torn between

twelve; the memory

rowan

I heard the loud sound of sneakers and pushing of doors and immediately looked up at the entrance to see Peyton and Sabrina both running in.

Sabrina asked me anxiously as she panted, "Where? How? What? Corey?"

Peyton put his hand on Sabrina's shoulder, saying, "Calm down, Sab. Rowan, is Corey okay? Where's he? We got here as soon as we got your text."

Normally, Peyton resting his hand on Sabrina would have made me extremely upset, however all I could think about then was Corey. "He's in the surgery room. It's been about 30 minutes. Hope he'll be out soon..." my voice trailed off as i looked back down at my clammy palms.

They both sat down beside me and patted her back, and Sabrina comforted me, "Hey, he's gonna be all right. He's our strong boy, okay? Don't worry too much."

I nodded my head slightly before glancing towards the door to the room Corey was in. It's been so long. Why aren't they out yet?

After what felt like an eternity, we finally heard the sound of someone walking out of the door and looked up at the same time. I was the first to jump up and run towards the doctor who had exited the room. "Where is he? Is he okay? How did it go?"

By then, Corey's parents has also stood up to rush to the doctor. "Was the operation a success? Please say yes, please..." Mrs Fogelmanis said as she blinked rapidly, trying to keep her tears from falling.

The doctor cleared his throat and spoke, "Why, the surgery was indeed a success!" I immediately let out a sigh of relief and it was like a huge weight had been lifted off me shoulders. I hugged Sabrina, Peyton and Corey's parents all at once, jumping in excitement. "I knew he could do it! Yes, yes, yes!" I screamed.

"Shh... we know you're excited but this is still a hospital!" Sabrina told me while grinning like a Cheshire Cat.

"So where's our son? Is he inside there?" Mr Fogelmanis asked.

"Yes, he is. Well, he's definitely out of danger, but there could have been certain side effects we would not find out about until he has awoken. He is currently sleeping, so I would advise you guys not to disturb him yet, or for now at least," the doctor explained before walking off with his team of nurses who had come out after him.

I turned to hug Sabrina tightly in excitement. "I am so, so, so happy! C'mon, let's go in to see him! Keep quiet, you guys!" I said loudly before pushing the door gently to walk in. Corey's parents smiled at my goofiness and Sabrina simply rolled her eyes at Peyton, before all of them followed along.

+++

"Rowan dear, it's been hours already. Are you sure you don't wanna grab a bite?" Mrs Fogelmanis asked me in concern, worried about me as I had been there with them since the surgery had been over. Even Sabrina and Peyton had left already.

"No, Ma'am! But you two sure look like you need to! Go get some food. I'll be here when you get back," I smiled at them.

"Okay, if you're sure. We'll be back in a while," Mr Fogelmanis said as they both walked out.

I turned back to face my best friend. "Corey, when will you wake up? You've been asleep for a long time. I would wake you up but it probably wouldn't be wise to get in the way of your recovery right after that surgery..." I whispered softly as I held onto Corey's hands.

I looked down at my knees and closed my eyes for a while. Then, I immediately felt Corey's hand being pulled out of my grip, causing me to be startled enough to look up.

"What th- where am I? Who are you?" Corey asked in a hoarse voice.

I looked up to see him awake, and immediately pressed the button to call for the doctor. "Corey! You're awake! I'm so glad you made it through the surgery. I just know you co-"

Before I could finish expressing my happiness, Corey interrupted me. "Uh, what? I don't even know you. How could you be happy for me?"

At that moment, I felt as though my whole world had been crushed, for the second time that day. Or night, since it was already 3am in the morning.

"Wha- what do you mean?" I asked quickly, although I already knew the answer to it.

"I. Don't. Know. You. Why are you in my room? What the hell? Do hospitals let strangers into patients' rooms nowadays? Get out!" Corey said seriously.

The thought that he was joking with me came across her mind. I giggled nervously as I pushed his shoulder. "Hello? It's me, your best friend since young? Rowan?"

"I don't know a Rowan. Now, would you please get out?" Corey said with hostility. Too hostile for a man who just woke up from his sleep after a major surgery.

"I- I..." Thankfully, his parents had rushed in right after that, and I wouldn't have to leave him alone there.

"Corey! You're awake! How do you feel?" Mrs Fogelmanis ran towards Corey with her husband immediately after entering the room and I took a step back.

"Mum, Dad! You're here! I feel fine," Corey smiled at them before returning to that glare. "Could you get this woman out of my room? We don't even know her, why is she in here?"

His parents both paused, turning to look at me in confusion. "Corey...? You don't know her?"

I craned my neck to look at Corey's reaction. Nope, still a frown.

"Yes, Mum. Do you? Is she my new nanny or something? You know I'm old enough to take care of mys-" Mrs Fogelmanis interrupted him immediately. "No, dear. She's your best friend! You know? You're both on... on Girl..." her voice trailed off as she noticed the confused look on Corey's face.

"He doesn't remember me, Mrs Fogelmanis," I said softly.

"Oh, darling... I'm... I'm sorry..." she said to me.

"No, no. It isn't your fault. I'll go first, or he may get even more agitated," I told them, before walking straight out of the room, feeling as though my world had been completely, utterly, destroyed.