Escape

Chapter 14

My plane landed in Montego Bay rather early. I caught the first cab I saw and I gave him the address of the hospital. Within no time we were there. Thank God there wasn't any traffic! I jumped out the cab and paid the driver and pulled my carry-on through the hospital door. I went to the enquiry desk to find out which room she was staying in then headed for the elevator because she was on the fifth floor and I was not about to drag my carry-on up five flights of stairs. On the fifth floor I was told she stayed in Room 13 so I asked a nurse if I was allowed to visit and she said I could after asking for my name. She told me that Riley was expecting me.

When I walked through that door, tears began to roll down my face as I watched my best friend intubated,  lying on her hospital bed. Her eyes were closed. I turned away and wiped my eyes and went to find a nurse to ask her if she was sleeping. The nurse followed me into the room and told me that the medicine she was using made her drowsy and she asked if I could wait until she got up. Of course I said yes. I wanted to be the first thing she saw when she opened those eyes. After an hour and a half I saw her eyes begin to open. A million emotions flooded my head all at once but I got up out of my chair beside her bed and I was looking at her.

Liv- Morning sunshine!

Riley- LIV! *she tried to move but I could tell she was in a lot of pain* You made it!

Liv- Of course I made it girl I wouldn't  miss this for the world

Riley- You know that I'm dying right?

Hearing her say that brought tears to my eyes. I couldn't control myself. It was hard for me to know that she was dying but I figure it's harder  for her to know that she's dying. Now we're both crying.

Liv- I know

Riley- Listen to me. I don't want you to feel sorry for me okay? You see, you have everything. A great husband, a beautiful baby girl  that shares my name and an amazing house. Liv Rivers, you are blessed. I am also blessed because I have you as a friend. Scratch that, my best friend. You have been there for me through it all. We fought many battles together but I'm afraid I have to fight this one done. Although I'm physically weak, mentally I am stronger than you can imagine.

Liv- Riley, you are the bravest person I have ever met in my entire life. You keep saying that you were lucky to have me as a friend when I see it in a complete opposite way. You made my life an adventure and you're right. We have been through some battles together and this time round I can't help you but if it were possible, I would help you in a heartbeat. 

Riley- Maybe you can help me

Liv- How so?

Riley- Look outside that window and tell me what you see

Liv- Okay... I see cars, people, buildings...

Riley- Look closer Liv

Liv- Umm... okay now I see a tiny hill with a giant oak tree in the middle and...

Riley- That's it. You see Liv, you've known me for the latter part of my life. I've always been an adventure. I can't end my story like this. In a hospital. Breathing out of tubes. Please...help me end my story the right way.

Liv- What are you talking about?

Riley- Liv, as my best friend, I trust you with my dying wish which is to take me to that oak tree.

Liv- You can't be serious!

Riley- Liv we are running out time. I don't have much longer.

Liv- Okay. Okay. I need to tell the nurses. 

Riley- I already told them that you would take me. All you need to do is say that you're taking me now. 

Liv- Okay.

I ran out of the room to inform the nurse that I was taking her out. The nurse told me that that was her dying wish. Wow! So I assumed she knew where I was taking her. I ran back into the hospital room and the nurse helped me to take her out of the tubes and we covered her up in some warm, comfortable clothes and made sure she wore a hat to protect her head from the sun. The oak tree luckily wasn't far from the hospital. Just a little walk.

When we got there Riley requested to be taken out of the wheelchair to mount the hill. It was a tiny hill and she wanted to climb it herself. She couldn't find it in herself to walk so she crawled with all the strength that still remained in her body. I began to cry. Watching her as she moved slowly up the hill. Look at what she had come to. The person that saved my life. That made it an adventure. Now struggling to save her own. In about 15 minutes she made it to the top. 

Liv- You feeling okay?

Riley- Grand! *she said with a weary smile* Can you take this coat off for me and this hat? I wanna feel the fresh air. 

Liv- Sure *I said with teary eyes and I took them off*

Riley- You know Liv, you only learn how to appreciate the little things when they are being taken away from you. Don't waste your blessings Liv. You see that little girl you have at home, take care of her. Watch her grow. Cherish the moments as they come and go. Be there for her. She's your adventure. Love her unconditionally. She's a gift from God. 

Liv- I will *I said rubbing my eyes*

Riley- Wow! Look at that scenery. Beautiful! *she inhaled deeply* I love you Liv Rivers. You saved my life. 

Liv- I love you too Riley

I turned to her to give her a smile but her eyes were closed.

Liv- Riley! Riley! Riley! Riley please wake up! Riley don't leave me. Please! No! No! No!

I was shaking her but she wouldn't move. She had already passed on. I placed my head on her chest for a heartbeat wanting her to say something but I got nothing. Her hands were cold and she was just lying there. Still. Dead.

I ran for help. The nurses came and retrieved the body.