Fix You Chapter 4!
I finished eating my shit breakfast of oatmeal and some milk in one of those little cartons you can down in one gulp and an apple. I like oatmeal...when it actually has flavor. Hospital oatmeal? Nope.
I pushed the bowl away from me and just handled my apple and gazed out the big hospital window. I smiled to myself, waiting for Anthony to show up any minute. He kept his promise and came each day to visit, whether it was for a half an hour or three hours, he always came. We’ve gotten exceptionally closer the past week and a half. Despite us coming from two different worlds, we have a lot in common. We both like metal music and our personality is similar. Plus, our sweatshirts are a must.
Anthony told me that he moved here with his mom because of her job. But she got an apartment instead of a house because she knew she wouldn’t be at the house very much because her work causes her to travel. More often now because she and her husband split. Anthony showed me pictures she took of all the places she’s been for work. I told him the farthest I ever go is this hospital. I don’t get out much...
Anthony makes me feel...whole. Like, every empty piece inside of me is filled. Even when we don’t do anything, like when we just play cards or whatever, he always brightens my day. I never thought I would find someone like him, and I did.
I set my apple down on the tray and turned my head to the sound of my door opening, but it was just Paisley. I smiled and leaned back against my pillows.
“Hey Ian.” she smiled, setting her backpack down and coming up to me and giving me a huge hug.
“Hey Paisley.” I smiled. “Where have you been?”
“Busy...” she sighed, taking a seat next to me. “Very busy. I have your make up work for you from our classes we have together. I also took the liberty to grab your work from your other classes.” she smiled, putting her backpack on the bed. “But...for some weird reason, your teachers said they already gave your makeup work to someone to take to you.”
Oh...
“Wanna tell me who it is Ian?” she asked, raising an eyebrow at me.
“Well...um...it’s a classmate.” I said, twiddling my thumbs. “And...he’s been coming to visit me everyday.”
“Who is it?”
“Anthony Padilla...” I mumbled.
“The loner who skateboards all the time with his loser friends?” she scoffed. My cheeks burned furiously.
“Don’t say that about him! He’s a good person!” I said angrily. “He’s been here every day, unlike you.”
“Ian I know and I’m sorry! I’ve been busy! Makeup work is hard when you’ve been gone for four days with your family.” she mumbled, leaning back in her chair.
I nodded and sat back against my pillows. “Does Anthony know about your disease?” she asked, changing the subject.
“...No.” I said.
“What?! What does he think you’re in here for?!” she asked.
“Um...tests.”
She shook her head and rolled her eyes. “Ian Hecox...”
“I’m sorry! It’s just that...for once in my life, I’m being treated like I’m normal. Not that you don’t treat me that way but, with him...it’s different.”
She raised an eyebrow and a small smile on her lips. “I see where this is going...” she sang. “You LIKE him!”
My cheeks grew red and I shrank into my pillows.
“YOU DO!” she squealed, poking my red cheeks.
“Stop it...” I chuckled, pushing her hands away.
“Ian’s got a-”
The door opened and Anthony walked in. Oh damn.
“Hey Ian!” he smiled, glancing at Paisley who was sitting next to me, a finger on my face and frozen in mid freakout mode. Paisley stood up and smiled quickly at Anthony and turned to me.
“Uh yeah... Anthony this is my best friend Paisley.”
“Hey.” Anthony smiled, holding his hand out to her. She shook it and smiled weakly and picking up her backpack.
“Well this is awkward...” she mumbled, shifting her backpack uncomfortably on her shoulders.
It was silent for a moment when her phone buzzed. She looked almost relieved when she pulled it out, the phone relieving the tension in the room. “It’s my mum.” she sighed. “i got to go. She needs my help with something.”
“Okay. See you later Paisley.” I smiled as she wrapped me in a hug.
“Definitely.” she smiled and turned to Anthony. “It was nice meeting you...briefly.”
He chuckled and nodded. “You too.” and with that, she was gone.
“She seems nice.” Anthony smiled as he sat down.
“Yeah. She’s been my best friend for as long as I can remember.” I smiled, looking back towards the door.