Saturdays

Chapter Seven

Seventh Saturday

I don't think I've ever turned around so fast in my life.

I rush over to make sure I don't miss any information. "Hello to the new faces. I am Tom's current doctor, Dr. Johns." Most likely referring to Jack and I. "A few hours ago, Tom was showing signs of having hallucinations, fatigue, extensive pain, and something called 'death rattle', which is when saliva, along with other fluids gather in the throat and upper airways, causing his breathing to become more difficult. His main nurse reported the symptoms to me, which I then proceeded to loosely evaluate him but decided I would need a more in depth examination. I wish I didn't have to say this but Tom is expected to live for only the next few days."

My mom fell to the floor with a sob. Noah silently walks back over to the seat he was sitting in as tears start to roll down his face. Jack gasps quietly then goes to comfort Noah as much as he possibly can. I freeze in my spot too shocked to move. My thoughts stop, my breathing stops, it feels like my heart stops. Everything stops. I feel paralyzed. Not in control. It feels like I'm frozen in time for hours but it is only seconds.

"You have to let me see him! Now!" My mom yells in agony.

"That's not a problem." He paused to look at Noah, Jack and I. "Anyone who wants to see him can, now. We want you all to spend as much time with him as possible."

My mom gets up from the floor, Noah gets out of his seat and Jack walks over to me.

"Are you going?" He asks.

I nod.

"Do you want me to go with you?"

I nod again.

"Okay." He grabs my hand as we follow the doctor to my dad's new room.

"Tom is more pale and much weaker than he was the last time you guys saw him. He-"

"How is that possible? Noah and I were with him a few hours ago." My mom questions in a distressed tone.

"Cancer does that. Anyways, he has been in and out of sleep so don't get too worried if he falls asleep again. If you guy notice anything that concerns you, just push the red 'Assistance' button on the right side of his bed. Anymore questions?"

We stay silent.

"That's okay. If you have any questions later on, you can notify a nurse to get either me or Jess, his main nurse." He says just before stopping at room number three hundred twelve. "Okay, here's his new room. Stay quiet and calm so he doesn't become alarmed. We haven't informed him about the update's results. If you'd like, you all can tell him but if not, we can let him know a little later."

"Later is fine," says Mom.

Dr. Johns nods and slowly opens the door.

"Hey Tom. How are you feeling?" He asks my dad.

"Tired."

"That's okay, if you need anything, just let one of them know." He says pointing to us.

"Oh! Is that Grace I see?" His voice sounds drained but happy.

"Yeah Dad, I'm here."

"Come in, come in. All of you. I've been waiting to see you guys again. This guy," pointing to Dr. Johns, "kept me away for like five hours. Can't believe him." He jokes.

Dr. Johns laughs then heads out the door after saying goodbye to us.

"So, you must be the famous Jack

I've heard so much about."

"That's right, sir."

"Oh, don't call me that. Call me Tom. Sir is too formal."

"Sounds good, Tom. I'm glad I finally get the chance to meet you."

"You too. Even though you seem great, I still got to warn you. If you break Grace's heart, I break you."

"Ugh, Dad!"

"What? I've gotta protect you." He laughs.

"Don't worry, Tom. If I broke Grace's heart, I would break myself before you could. You don't have to worry about that, though."

"Good, I'm glad she has someone like you."

I groan in embarrassment. We aren't even official yet and they are talking like we've been together for years. Jack laughs and hugs me from behind and kisses my cheek, "Oh, Stop. We know you love it."

My heart stops, but this time in a good way. How do I respond to this? I've never experienced anything like this before. I playfully roll my eyes to hide my shock but I'm pretty sure my red cheeks give me away.

Later that night, after my mom had fallen asleep next to dad on his bed and Jack had taken Noah to get coffee's, my dad and I start talking about Jack.

"I'm being completely honest here, I really, really like Jack. You seem so much happier not only around him but happier than you were before leaving Nessis City. I just want to let you know that I approve of him. You both seem perfect for each other. I know it's not guaranteed to last, but if this relationship does, I have a strong feeling he's the one."

"Thank you Dad, Thank you for telling me." I take a deep breath and continue, "I also want to thank you for suggesting going to the coffee shop years ago. If you hadn't done that, I wouldn't have looked for one in Burton and met Jack. Thank you." Tears fill up my eyes.

"Oh, Grace. Don't cry," he says while leaning in to hug me. "I'm glad I was able to bring you two together. And just know when I'm gone, to do whatever makes you happy. Unless it's harmful to you or others."

I smile, "Of course- Wait, when you're gone? Dad.. don't say that." My smile quickly fades.

"Honey, we both know I won't make it, which is okay. I'll be taken up to Heaven, I won't be in pain. I'll always be here, just not physically."

This creates more tears, "Oh, Dad!" I cry.

"I love you. And your mom, and Noah. Don't ever forget that."

"Never ever." I say as he kisses the top of my head. "I love you."