If heart ache was a physical pain, I could face it.

Part Thirty Two

Jess’ POV

“Okay, thank you. We’ll be in to see him then. Bye.” I sigh while putting the phone down, running a hand through my hair in frustration. That really wasn’t very helpful.

I walk back into the living room to find six pairs of eyes looking at me expectantly.

“How is he?” Everyone suddenly asks me at once. Why do I have to be the bearer of bad news?

“The Doctor said that although he took enough to kill himself.” My voice breaks on the last two words and I have to pause to compose myself again. “Due to how quickly he was found and able to have his stomach pumped, they may have done enough to save him.”

“So it’s another waiting game again?” Nathan asks me and I nod my head sadly.

“Visiting hours start at ten, I said as least some of us would go and visit him then.”

“We can all go.” Jay says. “Half of us will visit Anne at the same time, and then we can swap over.”

“Sounds like a plan.” I reply, forcing a smile.

Max’s POV

“Do you guys mind if I go in on my own for a bit?” I ask the half of the group who decided to visit Anne first. “Sorry.” I add, knowing that they could have stayed home longer.

“Of course we don’t Siva replies, giving me a wondering look, which I ignore; I really can’t trust my feelings with anyone. Because I know what I’m feeling and planning is wrong.

“Hey Anne.” I start while taking the seat by her bed again, not really sure how to continue. I can’t talk about Tom because if she hears me she might give up fighting for her life if she thinks his is over.  But I need to get things of off my chest. I lost my best mate weeks ago, so why does it feel now that I’m losing him all over again? And while he lies unconscious why am I still thinking of how this could work to my advantage? I wouldn’t go as far as saying I hope he does die so that he would be out of the picture, but if it were to happen than I can already see the pluses of it. No boyfriend, and a recently single Anne looking for a shoulder to cry on and someone to comfort her. I’m sick. I shouldn’t be thinking this, and at the same time I’m thinking conflicting thoughts. I want Tom to wake up. I don’t want anyone to die. This is just one big fucked up situation that I wish I could wake up from, but in reality the only people who could wake up are Tom and Anne. But if they do wake up will they just be coming back to a reality that is far worse and more complicated than where they are now? Are they peaceful where they are now? Only to have it disrupted when I start fighting for who was once mine again? But what’s worse than all that if the thought that they may never wake up. They have to wake up.

Anne’s POV

Slowly and gradually a beeping sound begins to fill the silence around me. I begin to feel again, my body feeling tired and heavy, but my groggy mind is unable to understand why. The last thing I remember is being out for a meal with everyone. And then, and then the arguing started again. Max and Tom of course. Oh god. I really hope it didn’t end in a fight again. Did it? Why can’t I remember? One minuet they were arguing and the next, nothing. What happened? Suddenly I’m aware that I’m not alone, but when I try to turn my head towardswhoever's there I find I can’t. Frustrated I try to lift my arm. No luck with that either, I can’t even lift my little finger. What’s wrong with me?

After lying, unmoving for what seams like forever but was probably only a few minuets. I try moving my hand again and sigh in relief as it comes away from what ever it was resting on. Opening my eyes I quickly force them closed again as too much bright light floods into them. Cautiously this time, I open them again and find myself staring at the ceiling above me. It’s white. Too white.  I’m not at home then.

Turning to my left I discover the source of the annoying beeping and realise where I am. A hospital. And the noise is coming from a machine I can only assume is telling people that I’m still alive. Why am I here? What happened to me? Turning to my right now, my eyes land on a sleeping Max. Where’s Tom? He should be the one here with me right now.

“Max.” I say. Or at least attempt to, my hoarse voice comes out a whisper. Trying to swallow I finally realise how dry my throat is, and therefore why I had trouble speaking.  “Max?” This time my voice comes out clearer and louder, and his eyes suddenly snap open.

“Anne?” He asks, his voice thick with sleep. “Oh God Anne you’re awake!” Suddenly I find myself wrapped in his arms, his tears soaking the ugly hospital gown that I’m wearing.

“Please don’t cry.”

“I can’t help it, I’m just so happy you’re alive.” He pulls back, holding me at arms length, looking me over. “How are you feeling?”

“Tired.” I let out a shaky laugh. “What happened?”

“You’re liver gave out at the restaurant and you had to have a transplant. But that means you no longer have cancer!” A huge grin matching Max’s spreads across my face, before it becomes replaced by a frown.

“Max where’s Tom?” I ask, and his face falls slightly.

“He’s just gone out to get some food.” He replies, unable to look me directly in the eye, and I feel panic beginning to rise up within me.

“Where is he Max?”

“I told you, he’s gone to get something to eat.” This time he does look me in the eye, but I’m still not convinced. Where is he? And what’s so bad Max has feels he needs to keep it from me?