Love Is In The Air

Lunch With Friends

BETTY POV

I woke up the next morning and prepared myself. My friends and I have lunch every Wednesday. I got my clothes on, put my oxygen tank in my backpack, and made sure to take my meds. I had so many meds to take throughout the day so I can only name a few.

Crizotinib-Take 2 by mouth every morning with water. Take 2 at night with dinner before sleep. This was to try and slow down the growth of the lung tumor.

Gefitinib-Take 1 every morning with breakfast. This was to try and slow down the spread of the Cancer.

AfIatinib-Take 2 take in the afternoon with lunch and water. This was an even stronger medication to try and slow down the Cancer.

I walked out of my room and greeted all of the nurses. I walked to Jughead's room and knocked on the door. He opened it up and I was in shock.

"Where is the oxygen tube?! Did you take your medicine? Did you do a breathing treatment?" I asked. Jughead rolled his eyes and let me into his room.

"Betty, I can go without my oxygen tube for awhile. I did my medication so don't worry, Tracy Flick." Jughead groaned. I scoffed and saw a lot of scattered papers at his desk. I picked them up and started looking threw them. He came over to me and took them away. He shoved them in his desk and sat on his bed.

"I didn't know you liked to write? I enjoy writing as well." I smiled.

"Look, we don't need to be friends. You made that really clear. Why don't you just go back to your family or friends?" Jughead said putting his oxygen tube on.

"Well, you were a douchebag. But then you sent me Hot Dog and I was thinking you'd want him back." I said and reached into my backpack and handed it to him. He smirked and set Hot Dog on his bed.

"Why do you hate me?" He asked.

"I don't hate you."

"Betty, we don't have time for lies. We're gonna die anyways. We're living off of our oxygen tubes and pills."

"Jughead...don't you think I know that? There's less than a 65% chance of survival for me. But don't get me started on your type of Lung Cancer!"

"Let me guess, you made a PowerPoint on that too?" Jughead scoffed. I crossed my arms and nodded. I started to head towards the door but Jughead grabbed my hand.

"Where are you going?" Jughead asked with a little disappointed tone in his voice.

"I'm going to have lunch with my friends...do you want to come with me? It'll be fun. Besides, Toni seems to like you." I sighed.

"Aw, are you jealous? Don't worry, I don't like brunettes. But...it's a yes. I'll radio Nurse Rebecca to bring me my lunch down there." Jughead said. I nodded and walked out the door. I stood outside while he was getting ready. Soon, he was done and we walked to the Cafeteria together.

"How's your G-Tube?" Jughead asked.

"Good. It's still a little sore but it's good. Are you ever gonna show me your stories?"

"Betty, it's embarrassing."

"Why?! I'm sure they're really good! I'll show you some of mine. Also, you should come by later! We can order some food and then watch YouTube or a movie."

"Are you asking me out on a date, Cooper?" Jughead chuckled.

"I rather stop doing my treatments than go on a date with you." I scoffed.

"Ow, that's hurts."

We got to the Cafeteria and I saw all of my friends sitting in a booth. They were all surprised to see Jughead with me but I didn't mind. I liked him being around.

"Look guys, Betty's Mom drooped off food. We have Kale and Carrots, Strawberries and Bananas, Chicken and Corn, or Pomegranate and Steak. Eat up, children." Kevin smiled. We each grabbed one and Jughead helped me attach the tube into my G-Tube. I connected the pouch to my tube and it started. I felt a little funny and chilly. We all joked and talked about drama.

"I'm gonna get my lungs in a few days. I'm gonna be 21-years old before they become bad again. Then I'll be good for another 5-years after that. So, I'm looking at...26-years old at the most. Which is like an eternity for people with CF." Kevin shrugged.

"My brain tumor has grown. It's pretty scary to know that you have less than 6-months to live. But I've survived 3-years with this. My brain is toast." Toni sighed and continued eating her food.

"My lungs are looking a lot better!  It's starting to clear up and they're saying that I'll probably be cured within the next month! I'm a Tuberculosis Survivor!" Veronica exclaimed. We all high-five each other. I looked at Toni and she started to shake and fell out of her seat. She was having a seizure. Doctors ran over to her and quickly put her on a stretcher and put her on heavy-oxygen as she was rushed to the emergency room.

"Is Toni going to be ok?!" I sobbed. The doctors ignored me. I felt my heart sink and I wasn't ready. Those 3 people were my best friends. I knew from the time I was 13-years old, Toni and Kevin weren't going to make it. What's going to happen to Veronica? She's going to be cured of Tuberculosis but her 3 other hospital best friends were going to be gone. Toni has 6-months and is only 16-years old, Kevin has 26-years old, and I have 21-years old. It isn't long enough.

My family was going to be hurt. They still have Polly and Chic, but it's always been a family of 5. I can't die. I'm going to keep fighting. For my family, for my friends, and for myself.