Forbidden {L.S.}

Fifty-Seven

“Mom wants you to get rest before you go see her,” Fizzy said when we got in the car. “But I already know you’re gonna argue, so we’re going to the hospital.”

    Louis looked relieved that he didn’t have to fight that battle. His leg wouldn’t stop bouncing and he looked anxious. I rubbed his thigh, wanting to calm him down, but knowing nothing truly could.

    It took less than ten minutes to get there and Fizzy lead us to her room quickly. Louis let go of my hand as soon as we got to the room and moved to her empty bedside. It was late, so I’m  assuming everyone else was at home sleeping, which was what I had hoped they were doing.

    I walked in behind him, standing next to the chair Louis was sitting in as silent tears streamed down his face. Johannah was sleeping, her heart rate monitor being the only noisy thing in the room. Louis grabbed her hand and brought it to his lips, leaving a soft kiss.

    The movement seemed to be enough to wake her. She slowly opened her eyes and looked at Louis, a smile spreading over her features. Louis tried to reciprocate, rubbing the tears from his eyes. “Hi, Mom,” he said softly.

    “I thought you’d be here tomorrow,” she replied. “Oh, I’ve missed you.” 

    “We wanted to see you as soon as possible,” Louis said, looking over at me. I nodded and smiled, crouching down besides the bed.

    “Hi, Harry,” she welcomed warmly. I put my hand on her arm, smiling back at her. “I’m so glad you two met, you know that?”

    I nodded my head. “Yeah, I’m really glad we met too,” I whispered, loud enough for her to hear. “I wouldn’t trade him for anything in the world.”

    “That’s good to hear.” She returned her attention to Louis. “He’s a keeper.”

    “He is,” Louis agreed, smiling at me. 

    “Now that we all agree on that,” Johannah said with a small smile, “I know that you two didn’t meet all that long ago, but I also know that you two will make it through thick and thin, no matter what.”

    “Mom,” Louis said weakly, but she shook her head and kept talking.

    “I would be more than happy if you two ever chose to get married. I know you can’t right now, but if later you wanted to, just know that I would always agree.” Tears sprang to my eyes and I looked at Louis, who was looking down at the ground.  “You two are beautiful and amazing together. That, that is hard to find.”

    “Mom,” Louis cried weakly again. “I love you, and I appreciate everything you do for me, the girls-”

    “I don’t need some long speech, Louis. I know. I know because you’ve proven that to me. I love you too, and I always will. And Harry,” she said, looking to me. I moved a bit closer to the bed and she smiled. “I love you, too. Thank you for joining our family.”

    “Of course,” I responded, smiling through the tears. “I’m glad I got to be apart of it.”

    She smiled, then let her eyes fall closed. “You’re both angels that were destined to meet.”

    I smiled, but that fell as soon as the monitor stopped beeping. “Mom,” Louis said, like she had just fallen asleep. “Mom,” he said more urgently.

    “Lou,” I whispered softly, but he shook his head.

    “Mom, no, Mom.” I stood up and grabbed him, pulling him back with me as the doctor came in. “Mom.”