A Harsh Reality | ✓

Chapter 35

Noah

I wrapped my arm around Mandy's shoulder as she sighed. We were in the hospital's waiting room, both looking at the white door across the hallway. Zoey was in there with her doctor, who was about to determine whether she was okay or still sick.

I was nervous as fuck, changing positions every two moments and looking around worriedly. Then, Amanda placed her hand on my shaking leg.

"Everything's going to be great, calm down," she said, but I knew she was only saying that to make me feel better. Minutes later, she had placed her head on my shoulder and fallen asleep. I didn't blame her, we had been in here for hours, and the sun was about to rise.

At about 3 am, Zoey had had a coughing attack, making me bring her to the hospital right away. She was supposed to have her surgery in a few weeks, but her doctor told me, as soon as I rushed her in, that they couldn't take risks by waiting for the surgery. They had to do it now.

Zoey had gone into surgery an hour after we arrived, making me call Mandy for support. She had made her brother drive all the way to the hospital because of me. I processed once more the information Zoey's doctor had told us a few hours ago. They would be doing a lobectomy, removing an entire lobe of my little sister's right lung, and it would take approximately two to three hours.

Amanda shifted positions in her sleep, making me look down at her as she breathed. She looked peaceful while sleeping, her chest rising and falling slowly. Out of a sudden impulse, I removed a loose strand of hair from her face and sighed, looking back at the white door across us.

I stared at it for a long time, probably hours, until a doctor called for me. I woke up Mandy as softly as I could and asked her to wait for me. She nodded sleepily, and it took all of my willpower not to kiss her right there. I was now sitting in front of a serious-looking doctor, waiting for news.

"I'm happy to tell you that the lobectomy was successful," he stated rapidly, making me sigh in relief, "Zoey is now resting from the surgery, but you may go and see her in a few hours." The tiredness and nerves I had had just a few moments ago had disappeared, leaving me in a state of pure exhilaration and euphoria.

"Oh, God!" I exclaimed, "How long will it take her to recover?"

"About two to four weeks, but it will probably take her two weeks," he explained, "She is in great health, and her lungs are healthy as well." I stood up and shook his hand.

"Thank you, doctor," I said, "Thank you."

*&*

After Zoey's doctor had told me everything I had to have in mind for Zoey's recovery and care, I went back out into the waiting room. Mandy was sitting looking at a magazine, but as soon as she saw me, she stood up instantly, leaving the booklet on the small coffee table next to the seats.

I walked over to her and hugged her, wrapping my arms around her in a swift move. I even lifted her up a bit before separating from her.

"She's fine, Mandy," I told her, "She's cured!"

"Oh, thank God!" she sighed, smiling at me, her dimples forming sharply on her cheeks. She hugged me again as I repeated what the doctor had just told me. "This is incredible!"

"I know, I actually can't believe it," I stated. My eyes locked on hers, and I stared.

"What?" she asked, smiling. I hugged her again, resting my head on top of hers and breathing in her scent.

"Thank you," I said into her hair, "Thank you for being here."

"Of course," she replied. I got the urge to kiss her forehead, and soon enough, I had done precisely that.

We waited in the hospital for three more hours before we were allowed to see Zoey. The doctor led us down a long corridor and stopped right in front of a closed, wooden door.

"She has been asking for you ever since she woke up," he chuckled, "We already told her the news, and she is very pleased, of course."

He pushed open the door and in we went. I was holding Mandy's hand nervously as we paced slowly. The view of Zoey, smiling and sitting in her bed, made an immense wave of relief wash over me. I stopped dead in my tracks and let go of Amanda.

Her dark hair was tied back in a ponytail, and her blue eyes were shining. When she caught my gaze, she beamed.

"Noah!" she exclaimed and extended her arms. I walked quickly to her side and put my arms around her, embracing her in a tight hug. The doctor excused himself and left us alone, promising he would be back to talk about a few things about Zoey's current health.

"I'm so glad you are okay," I muttered, "You got me really worried."

"I know," she groaned, rolling her eyes, "But I'm cured, Noah! That's what matters."

"I know that, Zoey," I replied and hugged her again. When I pulled away, her eyes were looking at something behind me. I turned around and understood why. Mandy was staring at us with a look of pure happiness, her hand was over her mouth as she smiled behind it.

"I'm sorry," she laughed embarrassed and wiped her fingers under her red eyes, "I hate it when I'm emotional." Zoey extended her arms at her, and Amanda walked gently to the bed. She sat down and hugged my sister.

"I'm so happy for you," she said, a tear streamed down her cheek.

"Thank you for being here," Zoey replied.

After a few more moments of hugging, the doctor came back, and Mandy left the room so we could talk. When he finished explaining everything, I told Zoey I was going out to check on Amanda. She nodded happily and smiled. Seeing Zoey so happy made me hopeful. Hopeful for her quick recovery and no relapse from lung cancer.

Mandy was sitting in a chair outside the room, so I sat down beside her. She still had red eyes from crying as I wrapped my arm around her shoulders, trying to comfort her.

"I'm sorry for crying," she repeated her apology, "It's just that- seeing you two hug like that triggered me. It was such an innocent and genuine, happy moment."

"You don't need to apologize for crying," I said, "You know that." She suddenly buried her face in my shoulder and placed her arms around me.

"Wha-"

"Just hold me," Mandy interrupted me, and I did.

I held her in my arms with a gentleness I didn't even know I had. I was taken aback by how much had changed since that first day of school, the day I met her. I remember thinking about how she looked powerful and wouldn't be taking shit from anyone. Her hidden part of herself, the broken one, was what surprised me the most. Holding her like this was like a dream, holding her in a vulnerable moment was warming yet bitter.

I caressed her hair slowly as I whispered words of comfort in her ear. Her tears dried, and before I knew it, she had tilted her head upwards and planted a kiss on my mouth. We stayed like that afterward, our arms wrapped around each other as we breathed in the silence.

*&*

Long time no see! I'm sorry for the short chapter, but I'm back! I'll try to get back to a regular schedule soon. Don't forget to vote!