Ghost Kisses (Complete)

Chapter 1 : A Grim Picture Painted

"I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the laboratory results are already in...and it's not looking good for Lexi, missus." Doctor Johnson tried to keep his composure while looking at Mrs. Towers' eyes. He could see the pain that registered on her face as soon as she heard about the findings.

Lexi was rushed to the hospital after suffering from intense abdominal pain and vomiting. Prior to that, she was already feeling quite unwell but she didn't really mind it thinking it was some kind of flu that hit her...but it was more serious than what she initially thought.

"Leukemia...Lexi has Acute Myeloid Leukemia." the doctor continued on. "Patients with AML typically survive for only four to six months after diagnosis, even with aggressive chemotherapy...I'm sorry." he finished off with a gentle but fairly audible sigh. 

Mrs. Towers raised her previously bowed head and stared at the doctor for a good five seconds. She couldn't seem to process everything she's hearing right now. She batted her lashes a couple times and slightly shook her head in disbelief. Mr. Towers silently clung to his wife's arms to let her know they're in this together.

"Four to six months doc? That's barely enough for us to process everything! This is unfair! She's just 20 years old for crying out loud!" the missus let out a wail after finally coming to her senses.

"We will do everything in our power to make things easy for her; but we can't promise anything. Again, I'm sorry." 

"Thank you doctor. We appreciate all the help we can get." Mr. Towers threw a slight pat on the back of Doctor Johnson. He then left after a few more instructions.

They stared at Lexi as she peacefully slept on her hospital bed. Mrs. Towers lovingly caressed her hand as tears welled in her eyes. "We love you dearly, Lexi. Hang in there, okay?"

Mr. Towers gently ran his hand on her back to ease her sorrow. "I can't imagine how life is going to be with out her, baby.  She doesn't deserve all these!" He ran his palm across his face in frustration.

The couple silently sobbed while they both gazed at their only daughter's face. She's only 20. Vibrant. The life of the party. Active. Very much alive!

"I don't think I'm ready to discuss this when she wakes up, Honey.  We'll have to talk it over so we can plan out everything.  We will have to soften the effect of the impact on her. We wouldn't want her getting depressed and all that as if this is not enough as it is!" Mrs. Towers, or Evelyn to her friends let the statement out in one blow while she cried.

"I know baby. We'll find the right timing. If there's a need for us to ask assistance from a counselor, we will. Anything baby...anything for Lexi."

The couple sat on the nearby couch within the suite room they've requested for her. Everything seemed too heavy for just one day. Too much to bear when it all started with a simple stomach ache.

Evelyn rested her head on her husband Mike's chest while the latter tightened his embrace. He knows that it will be a long and agonizing ordeal they will all be facing and quite honestly, he is at a loss.

His fleeting thoughts were interrupted when the door opened as the nurse makes her rounds.