At first glance you wouldn't be able to tell that I have cancer. At least I don't think you can. It was the age of seven when I was told about the disease eating away at my "healthy" insides. I was in and out of the hospital consistently from the age of seven to thirteen.
Up at five in the morning hearing the blaring sirens from the ambulance outside my grandparents house, because I failed to continue breathing in my sleep. Up until eleven at night because the pain was almost unbearable. Begging nurses to allow Montgomery to stay the night with me. Geeking at Montgomery acting like a total idiot to cheer me up when I wanted to give up.
Believe me, I know, Montgomery isn't the best person in the world. He can be a complete and total asshat but, he has been there with me through everything.
I am pulled back into reality by Monty snapping his fingers in front of my face.
"Huh?" I asked as confusion rest upon my face.
"Are you okay?" he asked, his gentle, caring side becoming visible.
"Yeah," I sadly smile, "just a little cold." I tell the truth.
He pats my head getting off the bed to grab me a blanket lying on a cart parked outside my room. He walks back into the room wrapping the blanket securely around my body.
"You're not okay, I know you too well." he slowly spoke as his voice began to crack. He glances around the room making sure everyone was asleep. He's never this soft around other people, only me and my grandparents.
"What gave it away?" I ask scooting over into his arms.
"The fake smiles, the glimpse of hope in your eyes. You're silently praying this is all just some sick dream. You've been looking forward to the ten years the doctors promised you. And it's only been four, not even half the time." he said wrapping his arms around me.
"It hurts. It came out of nowhere. I didn't even get a warning!" I admit as tears begin to well in my eyes.
"Hey, I don't know what it feels like, but you know I'm here for you!" he said trying to cheer me up.
"Yeah, you're always here for me." I choke out as a sniffle escapes my dry lips.
"Do you remember the day I broke my arm?" He asked trying to take my mind off the situation.
"Yeah!" I sniffle out a laugh remembering back to age eight, when I was emitted into the hospital, temporarily fading into long term.
(Flashback)
"Ow, why does it hurt so bad?" asked a little brown haired, green-eyed boy.
"Maybe because you broke your arm." The nurse, who was all-too familiar with the little boy sitting in front of her, sarcastically answered.
"Does that mean I can get a cast?" he asked eagerly.
"Well first of all Montgomery De La Cruz, we have to x-ray your arm, but considering how late it is, that will have to wait for tomorrow." she states out loud for his mom to hear.
"So..." the little eight year old boy replied hoping she'd give him the best news yet.
"We are gonna keep you here over night." she said patting the boys head.
The little boy jumps up off the bed, grabbing his arm, running straight to the nurse to give her a hug. The nurse chuckles in response.
"Thank you!" he shouts as he goes to doctor and gives him a hug.
"Why are you thanking me young man?" asked the old fashion doctor.
"Because, now Carsons won't have to be alone tonight!" he said with a huge smile plastered across his face.
The little boy eagerly runs out the room and nine doors down to his best friends temporary home.
"I get to stay the night!" Monty shouts jumping on the little pale, blue-eyed, brunette's bed.
"What do you mean?" asked the sick girl as she sits up in the bed, scooting over allowing the little boy some room the sit down.
"I broke my arm, and I have to stay the night!" he shouts with excitement laced in every word that escapes his lips.
It was later in the night when I found out that Monty had ridden his bike in the dark, after his mom told him it was too late to go riding. He admitted to purposefully breaking his arm, so I didn't have to stay at the hospital without him.
He never felt comfortable leaving me at the hospital without him. Although, we were just kids and had no idea what would happen and that in reality there was nothing he could do about anything I was going through. He thought I was safe as long as he was by my side.
Of course, my grandparents were allowed to stay. My grandpa eventually ended up asking the chief of staff if we could have a couch in my room instead of two chairs so him and grandma would be more comfortable while watching me. But, even when my grandparents were allowed there with me, Monty always wanted to be there with me.
(End of Flashback)
I smile up at the tall boy who had been by my side since forever. I smile as the memory sits in my brain, replaying as I close my eyes and lean my head against his shoulder. He had never left my side. And I was silently praying that he never does.
