With Every Sin

Chapter Thirteen

*Andy's POV*
It's been a month since Emberly left. I did as she requested and haven't tried to contact or find her. I've thrown myself into my work. I even started taking some cooking classes. My heart is still broken over her but it's getting better. I know I'll always love her, though.

Right now, I'm wandering through the grocery store, on a mission to find the ingredients I need for tonight's meal. The heat inside the store is a nice change from the mid October chill that's present outside. I round the corner to the fresh produce and stop in my tracks. Emberly is by the fruit, her back to me. I quickly hide behind the corner and watch her. I'm shocked to see that she's now skin and bones. Even through her clothes I can see that she's lost a lot of weight. Something about her hair is different. I can't tell for sure what because she's wearing a beanie as well. She's pale and looks extremely sick. I'm consuming with shock and worry. I abandon the idea of getting food and leave as quickly as I can, jumping in my car to escape the cold. I turn it on and sit there, allowing the heat to fill the small space. I reverse and head straight to the hospital. I'm speeding, my mind is racing.

I screech to a stop in my parking spot and turn the engine off. I race inside and head up to the ward. Dr. Purdy is in his office. I barge in without knocking, anger consuming me.

"What. The. Hell. Is. Wrong. With. Emberly?" I bellow. He looks up from his paperwork, his face sad.

"Andy, you know I can't tell you." He replies.

"I saw her at the store. She's a fucking skeleton! What is going on?!" Tears a flowing down my face.

"She'll have to tell you. I can't. I'm sorry." He says forcefully.

"Does she have an autoimmune disease? Is that it? Does she have an eating disorder? I know you know. Please, you have to tell me something."

"All I can tell you is that she's getting the help she needs." He sighs. I nod numbly, the fight has gone out of me. I trudge back to my car and head home.

I sit on the couch, staring at the blank tv. I have an idea. I grab my phone and call CC's number. I'm shocked when he answers.

"Dr. Biersack. What can I do for you?" He sounds tired. I hear a small voice in the background asking what I want.

"Let me talk to her." I beg. "If you do, I swear I'll never bother either of you again." CC sighs. I hear a muffled conversation but I can't make out what is said.

"Fine. But make it fast." I hear the sounds of the phone changing hands.

"Andy. What can I do for you?" Oh my god. Her voice is so...weak.

"Em." I gasp. "What happened to you?" I feel tears pricking the corners of my eyes.

"Nothing. I'm fine." She replies with my three least favorite words. Anger spikes in my chest.

"Goddammit Emberly! Just tell me what the fuck is going on with you!" I scream. I gasp when I realize what I've done. "I-I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to yell at you." I whimper.

"It's ok Andy. I am fine though. Healthy as a horse." She attempts to joke.

"Bullshit. I saw you at the store." I admit. There's a long pause.

"I have to go. Take care of yourself." She whispers. The line goes dead. I'm left with more questions and no answers. I want to scream.

I end up sleeping on the couch that night. I've been doing that a lot lately. It still hurts to sleep in the bed I shared with her. I wake up feeling a little better. I decide to call CC to apologize. I dial his number and wait. The line picks up but I'm met with a robotic voice.

"The number you are trying to reach is no longer in service. Please hang up and try again." The monotone female voice instructs. I hang up the phone and rest my head in my hands. Now I can't even reach them. I sigh and stand, making my way to the bathroom. I shower and and change into my scrubs and tennis shoes. I throw on a Taper-Eden pull over and head into the living room. I grab my stethoscope and wallet off the counter. My keys are hanging by the door. I grab them as well and head down to the parking garage. Emberly's Jeep still sits vacant in its spot. I couldn't bring myself to get rid of it, so it sits abandoned. I slam my door shut and start the engine. I pull out of my spot and head towards the hospital.

*Emberly's POV*
I'm checking in for my weekly round of chemo and radiation, as well as scans and blood work. The kind faced nurse sits me in a wheel chair. I don't have my wig on today, but I do have a pink beanie on. My face is swollen and I don't look much like myself.

As the nurse is wheeling me through the lobby, Andy rushes in. I drop my head, ignoring my racing heart. He doesn't even notice me. I let out the breath I was holding once he disappears. I'm taken to my usual treatment room. I change into the ugly gown and lay on the bed. The nurse starts the treatment through the port implanted on my chest. I lie my head black and close my eyes. Soon there's a knock on the door. It's CC.

"Hey dork!" I greet him. He grins and takes his usual seat next to me.

"How are you feeling?" He's curious.

"They just started it so I'm fine right now." I grin. We chat for a while until the nausea hits me. CC holds the bucket under my chin while my stomach vacates it's contents. It's mostly liquids since I struggle with solid foods. Once the vomiting stops, he brings me a cool, damp paper towel from the bathroom, laying it on my forehead. I smile gratefully.

"You're the best." I inform him. He just grins.

"I know." He snarks, laughing. I can't help but join him. CC has kept me smiling through all of my treatments. He's continued to give me hope.

I'm not hoping to be cured, but I am hoping to at least die painlessly and quick. That's not too much to ask. Is it?

A/N: Picture is of Emberly in the hospital for her treatment.
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