𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀𝐅𝐓𝐄𝐑

Chapter 9

Two Days Later.

Kairi stared at the toast in front of him, he didn't have any appetite and he just wanted to get to the hospital to be with his mother. Nothing had changed in the past few days but Kairi still felt the need to be at the hospital with his mother. Mattia's parents had come home and were determined to take care of Kairi but he just wanted space.

M: Are you going to eat?

K: I'm not hungry.

Mattia sighed and then cleared Kairi's uneaten breakfast.

MM: Do you want me or your father to come?

M: It's ok mom, we'll be ok.

Mattia's mom nodded and the two kids piled into the car and drove silently to the hospital. When they entered Rita's hospital room the doctor was already there.

Doctor: Ah, Good morning Mr. Cosentino, I'm so glad you're here.

K: Did anything change.

Doctor: I don't want to get your hopes up but we have a donor who's heart is a match for your mother.

Kairi was speechless.

Doctor: She is very weak right now, but we are going to wake her up from the coma and then we will do the surgery this afternoon.

K: O-ok

Doctor: Just remember Kairi that we still have to be cautious.

Kairi nodded still shocked that this could finally be the solution. Kairi turned to Mattia, a small smile on his face. Mattia was grinning.

M: See, I told you, she'll beat the odds.

Kairi walked to Mattia who engulfed him in a tight hug.

K: She's going to be ok.

Kairi went to his mother's other side as the doctor did his work and started to wake her up from the coma.

Doctor: She should wake up any second now, I'll be just outside if you need anything.

Kairi nodded without taking his eyes off of his mother. The doctor left and a few minutes later Ichika's eyes started to flutter open.

KM: Wh-What happened?

K: It's ok Haha, you're ok.

Kairi's voice was hoarse from all of the crying he had been doing the past few days and he had fresh tears in his eyes as he finally spoke to his mother after what felt like forever.

KM: Kairi, what happened? Why are you upset?

Kairi explained the situation as calmly as possible, a few tears spilling out of his eyes. When he was done his mother looked shocked.

KM: Oh Kairi, I'm so sorry.

K: It's ok mama, they have a new heart for you, they're gonna do the surgery today.

Kairi's mom gave Kairi a small smile before looking up at Mattia. Her eyes widened as she remembered the conversation she had with her son a few days ago. She looked back at Kairi with a curious expression.

KM: Mattia? Could you please go and get Kairi something to eat, he looks very pale.

Kairi started to protest but was instantly quiet when his mother shot him a look.

M: Of course, I'll be right back ba-

Mattia awkwardly coughed as he almost called Kairi a pet name in front of his mother.

M: -Kairi. uhh, I'll be back Kai.

Mattia left and as the door shut behind them Kairi's mom started talking.

KM: So, Mattia's here?

K: Yeah, I have been staying with him and his family because I'm not allowed to live alone. He's been so great mom, driving us to the hospital every day.

KM: Good, I'm glad that you will have a place to go after...

K: What do you mean mom? After your surgery, we'll all go home.

KM: Kairi, you know that the odds of me surviving that surgery are very low.

K: Yeah, but you'll beat the odds mom, I know you will.

KM: Listen to me Kairi. If I don't make it I-

K: Don't say that haha.

KM: Listen Kairi!

Kairi stopped protesting as he saw tears in his mother's eyes.

KM: If I don't make it, you-you need to take care of yourself ok? Remember everything I've taught you. Stay with Mattia, he's good for you, I can see how much he cares about you. You'll be ok Kairi. Just promise me that you won't give up. No matter what, always keep fighting ok. I'll always be right beside you. Promise me you won't give up.

Kairi felt hot tears hitting his cheeks as he clutched his mother's hand.

K: Haha, I-

KM: Promise me Kairi!

K: I promise mama. I promise.

KM: Good.

Mattia came back into the room, holding a small salad. Kairi's mom wiped her eyes and put on her best smile.

KM: Good, now eat that up Kairi, you're too skinny.

Mattia sat in the corner of the room, allowing the two to have as much family time as possible before Ichika's surgery. The two of them talked about a lot of things, sharing memories, talking about what they were going to do in the future. Mattia stayed quiet in the corner before Ichika called his name and he quickly scurried up.

KM: Mattia, please thank your family for me, I appreciate you looking after my baby.

M: Of course, Ms. Cosentino. Kairi will always be able to stay with me.

KM: That's good.

Mattia offered her his best smile which she gladly returned. All of a sudden there was a soft knock at the door and the room got quiet. The doctor came into the room with several nurses.

Doctor: Hello Ms. Cosentino. It's time for your surgery if you are ready.

Kairi's mom looked at Kairi's face and offered his hands a small squeeze.

K: Yes, I'm ready.

Kairi leaned down and hugged his mother, kissing her on the forehead. He whispered in her ear very quietly.

K: You will be ok Haha. I love you.

Why does it feel like I'm saying goodbye, forever?

The nurses started rolling the bed out of the room but then Ichika grabbed Mattia's hand, whispering quietly so that only he could hear.

KM: Mattia, take care of Kairi.

M: O-of course.

KM: Don't break his heart, he's a fragile boy.

M: Wha-How-I-.

She offered him a soft smile.

KM: I'm his mother, Mattia. I've always known. I knew before he even knew it himself.

M: I-I won't break his heart, I promise.

KM: Good.

The nurses rolled the bed out of the room and the doctor told Kairi that the surgery would probably be about 10 hours long before directing the two kids to a waiting room. The teenagers collapsed into the chairs. Mattia took Kairi's hand and they settled in for the long wait.

Cliffhanger anyone? Hehe. Please comment friends. I don't know if anyone actually wants this to continue or if my mind is just convincing me to keep updating. Anywho.

Bye friends,

-Meg