"I'm a friend of hers, just tell me where she is!" an annoyed male voice echoed through the hallways, finding it's way to the waiting area we were sat. I sharpened my ears to what seemed to be an argument between two people in a nearby hallway. Instantly, Julie, Jen and I shot up into a sitting position, gluing our eyes to the source of the noise.
"Calum?" Julie's jaw dropped to the floor as the tall, black haired boy entered, followed by a nurse, who was desperately trying to hold him back.
"Do you know him?" the woman grimaced at us, puzzled. After the three of us nodded in sync, she unwillingly began retreating, all the while glaring at Calum "Fine. You can stay, but I'm keeping my eye on you."
The smug smile on Calum's face lasted a mere couple of seconds, before fading away without a trace "Where is Sam?" he asked shakily, almost afraid of the following answer.
The expressions mirroring over our faces were enough ti drain his already dying hope. Despite him understanding without us having to say a word, Jenna cleared the air by croaking out "Operation."
Calum's shoulders fell forward defeatedly, his puffy eyes becoming glossy for who knows what time in the past couple of days. We rushed to his side, supporting him until we could seat him down on the nearest chair. Desperate to lift his spirits, Julie began an off topic question "How did you get here anyway? Are the other guys here too?"
Calum shook his head slightly "I snuck out of our hotel while they were asleep. I knew they wouldn't let me go otherwise so it was the only way."
"Cal, they could be worried sick by now, did you at least leave a note or something?" Jenna scolded him.
"I did and Luke tried calling but I didn't answer. I only messaged them asking to keep the manager from dragging me back. I need to be here for her and that's that."
Julie and I nodded in understanding, before falling back into the uncomfortable plastic chairs. Now all we could do was wait and pray the operation ends in success. I, however, was still hoping this was just a nightmare.
---
It's barely been half an hour since Sam was wheeled into the operating room, but it feels like ages. It's painfully quiet in here, with the occasional doctor or patient strolling by to snap us away from our thoughts. The silence is unbearable at certain times, yet oddly comforting at others. I didn't know whether to speak up or keep my mouth shut.
A red haired girl, looking to be about my age or a few years younger, tiptoed across the tile flooring in the room, heading from one end of the waiting area to the other. She tried to pass by as unseen, as she was clearly doing her best not to break into tears, but she cought my attention. My eyes landed on her for a mere second before she met my look, her emerald eyes boaring into mine. Just as I was about to look away, thinking she would continue in her tracks, she burst into loud sobs, tears streaming down her face like a river. I jumped up, followed quickly by Jenna. We picked up the weeping girl from where she'd colapsed.
"Are you okay?" I asked concernedly. She nodded fiercly, but her attempts failed after more tears escaped her eyes.
I shot a meaningful glance at Jen and we helped her take a seat next to Calum and Julie, who were just as shocked by what was unfolding in front of them as we were. The girl's face disappeared behind her hands, her whole body was shaking and she was clearly crying. After a few minutes it took for her to calm down, she uncovered her pale face, welcomed by four pairs of eyes staring at her. Her bright, curly, red hair framed her face. Her big, dark green eyes stood out against her snowy white complection. She had thick, long eyelashes and small freckles mottled over her small nose and parts of her cheeks.
"A-are you okay?" Jenna asked awkwardly "You look like something happened."
The girl sank into her chair, appearing frightened and frail. Her bottom lip quivered as she silently sobbed out "I'm okay."
"I'm Jessica." I extended my arm, streching my lips into a comforting smile.
"May." cautiously, she shook my hand and mumbled "Nice to meet you."
I plopped myself down next to her, keeping eye contact when I asked "What's the matter May? Why are you in here crying?"
"I-it's a long s-story. I d-don't want to b-bother you." May choked out her words, fighting back another wave of tears.
"Come on, it's okay. You're not bothering, you can tell us. By the way I'm Julie." Jules took a seat to May's left, placing a hand comfortingly over her shoulder.
May nodded, inhailing a deep breath of air and composing herself "I-My best friend is in here." she stuttered shakily "She got hit by a car."
"Oh my gosh, that's terrible, I'm so sorry." Jenna's eyes were reflecting concern and sympathy. May gripped her knees tightly, her breathing becoming heavier "She was hit on her way home from my house, after we had an argument and it-it's all my fault and-" she began stuttering and choking on her words before breaking into sobs.
Hastily, I wrapped my arms around the shaky girl, pulling her into a warm embrace. Julie covered May's hands with hers, consoling her "No, no, I'm sure it's not you fault, don't think like that. It was all just an accident, it happens."
"May?!" May shot up in her seat, her look falling to the tall woman that just walked in "Mom?!" she gasped, jumping from her chair and running to her mother.
"Amber woke up, she's going to be okay!" the woman exclaimed with joy. May's eyes became glossy, this time with tears of joy, as she followed her mother out of the waiting room.
I fell back into my chair, satisfiedly watching their retreating backs. At least someone got their happy end. Even though I don't know anything other than her name, I was glad May and her best friend were going to be okay. I guess you can say I knew how she felt. Sam was our best friend, and we all did feel guilty about her being here. What if we forced her to a hospital sooner? What if we didn't go on this trip? Most of the times, people live in the past, pondering over what could've been, we all do it. The best thing to do in situations like those, no matter how tough it might be, is to let go of the past and focus on what could be done now.
"Jen?" she hummed in response.
"I need to talk to you." I said under my breath, taking her hand and dragging her away from the waiting room, into the hallway.
"What is it?" she asked confusedly.
I took a deep breath "This whole thing with May and her best friend got me thinking about our friendship."
Jenna furrowed her eyebrows as I continued "Do you remember when we met in eight grade?"
A ghost of a smile traced her lips. She nodded "Yeah, I remember. We were best friends ever since."
"I want us to stay that way." I said honestly, nervously eyeing her reaction.
"Jess, don't be silly. We'll always be best friends." she grinned, wrapping her arms around me.
"Promise?" I murmured, returning the hug.
"Promise." she echoed, bringing a wide smile to my face.
"Jess! Jenna!" we heard Julie yell in panic. Hurriedly, I stumbled back into the waiting room with Jen on my heel. My eyes fell to Sam's doctor and my stomach churned.
"The operation was a success." he started. The glum expression on his face though, said otherwise, giving me an unsettling feeling "However...there was a problem with the sedatives, Sam's life is hanging by a thread. There's a chance of her never waking up."
~~~~~~~
hey guys!
i'm soo sorry for updating late, i had so much to study this weekend :(
on the bright side, there's only 1 month left of school before winter break! and here's a super long chapter to make up for the late update :)
if you're still reading my book please vote and comment your thoughts because i love each and every single one of you and i'd love to know who you guys are! also listen to Monster by Imagine Dragons, i'm obsessed with this song it's so deep!
love you xx
