Pill Popper {Book One}

Pill Popper { Nineteen }

{Chapter Nineteen}

Mikey

      I'VE LOST COUNT on how long Sam's been in a coma. It feels like years, but I know its only been a little over a week. Her doctors have given me no new information on her progress, or if she has even made any. Every day it's the same explanation and the same answer. 

      "We have done all we can do at this point." They say. "The waking up part is all up to her."

      I hate to say it, but I am starting to lose hope. If she was going to wake up, wouldn't she have done so already? What is taking her so long?

      I sigh and shake my head, trying to quit thinking like that. I just need to be more patient. I just need to give her more time. There's no way she is really gone. There is just no way. "Sammy Bear," I say quietly. "You need to listen to me. Alright? I need you to try and wake up soon. I'm really starting to go crazy."

      Ever since Sammy was admitted to the hospital, I haven't left her side. Hell, I haven't even been outside. I'm sure that if it weren't for the compassionate nurses, I wouldn't have eaten either.

      "I know that things have been really bad for you recently. I know you may not even want to wake up... I don't really say that I blame you." My voice began to shake. I stopped, and took a deep breath in and out in an attempt to keep my composure before continuing. "But I promise you, Sammy Bear, that I will make sure things get better. Things will get better for you. Things always get better. But you'll never know if you don't come back..."

      I stare at her face. The bruises on her cheek and eye have started heeling pretty well, and they had removed the breathing tube from her throat, which was a good sign. However, her skin still held its pale complexion, paler than her normal porcelain tone. The tone that would go so well with her light blue eyes; eyes that I haven't seen in awhile. 

      I let out another sigh and rubbed a tired hand across my face. Even though it was 12:36 in the afternoon, I was exhausted. It seemed as though I was always exhausted. I guess that's what being in a hospital does to someone.

      Pulling out my cell phone. I checked to see if I had any missed calls from work. Of course they were understanding when they found out what was going on, but I was unsure of how long they were going to give me to have paid leave. I don't even think I could manage to go back to work. Not until she comes home.

      I had no missed messages or calls, but my stomach sank when my eyes trailed across the top of the screen. Right underneath the time was the date.

      How could it be? Had she really been out this long?

      The date stared back at me, taunting me. It completely devastated me, but I couldn't show it. I wouldn't let myself.

January 12, 2012  

      "Fuck." I breathed. Even though my hands were shaking, I shoved my phone into my back pocket. I didn't want to look at it anymore today. 

      Even though I felt as if I was going to completely lose it, I smiled through my tears. Today was a good day. It's always been a good day. "Well Sammy Bear, looks like today you turn seventeen." I squeezed her hand tightly. "Happy birthday."  

      Then I lost it.

      Crying had been a very common emotion that I had felt very recently. I used to pride myself on how strong I was. I had to be. After my parents died I had to be strong for my sister. She was the only reason I had survived their death because I had to live for her. Everything I did was for her. But now? She wasn't here anymore, and I couldn't find the strength to be strong without her.

      Sobs racked through my body. I'm sure that the doctors and nurses and other patients outside could hear me, but I couldn't stop. I just sat there and cried because my sister was gone. and I didn't think she was going to come back to me.

      Until I felt her squeeze my hand.

     I didn't notice it at first. But when she did it again, I looked down and saw her beautiful baby blues looking back up at me.

      "Mikey?" Her voice was very weak, but it was a sound that I had longed to hear.

      "Sam?" I stammered. "Oh my God, Sam-"

      "Mikey," She said again, "why are you crying?"

      I began to laugh even though the tears were still streaming down my face. "Sammy," I breathed as I brought her hand to my face. "you're awake, you're back."

      I watched as she curved her pale pink lips into a small smile. "I'm back."

~*~

Zane

      I couldn't keep my eyes open. I didn't get much sleep last night, and school was going by so slow. Even though it was last period, each passing minute felt like an hour. It was English class, and we were silently reading some stupid book written by some old dead guy. I couldn't focus on the reading even if I wanted to. The clock held my attention, as I kept eyeing it to see if it was time to leave. I also kept glancing down at my phone, trying to see if I had received a text from Mikey. So far I've got nothing. 

      I let out a sigh as I leaned back in my chair, holding my book at arms length. I was annoyed that I was stuck here for another 45 minutes. I was getting a little anxious. I hadn't seen Sam since yesterday afternoon. It was nearly killing me to be away from her.

      I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket and I knew it was Mikey. My heart rate quickened and my stomach sank as I closed the book and walked right out of the class room, ignoring the stares I received some my class mates and my teacher. Once I was in the hall, I answered.

      "Hello?" My heart was pounding so hard I thought it'd burst right through my chest.  

      "Zane," He sounded breathless. "She's awake."

     "She's.... she's awake?"  

      "Yes. She just woke up about twenty minutes ago."   

      I swallowed the lump in my throat. "Shes okay?"  

      "She's fine." Even though I couldn't see him, I knew he was smiling wide. "Shes perfectly fine."