“The bruise on Mandy’s cheek is bothering me.”
“Why? She said she ran into the door. It happens.”
“I guess. She told me she was seeing someone.”
“Good for her,” Ian said as he tightened his grip around me.
“I think we should get up. I really want to get to the hospital early and see how Stephen is doing.”
“Okay, sweetheart. Let’s shower, grab some breakfast, and then we’ll go.”
We both climbed out of bed and took an amazing shower together. A shower that was supposed to be quick, but ended up taking us longer as Ian couldn’t keep his hands off me. We headed downstairs and as I grabbed two mugs from the cabinet, Charles told Ian that Mandy called in sick today.
“Really? She’s never once called in.”
“She said that she and her daughter both have the flu,” Charles replied.
“Ah, well, it’s going around.”
I set our cups down on the table and Charles made me scrambled eggs and toast with a side of fresh fruit. As Ian sat down with his muffin and fruit, we heard Adalynn’s voice coming from the foyer.
“Good morning. I have arrived.” She smiled as she walked into the kitchen.
“Good morning.” I smiled back.
“Adalynn, don’t you think it’s a tad early to be dropping by?” Ian asked.
“No. I know you’re up anyway.”
I laughed lightly and Ian looked at me and rolled his eyes.
“Eggs, Adalynn?” Charles asked.
“Of course, Charles. Soft boiled, please, with a side of wheat toast.” Adalynn sat down next to me and grabbed my hand. “I received a call yesterday that all the bridesmaids dresses are in! I’m so excited. I did hire a wedding planner yesterday to tie up the odds and ends of the wedding. I feel like I’m running out of time.”
“Gee, didn’t we ask you if three months was enough time to plan a big wedding?”
“Shush up, Ian. Anyway, darling, I’m going to need you to go to the bridal shop for a final fitting.”
“Okay. I’ll go today after I leave the hospital.” I smiled.
“Hospital? Why are you going to the hospital?”
“Stephen was admitted there yesterday. He has the flu virus.”
“Oh, Rory, I’m sorry.”
“Thank you, but the doctor said he’ll be fine. The virus just has to run its course.”
Adalynn, Ian, and I finished our breakfast and Adalynn left for Prim. Ian grabbed his keys and told Joshua that he would drive us to the hospital while he sent him on some other errands. I ran upstairs and grabbed my purse and Ian waited for me in the car.
“I’m sure Stephen’s doing much better today,” I said as I stared out the passenger window.
“I’m sure he is, sweetheart. We’ll be there soon and you can see for yourself.”
Ian pulled into the hospital and into the first parking space he saw. He walked around and opened the door, taking my hand as we walked into the hospital. We took the elevator up to the third floor where Stephen’s room was. As the doors opened, we saw a team of doctors and nurses running down the hall. As we watched them from behind, I saw them go into Stephen’s room. I grabbed Ian’s arm and began running faster down the hallway. My heart was racing with fear. I couldn’t remember if Stephen had a roommate. As I approached the room, I saw them. It was chaos. I looked at Stephen from across the room and he wasn’t moving. I screamed as Ian grabbed me and pulled me into him, pressing my face against his chest.
“Get them out of here,” someone yelled.
“Please, you need to wait outside. I promise we’re doing everything we can,” the nurse said as she guided us out of the room.
I started to shake uncontrollably as I began to pound on Ian’s chest. “Do something, damn it! Do something. Please,” I cried.
“Shh, sweetheart.”
A few moments later, a doctor came out of the room. “Are you his sister?” he asked.
I turned around and looked at him with tears in my eyes as I nodded my head.
“We did everything we could but it was too late. We think that the virus he had attacked his heart. I’m so sorry.”
“No. No. No,” I said over and over as I shook my head in disbelief. “He’s fine. He’ll wake up you’ll see. I’m going in there right now to wake him up!” I screamed.
“Rory,” Ian said as he tried to pull me back.
I yanked my arm out from his grip and went into the room. “Stephen, it’s time to wake up. Come on. We’re going to be late for school,” I said as I lightly shook him.
I stood there and stared at him as I ran my hand across his cheek. “You’re so cold. Why are you so cold?”
My body was trembling and tears were falling from my eyes. Ian came up behind me and wrapped his arms around me.
“He’s so cold, Ian. Ask the nurse to bring him a warm blanket.”
“Sweetheart, that isn’t going to help him. Rory, he’s gone.”
I knew it was true, but I didn’t want to believe it. I felt like I was in a horrific nightmare and I couldn’t wake up. I turned to Ian and looked at him.
“This isn’t real, Ian. This is all a dream, a very bad dream. Please wake me up. Please,” I pleaded with him as I grabbed his arms.
“It’s not a dream, sweetheart. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” He started to cry.
My legs were giving out and I began to sink slowly to the floor. Ian grabbed me and held onto me so I wouldn’t fall. “You need to sit down, Rory,” he said.
I turned around, and with Ian still holding me, I looked at Stephen. He looked so peaceful. I climbed up on the bed and snuggled into him.
“You’re finally over the rainbow,” I whispered. “There will be no more voices and no more pain. You’re free, Stephen, and one day, we’ll be together again.”
I began sobbing as Ian placed his hands on me and sat me up. “Come on, sweetheart, the nurses need you to sign some paperwork.”
He handed me a tissue and I wiped my eyes. The nurse was standing in the doorway with a clipboard in her hand. “I’m very sorry for your loss, Miss Sinclair.”
“Thank you,” I whispered as I took the pen from her hand and signed on the line.
Ian wrapped his arm around me. “We need to go home now, okay?”
I nodded my head as we slowly walked out of the room and out of the hospital. If Ian hadn’t been holding me tight, I would’ve fallen to the ground. He was my support beam right now because, without him, I would fall to the ground. He opened the door for me and helped me into the car. As we drove down the road, I felt like I was suffocating. I couldn’t believe Stephen had died. A feeling of loneliness crept up inside me. I silently chanted, “I can make it home. I can make it home.”