Seven Summers Ago

Chapter 23

Chapter 23

As I walk through the hospital doors I wished I didn't come. I have always hated hospitals. The smell is overwhelming and reeks of sickness and death. Every time I walk into a hospital my heart rate increases and I start hyperventilating. Maybe its because I'm deathly afraid of needles and I see them everywhere.

I turn around to my father who is walking close behind me.

"I got it from here dad," I fake a smile.

His eyebrows squish together in worry and concern. He knows I hate hospitals.

"Are you sure?" he asks uncertain.

"Yes I'm sure," I say through my fake smile.

"Alright..." he says hesitantly.

I wait in the lobby until he is out the door and completely out of view. I take a deep breath and walk up to the reception lady.

"Excuse me?" I ask.

She instantly stops typing on the computer and glares up at me without so much as a smile. She has black greasy hair that is tied up into a messy bun. Her hazel eyes are puffy and lined with red like she didn't get enough sleep.

"Can I help you?" she asks in a b*tchy tone.

'Wow, someone needs a hug...' I think to myself.

"Umm.. I'm here to see Nate Jefferson."

She looks me up and down with her cold, hazel eyes.

"Are you family?"

"Yes I'm his sister," I lie easily.

She squints at me and glares. I can tell she doesn't believe me.

"Can I please just have the room number?" I ask impatiently, shifting my weight from foot to foot.

"Room 210," she sneers.

"Thank you," I force another smile.

I skip off away from the scary lady and realize I have no idea where room 210 is. I look back at the receptionist but she is too busy typing away on her computer to notice I am completely confused and lost.

I put my finger on my chin and look at the signs. After walking around for ten minutes I finally find a sign that says where the room was. Sighing in relief I almost run down the corridor.

I stop in front of Nate's room and take a deep breath. I place my hand on the doorknob and close my eyes. 'Don't worry Jess, he probably looks fine. He's been here a while, so everything's going to be okay,' I tell myself.

I inhale one last deep breath before pushing open the huge door and slowly walking in. I instantly lay eyes on an old man who looks about eighty sleeping on a bed. His breathing is sharp and jagged as the monitor slowly beeps next to him.

"Nate?" I whisper walking towards the curtain.

I peer into the other section and see Nate looking uncomfortable and totally out of place in the small white hospital bed. I intake a sharp breath when I notice the needles in his hand and arm.

"Jess?" he asks his face lighting up.

I give him a little finger wave as he motions for me to come over.

"Hi," I whisper suddenly very shy.

"Hi," he smiles.

I look at his tired blue eyes that are lined with red and puffy. He has bags under his eyes like he hasn't slept in days. I run my fingers along his cheek as he closes his eyes. I move my fingers up and stroke over his closed eyes.