Guardian

Death & Regrets

"Ashley, sweetheart you need to wake up."My mom stood over me with a worried look on her face and her eyes were watering. I sat up and rubbed my eyes and saw the time.It was 2 am she better have a good explanation.

"Baby, I'm so sorry Andrew he got into an accident he's in the hospital. His mom called me to let you know." It was like the ground hand opened up under my feet, my hands were shaking and my mouth felt dry. My mom took me into her arms and I burst into tears.

Before I could realize what was happening we were standing at the front desk of the hospital. My mom asked for Andrew's room and steered me towards the elevator. She didn't say anything to me instead she rubbed the back of my hand and stared at the doors. This had to be a horrible dream my mind made up because I was mad at him. The elevator doors opened and my mom led me to the room. Mrs. Fairmont was standing outside with fresh tears in her eyes. She gave me a water smile before motioning to the door. Mr. Fairmont stood over Andrew and nodded when he saw me.

"The doctors say he only has a little time left" A little time left. Mr. Fairmont kept talking but It was like I couldn't hear him. I felt detached in another dimension but not on Earth not looking at my dying best friend. I desperately wanted this to be a bad joke or maybe a really shitty dream. I felt a hand on my shoulder and was brought back to reality. I watched as everyone left the room leaving me and Andrew alone.

"So are you going to just stand and cry? I mean I know I'm about to die but good God I'm not dead yet women." I laughed and wiped my eyes. He grabbed my hand winced. His thumb rubbed circles into my hand.

"Ashy," I wrinkled my nose. "I'm sorry, you wanted to go to art school as long as I can remember and I knew you had to leave me behind." I shook my head. I could feel my throat closing up and tears burning my ears. He winced then closed his eyes. He breathed sharp and quick. He opened his eyes again and studied my face.

"Hey, Ashy I love you you know that right?" I nodded and he smiled sadly before closing his eyes again. His hand went limp in mine. Frozen in place I could feel chaos around me, my hands shaking. My mom's arms envelope into her warmth. It was really over, he was really gone, never coming back.

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We were sitting in Andrew's house my mom consoling Mrs. Fairmont. I couldn't stay there. I had to get out. While everyone one was distracted I left and walked to Andrew's room. My hand stopped just before turning the doorknob. Everything was like I remembered he had the painting I made of some football player next to his team posters. I sat down on his bed and I stared at the painting.

" Well that was interesting, pretty sure I was dead. I even saw the Big Guy." I froze and stared at what had just materialized in front of me. Andrew ran his hands through his hair and looked around.

"No.no you shouldn't be here I watched you die. That's it I finally lost it. I'm hallucinating."

"I'm offended that you would even say that wow I think I'm crying." He scoffed dramatically. I raised my hand to slap him and he flinched as my hand came down. It passed through him and Andrew broke into a grin. I sat back down on his bed and put my head in my hands .

"Ha I just Caspered your ass. The look on your face though gold pure gold." I looked back at him. He was dead, he is dead so why was he here?

"No, I'm not a ghost. I'm more of a spiritual guide and what not" The door creaked open and Mrs. Fairmont  stood with a worried expression.

"Ashley, who are you talking to?" She asked tentatively as if I were a crazy person talking to the voices in my head.

" I just feel like Andrews presence is here right now so just speaking out hoping he's listening." She looked me with watery eyes before giving a thin smile and leaving. I huffed out and fell back onto the bed. 

"Like he's right here next to me, I still feel his presence. Can you get any more pathetic?" he asked.

" I don't know can you be anymore dead?" He rolled his eyes and ran his hands through his hair. I stared at him trying to figure out how the hell we got into this mess. Giving up I walked over to him and crossed my arms.

"So Spiritual Adviser , how do we fix this mess?"