Waiting for You

Chapter Five

As I sped to the hospital after school, for once, Rose wasn't on my mind.

Eric was. He was gorgeous. And, after school ended, he bought me a green tea frappe. His number was written on the cup. I couldn't stop thinking about him. His face. His eyes. His smell when he hugged me. Yet, I felt like I was betraying Rose by obsessing over Eric and making plans to hang out with Carla later. I missed her. So, so much.

I pulled into the parking lot and parked my car. I felt super nervous as I took the elevator up to Rose's room. My mom greeted me but her face looked grim and worried.

"Lily, I have to talk to you," she said.

We walked into a quiet hallway and she started speaking.

"Lily, Rose isn't responding to the treatment. We're taking her off life support in about five minutes. Your father is already here."

I couldn't find the words to answer her.

Oh no.

Oh no.

Oh no.

Omigod.

Omigod.

Omigod!

Tears in my eyes, I walked into Rose's room. I knelt beside her and held her hand just a the same nurse in Kermit the Frog scrubs walked in. The tear clouded my eyes and spilled down my cheeks.

"It's time."

"Can I sing her a song first, please?" I was begging her.

"Fine, but make it quick," she replied, sounding annoyed.

"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy when skies are grey," I stroked Rose's hand.

"You'll never know dear, how much I love you, so please don't take my sunshine away," I finished, and I realized that her had was wet from my tears.

"Ready?" the nurse asked.

I slowly nodded my head.

She walked to the wall and started to flip switches.

I rested my head on Rose's hand.

And then I felt it.

A small twitch.

It wasn't me.

It was Rose.