Josh stood next to El's bed. The machines sounds faded into the background, he was thankful that he had gotten there when he did, a few more minutes and it would have all been for nothing. A few minutes late and not even these machines would have been able to save her.
His hand found hers, the doctors had informed him that she could wake up at any moment. But the doctors didn't know that Josh wanted her to stay asleep. Because when she woke up, he knew that she'd be angry, very angry.
Josh kissed her hand softly, as he was putting it down he felt a light squeeze. He studied El's face, her eyelashes fluttered and her eyes found his. Then the color drained from her face. El pulled her hand away and tried to pull the breathing tube out, which was keeping her breathing while she was unconscious.
"No El, let me get the doctor." He whispered before getting up and calling for the doctor. Once they removed the tube she just stared at him, tears falling. He handed her some water and leaned back into his chair.
"I'm sorry, with all of my heart I truly am. You wanted to escape from the pain, from reality. But there is much more to life than high school bullies, this is just a stage in life and it will pass. I couldn't let you miss out on the joys of life, I'd never be able to forgive myself." Josh stated, feeling his throat close up.
"You're selfish for thinking that way." El whispered, her voice rough from the tube.
"And you're selfish for trying to take your life." Josh responded, El frowned at his words.
"Get out." She barked, sitting up slowly.
"No. I am not leaving you, not until you promise me something." El just shrugged, more tears falling. "Go on a date with me, I'll show you just how good life can be." This was the only thing Josh could think of to keep El wanting to stay here with him. He knew that it wouldn't work. But it was worth a shot.
"Why did you save me? I wanted to die, these feelings are suffocating me. Please, please just let me go." El sobbed, Josh sat on her bed then laid down next to her, El instantly found her way to his chest. After awhile tears soaked his shirt, but El calmed down.
"El, are you still awake?" Josh whispered, rubbing her back softly.
"Your heartbeat is racing." He heard her mumble, suddenly things seemed to click in his head. Piece by piece the puzzle was put together.
Josh liked El.
YOU ARE READING
I Should Feel Like:
Short StoryEl never thought as a kid playing with her Barbies that she'd become like this. El never thought that she'd have to write down her feelings to let them out. El definitely didn't expect them to get out for the whole world to see, especially when she...
