If I Die Young

04

"It's about who you miss at 2 pm in the afternoon when you're busy, not 2 am in the morning when you're lonely."

Felicity's POV:

I woke up coughing harshly and shivered.

Nurse Jackie came in and checked my forehead before taking my temperature. "You've got a cold, missy. You know what that means."

I sighed. "I'm cooped up here until I get better."

"Exactly. I'm gonna give you something to make you feel better."

"Appreciate it. Can you dim the lights and quiet the fan?"

"Sure. Get some rest, Felicity. I'll come check on you in a little while."

"Mm-k."

I closed my eyes, trying to sleep. It was proving difficult; especially having to cough every so often.

I started counting down the days to the Make-A-Wish thing. I hoped I'd be well enough to go.

A couple hours later, Jackie came back into my room and asked softly, "How are you feeling, Felicity?"

I moaned, as it hurt too much to talk. Jackie put a cloth to my head and cranked up my oxygen to help.

Sleeping was rough. I barely managed two hours, which was next to nothing.

It took a week of getting over my illness to finally feel better. Colby had texted me repeatedly, and I'd responded to some of them, when I felt well enough and wasn't sleeping.

A couple weeks later, I was feeling better. Better enough that Jackie let Colby visit.

He rushed into my hospital room. "Lissy! You were sick! How are you feeling?"

I smiled. "Good. It was rough for awhile, but I'm finally feeling better."

"I'm glad. Listen. I did some thinking while I couldn't see you, and I know we've only know each other a couple of months, but would you, uh, would you like to be my girlfriend?"

I looked at him. "Not yet. We should get to know each other better."

He kissed me suddenly and I pulled my head back. "While that was nice, what was that?"

Colby looked at me, curiosity and panic swimming in his eyes. "Oh, God. Was that your first?"

"Uh, yeah."

"I'm so sorry."

I smiled lightly. "It's all right. Um, I know you're a famous YouTuber and all, but I don't want to be on camera yet as your new friend, possible crush."

He nodded. "'Course. I wouldn't call myself a famous YouTuber. But, sure. You let me know when you want to make it official.

I thought for a moment and agreed. "Sure. I'll tell you when I'm ready."

"Yeah. Can I kiss you again?" I nodded and he kissed me a second time. "Uh, when do you go to Disney World?"

"In a couple months."

"In a couple--wow. So it's really coming up kind of soon."

"When is your birthday?"

"Random question, but it's September 21st."

He smiled and I frowned. "What?"

"That's just after Kat's birthday. Sam's girlfriend."

"Interesting. Nothing big for birthdays, by the way."

"I can promise nothing big for this birthday, but not for others. Maybe I'll get you something from Japan."

I smiled. "I'd like that."

"Consider it done, Lissy."

"Stay safe, okay?"

"Yeah. I'm gonna miss you."

"You can FaceTime and call me, okay? And I'll try to do the same, health willing. Hopefully I don't get another cold."

"Yeah, please don't. That was scary."

"Scary for you, even scarier for me and my parents. They know I'm okay, by the way."

"I'm glad. I was worried."

"Your texts proved that. How long are you going to be in Japan?"

"About a week, but I'll send you pictures and all."

He waved me goodbye and left the room.

I smiled to myself, touching my lips.

Mom walked in, looking at me. "Why are you smiling?"

"Colby kissed me!"

She met my eyes. "Was that okay?"

"Was what okay?" Dad wondered.

Mom turned to Dad. "Colby kissed her."

Dad's face turned serious. "If he hurts you--"

I shook my head. "Dad, I don't think he will. He doesn't seem like that type of guy. And we're not even together. At least, not yet."

Dad just shrugged and went off to get some coffee.

Mom stayed in the room with me and we watched some movies and talked about random things.