So Far Away [H.S]

Chapter 8

"She didn't promise to live forever,but she promised to forever live while she was alive."
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Harry

I remember how my mother would talk to my sister and I about love.We were only kids then,happily munching away on overpriced treats as we sat under 'father willow' as my mother used to call the biggest and greenest tree in the entire garden.I remember how she would talk for hours about what love is,
she'd talk about being there in the good and bad times.Standing firm in a raging storm and dancing in the rain.
Her eyes would light up when she spoke of her own love,explaining the promises she made.She'd smile,hiding her sadness when we would ask if that's why she tolerated the man we called father.She'd gently play with our hair when she answered,'Love will make you grow,and then you'll know."

I mentally smiled at the memory,when I decided to be with Grace I meant every part of her.Mind,body and soul.
And I still do,and it's what I intend on doing for the rest of my life,no matter how sick she is or gets.Because I know she'd do the same for me.

"There are a few important things I need to discuss with both of you,"Dr Malik addresses us as we now sit in his office."I will be Miss Ellington's psychologist and help her through this process."

I clench my jaw when Niall shifts in his seat.I see no reason for him to be here, Grace is far from his concerns,but Dr.Henry and Malik have insisted on him being here."Miss Ellington will attend therapy 3 times a week. Depending on her progress,we will either increase or decrease it."I nod waiting fo him to continue."Each if you will also attend once a week."

Therapy?Is he serious.

"Why would I need therapy?"I snap. "The process to recovery from a disease like this is not easy,it takes it's toll on the patient and those involved with the patient."

"I still don't see why I would need therapy."

"We'll be there."the chicken-head butts in.Since when did he decide there's a we?

"Good,"Dr.Malik grins."Now I need you both to understand that Miss Ellington may experience a series of mood swings, headaches, dizziness and may not make sense from time to time."
He continues,"it is important that you remain patient, any additional stress can trigger seizures, panic attacks and in extreme cases a complete shut down of the brain."

Therapy, mood swings and be patient.
It doesn't sound that bad."For these first few days, I want her to relax. The severity of her condition is unknown, so with each day, something new will be learned."

"Okay," Niall answers.

"Now, I've mentioned before that it is important that the patient does not know that she is suffering, as this can cause great damage. Life will go on as usual," he states.

Why is he speaking like it's a bad thing?"Whoever she sees you as, it is important that you carry yourself as that person,"

"What?"My head snaps."I'm extremely sorry Mr. Straum, but this is extremely crucial to her health."

"I understand that Miss Ellington is currently living with you Mr. Straum," he looks my way."I don't see why that is relevant."I snap, this conversation is starting to quickly get on my nerves.

"Miss Ellington has already shown clear signs of confusing your personality with Mr. Horan's, she will treat you as she sees you,"

"What does this have to do with her staying with me and more importantly what does it have to do with him?"

"It will be in the best interest of the patient to stay with Mr. Horan,"I cringe at the sound of his name."That's not happening,"I state firmly.

"Mr. Straum, I understand that this may be difficult for you,"

"You understand anything! You're asking me to allow my girlfriend to stay with this piece of crap!"I shout, pointing at a silent boy.

"If you ever want there to be a chance of her seeing you as her boyfriend again, then yes, that is exactly what I am telling you to do." his voice stern.

~~~

"Listen, I don't like the fact that I need to be you either, but we don't exactly have a choice," Niall says, calmly leaning his back against the wall.

"What does this mean, I move out of my apartment?"The sound of my shoes against the hospitals waiting room tiles start becoming annoying as I agitatedly tap my feet.

Niall shrugs his shoulders.

"And then what, move where?To your apartment?"I growl, the thought of becoming Niall kicking in.

What does this mean, do I have to dress like him, does he dress like me?
Does Grace really think that I'm him? How long will it take Grace to recover?

The weight of my questions burdening my head with a headache.Great.

"Look, man, I seriously don't know.I know as much about this thing as you,"
He takes a bite from the sandwich he bought after coming out of Dr. Malik's office.

I need to be him. I roll my eyes as I watch him curse at the mayo that had fallen onto his shirt, he calmly scoops the creamy liquid with his index finger before smiling successfully as he sucks the sauce off his finger "there is no way I am allowing Grace to live with you." I state firmly.

"Then what, you'd prefer to risk Grace's life just so that you can keep your pride intact?" he huffs, he's composure suddenly becoming serious when he trashes the remainder of his snack."I always knew you were selfish Harry, and I tolerate you because Grace loves you, so understand that I will do whatever I need to do to help my best friend. And if that means keeping her away from you for her own good, then that's exactly what I'm going to do."

"Is that a threat?"

"Only if you see the need to take it as one."

"How the hell am I suppose to be okay with the fact that I need to agree that Grace will be with... "I judgemently scan him, "with you."

His hand's clap as he stretches them out after plopping in the seat next to me, mimicking my own actions,"Listen, mate, I know you're not necessarily excited about my existence and my relationship with Grace, before this and now,"

"Look at that, you're starting to get me, "I sarcastically chirp." I think that's enough progress for one day."

"But, "he continues, "no matter how terrible you think of me,you need to know that I will do anything for Grace, even if that means giving up my life for her, and if you are the 'boyfriend' that you claim to be to her, then you wouldn't need to think twice before doing the same."

The pounding in my head spreads as I try to wrap my head around everything.
It was too much. Grace isn't Grace. She doesn't know who I am and she thinks Niall is me. I need to move out of my apartment, find a place to live, the universe has basically dumped me on behalf of my girlfriend, I have to stop seeing Grace for the most part of my day and I need to pretend to be a whole new person so that Grace might get better.

"I'll do it."

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