I was the one...

Because It Goes On.

Hope just sat by her bed while listening to Lizzie go on about an endless amount of stories about her. How she tried dating twice while she's sleeping but nothing kind of worked because men are pain in the ass and maybe because Lizzie can't find her self to be feeling adequately special. Maybe because her heart doesn't flutter. Maybe because she couldn't get the feelings that she's imagining about in the books that she reads.

Sure Rafael and Sebastian is indeed hot but not that it matters because she and Rafael kind of used each other while Sebastian used her right when she thought she could actually give this boy a chance regardless of the lacking of feelings provided or produced.

Hope has been better compared to earlier. She doesn't stutter much now. Apparently she had woken up earlier this morning and with enough rest, she was able to sit up and move around with some help. She felt as if she had been sleeping for too long and her body ached everywhere. Mostly numb, yet painful. Just sitting alone is making her tired. How is that even possible?

By this time, Lizzie is already wondering why Hope isn't asking about Josie but she decided to keep her thoughts to herself. Thinking that the girl had just woken up and now is probably not the right time to be thinking or talking about it.

"I missed you Lizzie." Hope said out of nowhere, making her freeze while looking at Hope. She felt knots forming inside her stomach but what really bothered her is the heat that she is feeling and her heart that is racing. She thought that it may be natural because her best friend had just woken up from a long sleep so definitely she's happy. Yes, that must be it, she thought.

"How long exactly was I asleep?" Lizzie looked at Hope. Wondering if she should tell her that she's actually sleeping for half a decade.
"Five years and three months, Hope."

Hope sighed but smiled.

"I won't ask you why you haven't called Josie yet, or anyone at all. I heard from my nurse that you come here at least once or twice per week. Josie doesn't." Hope smiled although she is hurting inside. Much more than Lizzie could imagine. "I'm guessing she's moved on? Five god damned long years is too much. We can't help it because it goes on, the world does."
"Well some people can't. I mean, I did. But a huge part of me stayed with you." Lizzie said, making Hope smile.
"And I am forever thankful, or just thankful, forever is a pretty fucked up word."

The two chuckled at Hope's remarks but then they were cut off when the door of Hope's room busted wide open, revealing an already tearing up Hayley with her mascara dripping down.

"Oh my god, Mom. You look awful!" Hope teased and with that, Hayley cried even more louder as she walked towards her daughter, sat beside her on the bed and wrapped her on a hug. Feeling relieved, happy and emotional altogether.

For years, she never gave her daughter up and all the risks and sacrifices are worth it. Hope is finally awake and Hayley couldn't be any happier.

"Does Dad know?" Hope asked.
"Not yet honey, I haven't contacted him yet. He is on a trip to Venice over some art convention with Camille."
"Can you like, not tell him?"
"Why?"
"So that we can go pick him up. Please?"
"Alright. Let's do that." Hayley said before giving her daughter a lasting relieved look. "Have you girls eaten?"
"Hope did. I'll eat later when I get home."

Hope and Hayley turned to Lizzie's direction. "You're not staying the night?" asked Hope while Hayley nodded in agreement to the question.
"Maybe not? So that you two can bond. Besides I'll be back tom—"
"Stay, Liz." Hope kind of pleaded, cutting the girl off.

The moment that she imagine Lizzie leaving, she felt unsecured although Hayley will be here for her. Maybe because of the blonde's warmth that she'll miss once Lizzie leaves.