Night in the Hospital

His eyes were wide open. But all I could think of was his sweet smell. I had the urge to close the distance between our lips. To kiss him and to know how he tastes. But before my instincts took over, I got up from him.

Clearing my throat, I said, "Sorry about that. I didn't see where I was going."

"No, it's fine. I also should have been careful. By the way, you seemed to be in a rush. Where are you going this late?"

"My friend was in a coma. She just woke up. I was going to meet her."

"Do you need me to give you a ride?"

"It will be too much of a trouble for you. It's fine. I will walk there."

"It's late and it's not safe for a girl to be alone at this time. I'm free anyway. Just let me give you a ride.

"Well, if you insist, then sure."

I'm a real fool. I got on his bike again. It was equally scary. But I didn't mind. It felt nice holding his shirt, sitting behind him. I liked this feeling.

He dropped me in front of the hospital and said, "Should I come or wait in the lobby? I don't mind either."

"You can come up if you want. I will introduce you to my friends. The patient is our classmate. His brother is also there, a year senior to us.

"Ok then. You go up. I will come after parking the bike. What is the room number?"

"308 on the third floor."

"Ok" and he drove towards the parking lot. He looked really cool driving a bike from behind.

I went up. Dan was outside Jessi's room.

"What did the doc say?"

"Nothing. He is still inside." I could see he was very worried. I slowly patted his shoulder and said, "Dan, don't worry too much. She's gonna be fine. She has to be. We are all here praying for her."

"I still don't understand why she would take such a stupid step. Even if the whole world was against her, she should have known you and I will be beside her. How can she not even think about us once before doing it?"

"Dan, she was hurt. I was not beside her nor were you. Everyone was pointing at her and laughing about her. I'm not saying she did the right thing. But you shouldn't blame her like this."

When the pictures were put up on the bulletin board, Dan was in a debate competition. By the time he came, Jessi had already jumped.

"You are right. But I'm just really upset about it all."

"Those girls got what they deserved. Don't dwell on it. After Jessi gets better, she'll start coming to school. This topic is off-limits so if anyone mentions it, we can just report them to the counselor. She is very strict about these things, you know."

Suddenly, Dan took my hands in his hands and looked right into my eyes.

"Julie, since childhood, Jessi and I had to go through a lot because we were orphans. No one liked us or played with us. You were the only one willing to be our friend. I know you had to take many insults because of being friends with us. Every time I heard someone laughing at you due to being friends with us, I thought you must have reached your limit. Every time I thought you might stop being friends with us, you surprised us with your brightest smile. Thanks to you we were able to leave the orphanage and we even got back our family home. I just wanted to say, thank you so much for being by my side."

I didn't wanna cry but his words ended up bringing tears to my eyes. I always thought they were doing me a favor being my friends. But they also thought the same. It's surprising how things and the meanings behind them change as you change your perspective.

"Dan, I was also lonely. You two were my first friends and I'm always grateful for that. As for the insults you are talking about, our friendship, the love you two give me is worth it.No, actually, it's worth a lot more." I wanted to continue but the doctor came out. He looked away for a second pretending to look for a nurse but I knew he was just giving us space to wipe the tears off.

"She's getting better now. Don't make her emotional. It may be dangerous for her. If nothing happens, then hopefully we will discharge her within a week."

"Can I meet her?" I asked desperately wanting to see her ok.

"She's sleeping right now. I suggest you meet her later. She needs to have a proper sleep."

"Ok, doc. Thanks."

"If you excuse me now." saying this the doc left.

We were sitting on a bench when Ryan came.

I stood up and introduced them.

"Dan, this is Ryan, and Ryan this is Daniel. We call him Dan."

Those two shook hands.

"And this.."

I understood what he was trying to say by following his gaze that looked towards room 308.

"Dan's sister, Jessica. She's in the room."

"Oh, what happened ti her?"

Since Ryan was new, he didn't know anything. And I was so busy complimenting his features that I forgot to tell him about Jessi.

"Just something happened. But now she's fine. The doctor said he'll release her within a week."

Ryan is a smart guy. He understood it's not the best idea to talk about it here and right now. H dropped it.

We stood there awkwardly for a few minutes. Breaking the ice, I said, "Dan, why don't you go home and take some rest.? You've been here a few days now. I'll stay by Jessi's side."

"No, you shouldn't be alone outside Julie, it's not safe for you. "

Before I could reply, Ryan said, " It's fine. I'll be with her. I barely sleep at night anyways."

"Really? Then I'll just take a small nap. But I'll come as soon as I wake up from sleep, Julie. And if anything happens don't forget to call me."

"Sure." But I wasn't really listening to him. I was only thinking that tonight Ryan and I will stay on a single sofa side by side.