The Prince and His Pauper

Chapter 56: The Pauper's Conversation

He doesn't remember me. Why doesn't Antonio remember me? The most logical outcome is that he got amnesia, but I didn't know he or anyone could get it just from getting run over by a car.

"Pardon me? But, how do we know each other?" Antonio asks, unwillingly breaking my heart in the process.

"We. . . We were, um. . ." I stammer when someone else walks into the room.

"Cas, how is- Antonio. . . You're awake. . ." Leo states as I look over to see him halt in mid step.

Leo's entire expression is of shock. His eyes wide and lips parted while his body has a stiff posture. Almost like he was holding breath. I wouldn't have blamed him; I was surprised too. Well, I'm still surprised. Maybe Leo can help him with his question better than I could.

"So I have been told. This boy here said that I was ran over by a car, is that true?" Antonio questions, noticing the confusion in his voice.

"Uh, y-yes. That's what happened, but I wasn't there when it happened. . ." Leo confirms and resumes walking over to Antonio's hospital bed. He walks to the other side and pulls the chair closer before sitting down.

"You weren't? Then, where were you? How did you know that I was in the accident? Do our parents know? How long was I sleeping?!" Antonio badgers with him getting more confused and frantic after each question.

"Calm down, Antonio! I'll answer everything after the doctors come here to check up on you. Did you call for the doctors, Cas?" Leo orders before looking over at me.

When Leo's gaze shifted to me, it got me out of my weird haze that I didn't realize I was in and I quickly reply, "N-no, I was in shock a-and I forgot. . . I'm sorry. . ."

"That's all right. I would have acted the same way." Leo reassures me with a soft smile, but I could see the pity in his eyes. He turns his attention back to Antonio and continues, "Our parents know. They came as soon as they could when they heard what happened. But, I think we should save some of your questions for later. All right?"

"I suppose. . ." Antonio mutters, a frown on his face, as Leo presses a button that I'm assuming is supposed to call the doctors or nurse in here. Funny enough, a nurse with a doctor came rushing in a few minutes after Leo pressed the button.

The doctor ordered me and Leo to leave so they could ask Antonio some questions and run some tests on him. When we were outside, Leo suggested that we go to the waiting room and tell the good news to Sebastian. I agreed with him because the poor man refused to leave the hospital the entire time Antonio was in his coma. The only time he left was to eat and that was in the hospital's cafeteria. Leo led me to the waiting room where I saw Sebastian sleeping in his chair with his head on his hand.

Sebastian looks so tired. His suit is wrinkled, not at all the usual iron clean suit he keeps, and the stubble he's growing on his chin is getting worse. It's close to becoming a small beard if he doesn't shave soon. His short curly hair is flat and oily, almost clinging to the sides of his face. I hope when he hears the good news, he'll go home and freshen up.

Leo walks to Sebastian and shakes his shoulder gently while whispering, "Sebastian. Wake up."

It took Leo a while, but Sebastian finally woke up and straightens himself up. He mumbles something incoherently at the same time he rubs the sleep out of his eyes. He blinks a couple of times and looks up at the two of us. He has a look of hope in his eyes which made me both excited and sad for him to hear the news about Antonio.

"Any news?" Sebastian questions optimistically, turning his head to each of us.

"Yes. Antonio is awake, but he's getting checked by the doctor." Leo replies and a smile immediately appears on Sebastian's exhausted face.