

"Liz! Wake up!" Paul shouted excitedly at Lizzy who was still sleeping with Julian.

"What?" She moaned.

"You can go see George!" Paul exclaimed.

Liz nearly fell out of bed.

"Honestly?!" Liz squealed.

"Cross me heart."

Liz gave Paul a massive hug and gave him a kiss on the cheek before getting ready.

Linda said that she'd stay with Julian while Paul drove Liz to the hospital. Liz begged Paul to hurry even though Paul was already speeding. They arrived and Liz jumped out of the car. They checked in and were off to visit George.

"It's room 911, one after 909 on your left." The man at the desk told them as he pointed them in the direction.

"I'll wait here and you can go see him first." Paul told Liz.

Liz nodded and hurried into the room.

"Georgie?" She called out.

"Liz?" She heard him ask in a weak voice.

"Hey, Love." Liz tried to sound calm.

"Honey, I've missed you so much." George said.

Liz tried to reply but no words came out when she saw the state George was in. Wires and tubes connected to his body, machines near him, beeps coming from all directions.

"Liz I know this stuff scares you but I'm still George. I'm not some monster that's been hooked up to machines, y'know."

"I know, Love. I just didn't know it was this bad." Liz mumbled.

George said she could come lay next to him on the bed. She lied down on his left side and lightly put her head on his shoulder.

"I've missed you so so much." Liz told him.

George smiled at her.

"I can't tell you how many times I've dreamed of you just to wake up to you not being here." George whispered.

Liz kissed his neck and could smell the clean, sterile smell of a hospital on him.

"Will you come home soon?" Liz asked.

"They said at least one more surgery and I'll be able to come back for a little." George told her.

"A little?" Liz whimpered.

"Unless the cancer gets out of me, I'm not really able to live outside of the hospital." George explained.

"Why do you sound so comfortable about this?" Liz asked him as she out his hand on his chest.

"It's kinda old news now...there's always something else that's gotta be done."

"How many surgeries have you had?" Liz asked.

"Three."

Liz teared up, knowing how terrified George was of surgeries.

"But they sound pretty optimistic of this one coming up, so hopefully it'll turn out fine."

Liz shifted closer to George and he caught a glimpse of her wrists.

"Aw, Sweetie." George groaned.

He picked up her wrists.

"Why?" He asked.

"I-I couldn't stand not being with you. I thought I wouldn't be seeing you for a long time." Liz admitted.