Bloodstream ∞ Sprousehart

A night in this bed ∞ 3

It didn't hit me at first. The only thing I really took notice of at first was the fact that I would have to spend the next few nights in hospital. I was admitted as an inpatient and set up in a room. Lili was practically silent, except for the time when she was asking questions. She wrote down everything the doctor said on her phone. When we were finally left alone in my room, I really noticed how stressed out Lili was. 

"Lils, hey. Everything will be okay." I whispered to her. She had tears in her eyes, and I could see how much she was trying to hold them back. 

"I'm just so worried about you." She whispered back.

"I'm in a hospital, I'm in a very safe place. If anything happens there is a nurse or a doctor less than a second away." I said softly, hoping to calm her down. 

"Okay, you're right." She sighed. "But I'm spending every second here with you, every night and every day."

"No you're not." I shook my head.

"Yes, I am Cole." She argued.

"No, Lili you are not. There's no where to sleep." I argued back.

"I don't care, I want to be with you. Especially when you're in a state like this." Lili whined. 

"Okay," I said in defeat. "But at least tonight, can you spend the night at home. I want you to be fully rested. Please?" She nodded. She made a quick trip back to our apartment to grab a few of my things. I was set up with pain medication and the pain subsided slightly. Lili came back in record time. We spent the night eating some weird hospital food whilst researching sickle cell. At 10 I sent her home. Even though I wanted her with me, I wanted to be alone. I wanted to be able to have a moment where I could stress out myself. I managed to go for a walk in the hospital. I tried to find a place where I could be alone. I looked at a map, and decided the roof was the best bet. I took the elevator to the roof, and realised it was a bit cold. I looked out over the roof, and decided I couldn't see anyone. I leaned against a wall surrounding the elevator. I slid down so I was sitting down. This was a chronic disease. I would have this for the rest of my life. I might pass it down to my kids one day. I was so deep in thought I didn't realise that someone else had come come onto the roof. I didn't realise it until they walked into me.

"I'm sorry." A young voice exclaimed. 

"It's okay, it's my fault." I sighed and turned to face the voice. It was a girl of around 13. She had blue eyes and no hair.

"Oh my god. It's, your, oh my god Cole Sprouse!" She squealed. "Can I take a photo?" 

"Sure." I grinned. She pulled out her phone, and we took a picture.

"I actually can't believe I'm meeting you. I'm such a huge fan. Riverdale is such a huge part of my recovery. It's the only thing that makes me happy these days." She was starting to cry. "I love bughead literally more than I love brother. Sorry, I'm probably being annoying."

"No way, not at all. I'm so glad you're a fan. What are you recovering from? If you don't mind me asking." My voice trailed off.

"Just some lung cancer. My mom smoked when she was pregnant with me so that sucks." She muttered. "But what are you doing here?"

"I've been diagnosed with Sickle Cell." I mumbled.

"My best friend has that, it sucks." She said quietly. 

"What's your name?" I asked the girl.

"River." She grinned. "Like Riverdale, that was pretty lucky I guess." River and I both sat down leaning on the wall.

"What are you doing up here?" I asked her.

"I just wanted to be away from all the machines and beeps and nurses. You?" She asked me back.

"I needed a minute to collect myself." I explained to her. We spent quite a lot of time talking. We talked about Riverdale, the hospital, Vancouver, and my relationship with Lili. 

"You know Cole, thank you for talking with me. You made me really happy, happier than I've been in a long time." She grinned.

"How long are you going to be here for?" I asked her. 

"A couple weeks I think." She shrugged.

"How about every night, at around 10:30 at night we sneak out to the roof. And we just sit and chat." I suggested. 

"Sounds good. Thanks Cole." She grinned, and we both went back inside. I honestly felt a lot better talking to her. Yeah she was only 13, but it was nice just talking to someone who was in a similar situation. I went back to my room and I had a bunch of missed calls and texts from Lili.

I love you Cole

You got this

You'll get through

You're strong

And brave

And handsome

and I love you

I texted her back, telling her how lucky I was to have her as a girlfriend. I turned off my phone, turned onto my side and fell asleep.