Chapter 13
While packing slowly, Maria listened to music. She couldn't shake the feeling of loss that she was feeling for Selwyn. She knew he had gone to a better place, but...she still wanted him there with her. She felt selfish, but she couldn't help it.
Maria stopped her packing and sighed. She sat down on a chair by the window and just stared. It had been a two weeks since Selwyn died. She was supposed to be discharged the week before, but the way she had been acting, the doctors thought it was best for her to stay just in case. Maria hadn't been the same cheerful self that she usually was after Selwyn died. They began to worry about her. No one could get through to her. Not even Josh.
Josh had left 3 days after Selwyn died. He stayed an extra day to be with Maria. He tried to comfort her, but she failed to respond. After a while, he felt useless and returned on tour not knowing what to do. When he left he promised that he'd be back to visit in a month, but he didn't even know if Maria heard him. They talked occasionally on the phone. Josh tried the best he could in comforting her.
Maria on the other hand had noticed nothing different with Josh. She just wanted time for herself to grief.
Maria continued to stare at out the window looking at the beach in the distance, oblivious to whatever was happening around her. Until she heard a familiar voice.
"Hi Maria."
Maria turned her head to look at the door. Shock spread on her face. "Josh!"
Josh smiled. "Well, glad you're surprised."
Maria ran over to him and gave him a big hug. "I can't believe you're here! Wha--why? How? I don't get it! I thought you were busy and..." Maria gave him a confused look.
"Well, the thing is," began Josh, "they cancelled the rest of our shows on tour. Mike's mom hasn't been feeling to good lately and Mike said that he had to go home. They figured that we couldn't finish the tour without Mike, so they rescheduled those tour dates. We came back last night and voila! Here I am!"
"Oh," replied Maria, "poor Mike. Is he okay?"
"He hasn't been himself lately, but he'll be okay. Him and his mom are tough, they'll pull through."
"I hope so." Maria said with concern, even though she had not met the rest of the guys yet, but she had heard so much, that she felt like she knew them already.
"Thanks for the concern, Maria." replied Josh. He decided to change the subject. He looked around the room and so her things half-packed. "Well, looks like you're leaving today. I'm assuming your mom will be here soon?"
"Uh...no. My mom couldn't come. She's still working." answered Maria, looking a little annoyed. "She said she was too busy to come back."
Josh felt so bad. "So how are you getting home?"
"Oh, I figured I'd just get a cab and head home."
"No need for that now that I'm here. I'm going to take you home."
"Jo--"
"Not a word from you. I'm taking you home and that's final."
Maria looked at Josh and marveled at his generosity and kindness. She began to wonder how she ever lived without Josh, or someone like Josh, in her life.
Maria smiled and continued to pack. Josh picked up a teddy bear and made funny voices to go with it. Maria couldn't stop laughing. After an hour, they finally finished packing.
"Well, this is it," said Maria, "I'm finally leaving this place. I hope for good."
"You and me both," replied Josh. He looked and Maria with seriousness. Then he cleared his throat, took hold of Maria's hand, and said, "Come on, let's get outta here."
Maria nodded, grateful that she had someone to share this moment with. A time where she would be rid of the hospital. For good, she hoped.
When they got down to the parking lot, Josh put down her things carefully, opened the door, and said, "My lady, your chariot awaits."
Maria laughed and said, "Why thank you, kind sir." She got into the car, while Josh put her things in the trunk. He then got in the car and started the engine.
"Well, what is your destination, my lady?"
"Well, how about the beach. I'm dying to go there."
"Alright, the beach it is then."
Josh started the engine and headed towards the beach. He turned on the radio and began to sing with the song. Maria joined in. They laughed and joked all the way to the beach, leaving the sad memories behind them.
