I Love Him

Chapter 1

PENELOPE'S POV

I sit quietly next to him in the hospital chair, next to his bed. In one hand, I hold a book, in the other, his hand.

His face is pale, and his breathing is heavy. I know he is alive though. Since he was diagnosed with Lung Cancer, he comes to the hospital for chemo therapy every other day. I come as many times I can out of those days, but sometimes, I am not able to come. School, work, and practice, often are the main causes of me not being there for him.

I guess you are wondering what I mean by practice. As I was just a nerd not too long ago. Well, ever since me and Harris started dating, I have started to become more, and more popular. I am now officially a jock! I officially got into being a jock when I started playing softball, basketball, and soccer. I have become stronger and healthier since I began dating Harris. But, Harris has become weaker, and sicker, since then.

It's almost as if all his power, is being transferred to me. If that really was the case, I would definitely try to give him his power back. It hurts me to see him so sad, and weak. The cancer is really hurting him. He no longer plays football or baseball or any of the other sports he played before. He usually sits at home, and lays around. He hasn't been coming to school either. I am really worried about him. I wish there was something I could do.

I feel his hand start to move in my hand as I read my book. I pull my bookmark into place, and set my book on the table.

"Harris? Are you awake yet?" I whisper.

He moans in response. I smile. He finally has woke up from his surgery!

His eyes slowly blink open and I smile at him.

"Hi. How are you doing?" I say softly.

"Not very good." He whispers.

"Do you want to try and sleep some more?" I say quietly.

He nods. "Okay. Go ahead. I'll be here when you wake up." I say with a smile.

"Can I have some water first?" He says, his voice raspy from exhaustion. "Of course." I smile. I reach over and take the small styrofoam cup off the small table. I hand it to him, and his hand shakes as he grabs it, and brings it to his mouth. He takes a few small sips, then passes it to me.

"You go ahead and rest now, okay?" I say cupping his cheek. He slowly nods, and his eyes close. I kiss his forehead lightly, then sit down again. I take my book, 13 Reasons Why, and start to read again. It is such a sad book.:'(

I hear a quiet tap on the door to the room. I look up from my book to see Harris' mom looking in. I wave with a weak smile, and meet her at the door.

"So, how is he doing?" She says when I join her outside the door. "I think he's just tired. He was awake a few minutes ago, but I think he still feels kind of crummy." I say. She nods. "Hey don't you go get something to eat, maybe meet up with some other friends? I will stay with Harris for a bit." She says, placing her hand lightly on my arm. "Oh really, it's no bother staying here with him. I enjoy it." I smile reassuringly. "Oh no, you've already done so much, you go ahead and have some fun. Take your mind off this for a bit." She smiles. I hesitantly nod. "Good." She says happily. She walks inside the door leaving me alone in the empty hallway.

I sigh and slide my phone out of my pocket.

'Meet at Mall in 5?' I text Shira

'YES!'

I smile and slip my phone back into my pocket. Then, I make my way to the mall, just up the road.

***********************