Anything Goes

Promises in the Dark

“You ok, Izzy?” Duff asked me quietly over a tattered issue of People. I looked at him briefly and nodded wordlessly. I wasn't so sure I was telling the truth though. The waiting room was almost empty, only two other people scattered around the room. There were nurses and doctors walking past in the hallway, going every which way and doing their own thing. I shuddered. I hated hospitals. If I could avoid them at all cost I would, but not this time...

“Yeah...I'm ok.” I said, because Duff looked like he still didn't believe me. I wouldn't believe me either.

“Don't worry. The doctors are taking good care of him. This is a good hospital.” said Duff, folding the dog-eared hospital magazine and putting it down. I swallowed a huge lump in my throat and nodded. The only thing I'd been told so far was when they'd transferred him up from the ER to Cardiology. God knows how long ago that was.

“You don't have to stay, Duff.” I murmured to him. He looked up. “I know this is boring. I wouldn't want to sit here like this doing absolutely nothing. You can go home. I won't subject you to this. It's bad enough I asked you to drive us here at 3 in the morning. We'll find a ride home later, plenty of taxis.” Duff blinked.

“I don't mind staying. You're my friend, this is hard on you too. You need some support right now. It isn't like Alec and I were curing world poverty or anything, we weren't busy. Plus, if I stay, you won't have to spend money trying to find a cab. I'm pretty sure Alec won't burn the place down. At least, I hope not.” I smiled a little. It was hard to at the moment.

“So how did you and Axl meet?” Duff asked. “You seem like you've known each other for a while.”

“Yeah...ever since we were in high school. We lived in Indiana together, and we met in Driver's Ed. He was always in trouble, kind if an outcast. He had a...a rough childhood.” I said at length. “And we just hit it off. When I moved here, he followed me. And, well...here we are I guess.” I said. “We've had our, well, ups and downs, but he still means the world to me. I just wish I--," I stopped and took a breath, “I hadn't been so stupid.” Duff surveyed me.

“Look, I've only known you...what, a few weeks? But you don't seem like a bad person to me. Or an idiot. You seem like a good friend. Hell, you're here, aren't you? You're being there for him right now, which is something a good friend does. You're sacrificing sleep and sanity to be here with him. Even though you aren't physically by his side, he knows he means a lot to you. That's something big.” He said.

“Thanks, Duff. That means a lot.” I said sincerely.

“No problem. I'm not great with advice though, so just keep that in mind. I'm definitely not a therapist.” said Duff, smirking.

“Don't worry, I've already got one of those.” I said, shifting in my chair. They weren't comfortable and my back was starting to hurt.

We sat in silence for a little. People walked back and forth in the halls. Pages over the intercom. Doctors in and out. Faint chatter of voices.

“Listen,” Duff said. “Why don't we go down to the cafeteria and get something to eat? It may help you relax and I don't know about you, but I'm starving. I'll even buy, and we can bring it back up here.”

I looked hesitantly at the front desk.

“I know what you're thinking. But we won't be gone long. Like I said, we can bring it back up here if you want. Getting up and stretching for a bit might do you some good.” Duff went on. I sighed heavily.

“Ok.” I said heavily, getting up.

***

“How's your burger?” Duff asked with his mouth full.