A Perfect Life Without You (Ongoing)

Chapter 13: Kasandra, Who?

"You can walk in now." The nurse said with a calm, shooting voice. My heartbeat was going wild from the anticipation flowing through my body. A sick hospital smell creeping up my nose making me cringe. Though, I was indeed thrilled to see Arnold, I was beyond terrified. The stupid question of why Arnold didn't want me to know about his health, was corrupting my mind. Of course, there is the possibility that he didn't want to burden me, but denying me the knowledge only left my heart in a million pieces. The truth is, I am hurt by the fact that he decided not to tell me of his illness. Arnold's plan was to die quietly, without anyone knowing of how sick he was. Whereas I think this is a foolish and childish idea. I will surely tell him of how ridiculous he is after I give him these lame flowers.

I looked at Orion one last time before we entered. He was completely unreadable, just like a carved statue the way his face rested. The tall muscular man reminds me of a robot because of his ability to shut down his emotions. It's like a shift he can control. I don't know if I should be impressed or worried.

The nice nurse opened the door for us, exposing me and Orion for a weak smiling old man, lying tiredly on the white hospital bed. My heart dropped back to its rightful place by the sight of Arnold's wide smile. A warm feeling spreads through my entire system, making me laugh, cry and smile at the same time. We walked closer to his bed, growing more anxious with every second. Orion followed me slowly with big eyes and tense shoulders. For a reason I felt satisfied with Orion's little reaction. Maybe he couldn't control that shift every time after all.

"Arnold why didn't you tell me?" I said bowing down to give him a warm comforting hug. I let his arms embrace me, giving me a sudden peace of mind that wherever he's wondering off to, he will be okay.

"How did you find out is the question I should be asking you." Arnold said with a hoarse voice, yet a strong tone lingering, like always.

"I wish I could say from Orion, but I'm guessing that your other son beat him to it." I gave a glance at Mr. don't want to be here, behind me. He raised his dark eyebrows.

"By the way, you never mentioned that you have two sons. Anyway, we brought you flowers Arnold, I don't know what flowers you'd want, but I'm hoping roses is okay? I'm deeply sorry to hear about your condition. I... I can't believe that you're..." The words got stuck in my throat, I didn't know what to say. What should I say? "Arnold I..."

He kept smiling and grabbed my hand warmly. "They're beautiful Annarose, thank you very much. Just put them over there. I do think that there's a vase in the cabinet."

I quickly walked away to put the flowers in the vase. I counted to ten, in hopes that the water in my eyes would dry up. I can't be crying now. Not now. I gulped hard and blinked away the tears.

"Ah, so I hear that you've met Phillip?" Arnold sat himself up, but winched harshly. Wire upon wire attach from his every body-part reaching to all sorts of beeping machinery.

"Damn well, we have." Orion hissed lowly.

Arnold casts his eyes upon Orion, like he's only seeing him now first. A twinkle in his eyes enlighten as he inspected his proud son. Arnold seemed unaffected by Orion's remark. I can only imagine that he must be used to their troubled relationship with each other. "I am pleased to see you here Orion, I wasn't expecting this." Arnold's voice was controlled. He wasn't mad or stressed, he was at ease.

"I guess that makes two of us." Orion said tightening his tie and brushing off his shirt. Arnold inspected his incredibly rude son dusting of his clothes.  I nudged Orion in his ribs and a muffled sound came out. "Though, I'm happy to see you too father."

Contempt, I smiled and started walking towards the chair by Arnold's bed. As I walked I felt Orion's foot kicking my leg. I tripped over myself, but quickly regained my posture. I gave him a brutally hateful glare, though of course, an even scarier glare was sent right back at me. He sat himself on the other side of the bed away from me. Good is that, because I swear I would've stepped on his balls.