The Girl In The Suit

Anne

I sit in the waiting room with my head in my hands, crying. I can't believe I drove her to this. When we broke up, I was only thinking about how I felt, and I never stopped to think that she was hurting too. Way more than I was. Freddie told us Tasha and Gabrielle were on their way, so we're waiting for them now because after all, Tashas her best friend. If she wasn't taken, I'd say she would be better for Gemma than I was.

I can't get back with her when she wakes up. I can't risk hurting her more and something like this happening again. I'm not good for her. When she wakes, I hope she finds an amazing girl, one who loves her as well as treats her right. She deserves a romance like Tasha and Gabrielle's. I think everyone does, even a selfish prick like me.

They come in through the doors and I lift my head out of my hands. Tashas eyes fall on me and she comes over to me.

"Hey." She sits beside me. "How are you feeling?"

"Besides someone I love on the brink of death? Still pretty shitty."

"Hey, shes going to be ok. We have a fighter here. I think we're all fighters." She looks up at Freddie, Alison and Gemmas parents and to Gabrielle when she says this. "Now, I know you hurt her. And she hurt you. But I screw her over as well. I think we all have. But theres 1 person here who hasn't screwed her over yet, and only loved her every single second of their lives. And that person is Freddie." He looks up at her when she says this.

"You really think that, Tasha?", he says.

"I do. She never stops talking about you when we talk. You mean everything to her. She doesn't love anyone else in the world more than she loves you. I really think you should go into that room and be with her. You too, Anne. I know you guys aren't on good terms, but we'd be lying if we said you guys didn't save each other. Anne, you gave her a home, and a chance, and you gave her freedom, and she took you out of loneliness. Even though you hurt each other, you still love each other. Love is painful as fuck, but it's also the most beautiful thing on earth. Gabby and I weren't always perfect, you know? Now, please, go into that room and be with her because, when she wakes up, you don't want to lose her."

Freddie and I look at each other, realising she's 100% right. I then nod my head and smile, for the first time since we broke up.

"You're right, Tash. Freddie, let's see if we're allowed in." He nods his head as we head towards the door.

"That girl is smart beyond her 13 years.", he whispers to me.

"16, Freddie." I smile up at him. Even at a time like this, hes still a goof. 

"She's 16?! Jesus." I hold in a laugh. "Shes still smart though. I'm nearly 22 and I couldn't say something like that."

"Yeah, we all love Tasha."

We ask a nurse if we're allowed in and she grants us permission. We walk in and we see Gemma tied up to all sorts of things, and its heartbreaking. I grab Freddie's hand as I know he's feeling a thousand times worse than I am. All the memories come flooding back. Our first text messages. Our first kiss. Her bringing me to my first disco and us meeting the girls. Having her in my house everyday. I want it back, but a part of me knows I won't.

We sit on chairs at either side of her, and we take a hand. We look at each other and Freddie wipes away a tear.

"Freddie, it's ok to cry.", I tell him. 

"Big boys don't cry.", he says in a broken voice.