Forever and Always

Chapter 1

I sit at my kitchen table, looking out the front window every few minutes waiting for his arrival. He's late, I think to myself, he's never late. I turn to look at the clock counting down the minutes that pass by, beginning to get annoyed at the constant ticking when suddenly the phone rings. I rush over and snatch it off the wall nearly yanking the whole thing off. 

"Hello?" I speak as an unknown voice drills into my ear. Never expecting to hear what I hear next I drop the phone and rush out of my house getting into my car. Next thing I know I'm sitting in front of him. Mason's cold and frail hand resting in mine. I stare at his face, his eyes are closed shut.  My mind goes back to December when he asked me...

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"Where are you taking me?" I giggle as Mason twirls me around the sidewalk. "Aurora you know I can't tell you, it would ruin the surprise." Mason covers my eyes with the palm of his hand "Now, no peaking" he jokes as he guides me forward. After several minutes of endlessly walking, Mason finally moves his hand off my eyes and I see bright fairy lights strung along the tree branches. "Wow, that's so beautiful" I say my eyes finally landing on Mason who is kneeled on one knee down in front of me. Tears beginning to well up in my eyes. 

"Aurora Richards, will you do me the honor of becoming my beautiful blushing bride?" Mason looks up at me, a wide grin forming on his face. I don't even answer him as I kneel down to him and kiss him. He breaks the kiss, his face beaming with joy, "I'll take that as a yes." Mason and I get up and begin running, laughing with each step as it suddenly begins to pour rain on top of us...

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I shake my head to break free from my thoughts. I look out the window, it's raining outside. I take another look at Mason who hasn't moved an inch since I arrived at the hospital a few hours ago. The doctor told me that he had gotten into a really bad accident and will probably have to stay at the hospital for awhile to be watched over. I decide to walk down to the coffee shop. There would be no use in just sitting here any longer, besides, I hadnt eaten anything since breakfast and Mason will probably need something to eat when he wakes up. 

As I'm about to enter back into Mason's room upon returing from the coffe shop I notice the room neighbouring his. Inside there's another couple, an elderly woman laying in a hospital bed with who'm I'm assuming is her husband resting in a chair beside her. I smile. "What a lovely couple, I hope the poor woman is okay" I quietly say aloud to myself unaware that someone is standing behind me. 

"They've been together 30 years today" says a husky voice from behind. I turn around sharply frightened at the sudden voice. "Sorry" he chuckles, "The names, Andrew but I prefer Drew," he says reaching out his hand for me to shake. I take it examing the man in fron tof me. He looks to be about my age, curly blonde hair and brown eyes. He notices me staring and chuckles again, "Those two are my parents" he brushes some loose hairs out of his eyes, "I'm not some random creep lurking in the halls." He looks down at the bags of food I'm holding, "Ah shit!" he mutters, "I should've brought them food." I glance back at the elderly couple sleeping peacefully, "Here" I say, "Give them this and wish them a happy anniversary for me" I hand him the bags. "What, but are you sure?" he asks concerningly. "Of course, besides I need to get back to my fiancé in the room over." I walk back towards the room that Mason is in, taking one last glance behind me. There Drew stands awkwardly waving goodbye. 

As I enter back into Mason's room, I notice that he's finally awake. I rush over to him and grab him into a tight hug. "There you are" he whispers smiling up at me. His voice is noticeably raspy and awfully quiet. I frown at him finally taking in his condition, he looks awful. I pull up a chair from behind me and seat it next to Mason's bed as the doctor comes in motioning for me to follow him into the hallway. 

I swiftly follow behind him into the hall, giving Mason a sideways smile signaling to him that ill be back soon. As we reach the hall, the doctor immediately speaks "I have some bad news..."