The IV League [EDITING]

Chapter 25

It had been exactly three months since Morgan had been admitted to Riverview Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre. In 3 months, her life had completely changed. She made new friends, lost some, and found happiness. Most importantly, she'd fixed herself. She had been saved.

"I'm really happy with your progress," said Dr. Dev. "You've shown improvement, and being here has had a positive impact. I honestly believe you can go home, and come only for weekly visits."

Morgan sighed. "But what if going home is not good for me? What if it is that environment that makes me worse? Wouldn't it be better to stay here?"

"Morgan, I know you're attached to this place and the people here, but you have to move on. You need to let go of the past and focus on your future."

"I'm scared."

"Of leaving?"

"Yeah. Those people, high school, my parents. I'm afraid they're toxic."

"I understand that. But for how long can you stay here? You need to face your fears. Besides, things might be better this year."

"I dunno."

"Look, at the end of the day, it's your decision. But as your doctor, I advise you to consider going home."

Morgan nodded. She knew going home was the best for her. But she didn't want to leave the hospital. She didn't want to leave him.

***

"Hey, can we talk?"

Joey stood behind the information desk, fidgeting with his fingers. He was clearly nervous.

"What is it?" asked Kennedy.

"It's important."

"Sit down," he said, patting on the seat next to him. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing is wrong, it's just.... So you know I love it here, right? The hospital is my favourite place in the world, and being with you just makes it even better."

"But....?"

"But I also need to see the outside world. I also need to live a normal life, to whatever extent I can."

"You are living a normal life."

Joey held Kennedy's hands. "Ken, I'm eighteen. I have a whole life ahead of me. I can't live in fear and stay connected to an IV drip my whole life. I need to go out there and experience life for what it is."

"But what if something happens?"

"What if something doesn't?"

Kennedy nodded slowly. "I... I understand. So, what do you want to do?"

He hesitated before speaking. "I want to go to college."

"Uh uh. No way."

"Just hear me out. I'm not going to go off to Harvard or something. There's a pretty good college about an hour from here. I've already consulted Dr. Christian, and he said it's fine as long as I come for regular check ups and take my meds."

"But that means I won't see you."

Joey cupped his face. "I'll be here once every month. Plus there's always FaceTime. And I'll call you at least a hundred times a day. And I'm not going to fall for any gay frat boys."

"Promise?"

"I promise. This is my life Ken. I want to live it on my own terms."

He nodded. "When do you leave?"

"In a week."

"How long did you wait to tell me?"

Joey shook his head. "It doesn't matter. I got the acceptance letter before we started dating."