The Badboy and The Jailbird

Chapter 24 "Only One Reality"

Jonny Weston as Caleb

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78.

That's how many scenarios I came up with in my head in the 30 minutes we couldn't see Baxter.

78 different scenarios.

One included Baxter dying.

Another, I woke up from the most real dream I've ever had. 

And one of the weirdest ones included me dying instead of Baxter.

Taylor nudges me. My eyes meet his. 

"What exactly did you say to him?" His eyes widen a bit but then relax like he knew this question was coming.

Sighing, he begins to talk. "We were just talking, and all of a sudden he started confessing things to me and so it just felt right." 

Then, a nurse, a doctor, and 2 other people come out of the room. The blonde nurse stops at us with sad eyes. We await her words anxiously.

"Baxter's heart failed yet we were able to bring him back." Someone behind me sighed with relief but I knew she had more to say. " But due to the tremendous stress put on his already weak body, he only has up to 48 hours to live. I suggest you say your goodbyes before it is too late." 

She turns away as our eyes fill with tears but moments later turns back to us.

"Remember, visiting hours for non-family members end at 6. I'm sorry." She nods and continues walking away.

The four of us, all too scared to face Baxter sit down on the many chairs outside the room. Then I remember what happened and turn to Taylor.

"I'm sorry." He looks at me with a confused look painted on his face.

"Why are you sorry? I just caused your boyfriend to have a heart attack." I cringe at the way he says, boyfriend.

"No, you didn't. It is not your fault. And I'm sorry for kissing you and putting yet another weight on your shoulders. I'm sorry you met me and for everything I put you through." I look at my hands and fiddle with my ring.

Taylor uses his soft hand to turn my face to his.

"You have nothing to apologize for. Meeting you has been eye-opening, and exciting, and a little sad, but I wouldn't give it up for anything." He turns and looks at the 2 other saddened faces, then looks back at me with a weak smile. "Now I think it's time we go see the dying man we are all here for."

I nod hesitantly and we all get up, slowly making our way to the door.

Caleb opens it and once he and Taylor are in, Jamie nudges me into the room as well.

Baxter now has 2 different IV bags hanging next to him. One is a light blue and the other is clear. He is barely awake but looks more defeated than before. When we walk in, his head turns slightly.

Surprisingly, he chuckles. "Hi, Jamie." She nods and touches his shoulder sympathetically.

Baxter's eyes move to me and hurt flashes through them. He then moves on to Caleb.

"You should have busted out of jail sooner. I bet we could've done some crazy shit." Caleb smiles and chokes down a sob. Several tears roll down his cheeks.

I look down. I've hurt him. What the hell is wrong with me?

But when Baxter moves to Taylor, he catches us all by surprise.

"I forgive you. I don't care that you kissed Brody. Sure it hurts a bit, but I don't even know if we were officially dating." I look at him with sympathy and hopefulness. "Brody, I haven't known you long, but I want to say that you are one of the most amazing people I have ever met." He pauses and looks down as a tear escapes his eye. More spill out of my own and everyone tries to discreetly wipe theirs away.