Slowly Fading

Tough World

Matthew's POV

My stomach is in knots. When Kayla suggested that we give the girls piggy back rides, I wasn't completely against the idea. I was totally for it when I saw that it was Cloe who had to get on my back.

Once she did, I held her skin and that area was extremely hot by the touch. I hear her small giggle and I can't help but chuckle. Okay, okay, if it isn't obvious, I like Cloe.

She is so nice, and sweet, and not to mention gorgeous. She finally forgave me and once it became obvious, I was ecstatic. I know I don't deserve her forgiveness but apparently she thought otherwise and I'm glad.

I can see it in Chase's eyes that he is planing something. He then announces he and Kayla have to go somewhere and that they have to leave us alone.

He knows what he is doing and so does she. I need to find a way to thank him later. Little did I know, it was probably one of the worse decisions he had ever made at that time.

I set her down after a while and we walked. Slowly, I intertwine our fingers, thinking she would separate them, but  she didn't. She kept them together and the butterflies erupted in my stomach.

I knew at that moment that I needed her to be mine. I was so nervous. My hand were shaking, my palms were sweaty, I didn't know what to do or say. I just wanted her to be mine forever, so I can hold her and protect her.

I didn't do so well on the protecting part because once I started out, something caught my eye. Two people were bicycling and they didn't notice each other, the rammed into one another and Cloe just so happened to be right beside them, receiving part of the blow. I shout at her to watch out but by them it was too late.

"Clo?! Cloe are you there? Stay with me. Come on Clo stay with me. The ambulance is coming, it will be here in less then two minutes. Try to stay awake for me, baby. I know how much you hate that name. Come on, sweetheart. A minute just don't close your eyes. Is your back ok?" I begin to ramble. I know that in these situations, where you hurt your head severely, you shouldn't fall asleep.

She turns her head and says my name. I am ready to cry and tears stream down my face as I hold her.

"Don't cry. Don't worry, but I'm sorry Matty. I can't stay awake." She tells me and then she falls limp. I pull out my phone and call 911 while sobbing.

"911 what's your emergency?" I hear on the other end of the line and I try to stop crying.

"Please send an ambulance to 23456 Waverly, as soon as possible. Please, I can't loose her."

"We're on our way, sir." Then the line ends and I try to stop crying.

"Come on, Cloe. Stay with me!" I mumble to myself. Still holding Clo, I look up and see the bicyclers all fine with a scratch here and there. I stare angrily. My angel has to deal with all is pain that they caused, and they only get out with a scratch.

Then realization hits me. Other people's actions can effect someone more then their own actions could, and if we don't do anything to help, we can ruin or hurt somebody else's life. Just by not helping them or making a slight mistake.

I hear sirens in the distance and I look back down at Cloe. She is still breathing, just very deeply. Even in this state, she looks stunning. Her hair is out of her face and she looks so gentle and peaceful, even though on the inside she might be feeling more pain then she gives away.

"Sir, I need you to move so we can get the girl." An officer says and I turn to him.

"Of course, sir." My voice cracks and I wipe the tears from my eyes.

"Girlfriend?" An officer asks me and I smile faintly.

"She was going to be. Before this incident I was two words away from asking her to be mine."

He shakes his head and pats my shoulder. "Stay strong, kid. It can only get better from here."

I can only hope so. I ride in the ambulance with Cloe and decide to call Chase and Kayla.

"Chase." I whisper and he must hear my voice because I can practically see him tense up.

"What happened, Matt?"

"Two people on bicycles rammed into each other next to Cloe and she took the full blow, the others got off with scratches. She is unconscious and I can deal with this man." I say trying extremely hard not to cry.

"What hospital?" His voice is dense.

"Harriet Hospital (not a real hospital, I made it up.)."

"I'll see you in 5." He hangs up and I just keep my head in my hand as we enter the hospital.

I try to go in but they won't let me beyond a certain point. So I just sit there in silence.

If only I warned her enough.

If only I moved her out of the way.

If only I would have stopped somewhere else.

The 'if only's ' take over my mind and somehow I manipulated myself into thinking it is all my fault.

It's funny how a mind can do that to you. Extremely humorous.

I feel a hand on my shoulder and I look up. I see Chase there with his muscles clenched but once he sees my face, his expression softens.

"You really like her don't you? I've never seen you cry over anyone." He says and I look at him.

"I've probably cried because of what I did to her around 3 times, Chase. You know it's real if I cry over her. I didn't even cry over my own aunt, Chase. I was going to ask her to be my girlfriend, you know? But this happened and they won't let me see her and man, I'm falling apart. But I know she will be fine, she's been in the hospital around 3 times this year, which is 3 too many. All of which I was here, and most of which, I was the cause. How can I expect to have her when, when all I do is put her in pain?" I let a tear roll down my cheek as I look away.