im counting on you

chapter 13

Bethany's POV

Its been 3 months since elvis has been gone but it feels like 3 years . we've been writing letters but he hasn't called

"Gladys "I said I peaked my head in her room she was sleeping I went in all the way and sat on her bed I checked her pulse and it was slow

"Vern get in here quick!"I yelled just seconds later Vernon is sitting with me

"She ain't waking up"I tell him as tears flow from my eyes

"We need to get her to a hospital fast"he says I quickly call the ambulance and they take her to the hospital with Vern and me following behind I see Vern's hands shake as we drive

On the way I call elvis he was shocked he said he'll be there right away

"Gladys don't die on us"I said as we get out we run quickly inside with elvis already waiting in the waiting room

"Oh elvis"I say he gets up and kisses me I grab his hand gently as a ease into Gladys room she looks so sick

"Hi mama"elvis says calmly he let's go of my hand and walks towards her bed she takes his hand

"Look at you my boy"she said placing her hand on his cheek

"Mama you don't look so good"he tells her pulling up a chair

"I don't feel so good either but I'm better now your with me"she says in a weak voice

"I'm glad beth called me as soon as possible"he says she smiles

"She's good to you elvis don't lose her"she told him elvis nodded as he looked at me I walked by Gladys she grabbed my hand with her other one

"I know I'm not gonna make it so beth I want you to take good care of my son"she tells me I shake me head tears flow from my eyes

"Gladys don't say that "I say

But moments later she passes elvis was hysterical I couldn't stop him from crying I had to take him out of the hospital I stroke his hair as he cried on me

"Beth I can't go on"he told me

"elvis don't you say that you know Gladys wouldn't want you to do that" I say he gets up from me he paces back and forth

"How am I suppose to go back into the army without my mama"he tells me

"I'll be here for you elvis"I said I smile small

"I know you will but its not the same without mama "he tells me I hug him and he puts his face  in my hair I hear him cry

Elvis POV

After I went home I had to leave for the army in Germany again but only for 5 months still beth couldn't believe it I told her I'll be fine and she can come and visit me since mama isn't there to keep her company

One day when I got back from my shift I came home and there was a beautiful girl sitting on my couch with my buddy Scott

"Elvis I'd like you to meet someone "Scott said standing up

"This here is Priscilla beaulieu"he said she looked a little bit nervous she kept looking down

"Hi miss I'm elvis Presley but you may already know that"I said to her she looked up into my eyes she smiled small

"Nice to meet you"she said quietly

"How about me and you take a walk?"I suggested she nodded yes I took her arm with mine and we walked outside

"So you a fan of me"I asked her

"Yea I love all your music"she said

"Even gospel"she said I smiled wide not all teenagers like Gospel

"How old are ya if you don't mind me asking?"I asked she looked away from me

"If I told you. You probably wouldnt want to talk with me"she said

"What makes you think that"I ask she shrugged she took a deep breath

"I'm 15"she said my eyes widened

"15 you don't act like it your mature"I said she smiled

"Everyone makes fun of me for that even my siblings"she said i whipped her tears

"I think its swell that a teenager wants to grow up fast you know I was just like you"I tell her she gives me a confused look

"Really?"she say I nod in agreement

"How about we head back?"I say she smiles I grab her hand

"I really wish I didn't have to go so early"she tells me I kiss her cheek

"What if I take you out tomorrow just you and me?"I ask she smiles

"I'd like that elvis thank you"she say

"Anytime I'll pick you up tomorrow night"I say then she walks off I can't help to think what I'm doing to beth but at the same time Priscilla reminds me of mama