blue (book one) - h.s. ✔️ watty's 2019

chapter 79

"Thanks for taking me home," I utter quietly, embarrassed as we pull out of the shop.

"I can't believe Harry forgot about me."

After last nights events, I made a promise to myself to be a little lighter on Harry. I've never dealt with anyone who struggles with addiction, but I'm educated enough to understand that it's not as simple as one, two, three. It takes time and love and nurturing. Despite the picture Harry received on his phone of Jax and I, he was surprisingly okay with encountering the revelation again this morning: remembering it all over again. As a matter of fact, he was more guarded of his emotion and reaction to the picture; somehow more understanding without me ever having to defend myself.

I drew him a bath and made him a heavy breakfast before cleaning up the mess he has made. I'm sure he's going to need a feast before he starts to feel better again. I just hate that his solution to everything lies within his addiction; it's sad honestly. After dropping me off, he promised to be here for me when I was done with my work. I didn't bother telling him about Jax. Not because I'm trying to hide my relationship with him, but because the thought of me being with the sandy-haired in that way is still much too fresh on his mind. All he needs to focus on in recovering from his lapse of judgement right now. He can be filled in on everything else later.

"It's no big deal, really. I enjoy your company," he chimes nonchalantly as we drive down the busy road.

I'm more than aware of Jax's, er, um, attraction to me? I think that I've made it extremely clear that I am committed to Harry, despite his small disappearing act today. I think that after last night Jax is more than aware of how I feel about the green-eyed boy. I'm starting to not see him as the guy who has confessed his attraction to me, and it's great. Now, he's a great friend that I'm very happy to have met and hope to continue to know.

"Hey, what do you have planned for tonight?" he questions after a momentary silence.

When I look over he flashes me a kind smile before focusing his attention back on the road. Jax is quite the complex, isn't he? He's nothing like the hard image he pushes off. Like Harry's, his mind is incredible. He's such a huge voice for so many without one. His contributions are endless and premature.

"Nothing really. Thanks to you I've submitted all of my necessary applications. I think Kate and Alex might've had something planned tonight, but I'm unsure," I breathe intrigued to know what he has in mind. He gently eases off of the gas as a stray dog crosses the street. My heart immediately lurches for the aimless animal. The number of homeless, domesticated animals has increased significantly within the past year in Philadelphia. It's a shame, really. Kate and I have already helped so many! It just feels like the epidemic is never ending - among other things.

"Well, if you're not too busy, let's say in the next hour or two, a couple of my buddies at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia are throwing a small celebration for a couple of the kids who've beaten cancer. We'd be happy to have you. These kids are just some of the greatest tiny humans you'll ever meet; it's sad how life always punishes the ones that are good. Anyways, this is a day of joy. I think you'll be very pleased with how incredible these kids are. They're so positive, Park."

He's genuinely such an inspiring human being. I wonder if he's aware of the contrast between his appearance and his contributions. He's breaking so many stereotypes associated with students who look like him. I commend his good will. Hopefully, he's recognized for his hard work and kind nature.

"I'd love to go," I begin warmly.

"Are you sure it won't be weird if I just suddenly show up uninvited?"

"Absolutely not. We actually encourage outsiders to visit in on celebrations like these. It really gives hope to those without it; shows some of the locals what it is exactly that we do behind medical doors and how effective their contributions to the hospital are." 

I've actually never seen something like this take place in real life. My mother's always talking about them, encouraging me to attend one with her. I've just never had the time. Well, until now.

"Plus, it's hard not to fall in love with you. You're an amazing human, Parker," he finishes lightly squeezing my thigh. The action causes me to flinch inwardly though I'm not sure why. I didn't suspect anything else hidden in his honest response. Jax, unlike many of his peers, is a very honest and respectful person. I learned that quickly after getting to know him. I feel bad for misinterpreting his motives towards me.

His words make me color with bashfulness. He removes his hand, smiling lightly at me before switching into the next lane.

"It'll be great."

"IN THIS WING are the young children who are still battling cancer. We normally have to shut down this section early in the night due to how tired a lot of the kids get. Their bodies just don't have the energy to fight the morbid disease and still try to lead a kid-friendly life. It's heartbreaking. The disease not only ages their bodies, but it ages their souls as well. Sometimes they're so without life it's hard to remember that they are children."

I don't know how to respond to this. As we walk through the corridors, opened bedrooms reveal two to three beds at a time with innocent children so still it'd be easy to mistake them for the deceased if you didn't know better. The contract between the children and the room is blatant. Most of their rooms are decorated with very warming decorations strung about and light colors.

"Round here, Park. Hopefully, we're not too late," Jax smiles down at me taking my hand in his. Tugging lightly, he speeds up down the hallway until we stop in front of a door with loud chatter coming from the other side.

"You ready?"

His smile is warm and lovingly as he opens the door. The room is a bright yellow filled with children and families of all backgrounds. There are balloons and streamers and cake and ice cream and candy and cookies everywhere! On the back wall there's a multi-colored banner with the words 'We did it' painted on. As soon as we walk further into the room, we catch the attention of several teary-eyed kind eyes that welcome us quietly.

"We're just about ready to start the celebration. One of the father's of little Bobby would like to make a speech beforehand," a bright-eyed, blonde woman with beautiful eye wrinkles whispers to us before quieting down. All around the floor of the room are children of all shapes and sizes in bright pink t-shirts. They're all sitting criss-cross with their bodies facing an older man at the center of the room. The shirts that, now I notice, everyone's wearing are survivor shirts. There are so many!

"All of these children beat cancer?" I question quietly in awe. I don't know when Jax started crying, but he is. Humming a small response, his eyes never leave a small, fragile boy standing up next to the man about to speak.

"Bobby's been here the longest. Since the day he was born, actually. He's finally beat it, Parker. He did it."