157 Chapter 157

Jamie cleared his throat. He was holding the tourniquet and seemed to be set to get on with it. Looking at Brandon, he asked, "You ready?"

I saw Brandon's eyes shift, and he seemed to swallow a lump in his throat. Everything was suddenly very real. "I guess so," he said quietly.

"Wait!" The word was out of my mouth before I even knew I was going to speak it. They all turned and looked at me, and I stepped over to the side of Brandon's bed. Hesitantly, I said, "Uhm, good luck."

Brandon looked into my eyes, and I suddenly felt a lot calmer than I had before. I think he did, too. "Yeah, thanks. I'll see you in a little bit, okay?"

I nodded at him, trying to be as confident as possible. I put my hand on his arm, which seemed more familiar than it should after having only known him a few hours, and said, "I'll be here when you wake up."