after Augustus

Chapter 12

I did. I really did love him. It was weird. Was it OK to like him, let alone love him? What was this? i wouldn't technically call it dating, not yet. How have i moved on? Let me rephrase that. How have i accepted the fact he is gone? That, I don't know quite yet. I guess there really is nothing i can do but miss him with all my heart. I'm sure this is what he would have wanted.

I was just last week released from the hospital. My medicine intake has decreased and therefore the doctors want my activity to increase. I'm not so sure what to think of this. My mom calls me to get into the car. And before I know it, were driving away to the hospital for a meeting with Doctor Maria. I sit in the back seat of the car as my parents argue about something from the front of the car. They whisper in hushed tones, obviously trying to keep something from me. What else is new? I listen in more closely to get an idea of what their talking about. All I'm able to hear as we pull into the parking lot is my dad say this.

"Physical therapy is a great way for Hazel to stay engaged mentally and physically."

"I disagree. Hazel is not ready for this. I know her and I know her well enough to say that this is all transitioning way to quickly. The doctors need to at least let her get used to new medications!"

"Lets just go in and see what Doctor Maria says."

And that's exactly what we did.

Doctor Maria kept rambling on I began to block out the contradiction against opposing sides of the matter. What I meant by ignoring was me 5 seconds deep into a nap that could have lasted a life time until this happened.

My mother stood up from the table and the sound of the chair screeching against the floor jolted me awake.

"Just a week ago! Let me repeat! A week ago she was released from the hospital! She needs to at least be used to such a change! One suggestion, Doc! Why don't you ask Hazel what she thinks! It is her body you know! You do not know what she is and isn't ready for! Maybe you should start BY ASKING HER!"

There was a brief period of silence. It was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Until one of the other doctors spoke up.

"Hazel, What are your thoughts?"

As soon as this was said my outraged mother pulled her chair over and stared at me anxious to hear what I had to say. Oh, that reminds me. What was I going to say?

So I took a deep breath and said this

"I think you are both right. Maybe we could start physical therapy and see how it goes. If it goes bad then we stop if not, we continue."

My mother stared at me intently as my dad sat back, probably embarrassed by how she had reacted. Now that I think about it, I have never seen my mother get so worked up about something like that. To break the awkward silence, Doctor Maria finally spoke up after being in shock.

"Hazel seems to know best. It is a compromise for both sides of the opposing partys. If that is okay with you guys, It would be best to start scheduling Physical Therapy dates now."

They sat there going through calenders and scheduals trying to figure out the best time for me to go. They tell me that I will be assigned a trainer and that the purpose is to gain strength again to pervent things similar to what happened last week.

The meeting came to an end and we all headed out to the car. As we walked in the parking lot, its almost like we walked the walk of shame. Nobody said a word. I looked down at the ground as I carried along my oxygen tank. I got in the back seat of the car. My mother finally spoke up and apologized as we were half way home. I accepted as so did my father.

After the 30 minute drive home I noticed, Someone was there. It was Grayson.

Surprise. Surprise.