Author's Note: This is a short chapter simply because I didn't want to give anything away before we get started hehe. Hopefully you guys have your tissues ready because this is going to be completely different than my other Denny Duquette fanfic. I'll also attempt to add some songs, you know, like incredibly sad songs. I hope you guys enjoy this. It's going to be one emotional rollercoaster.
Song: Over You by Miranda Lambert
"Marry me."
I couldn't believe he was asking me. Here he was, lying on a hospital bed and waiting for any sign of good news about receiving a new, healthy heart.
He extended his hand to cup my cheek. He must have noticed that I was on the brink of tears. I didn't know what to say, even though I knew what my answer would be.
His eyes were glistening. Being in this hospital for months was beginning to take a toll on him and now that he was on the LVAD, the chances of him going home were slim to none. He was getting antsy and irritated.
Every little thing bothered him, but right now, he was determined.
"Denny," I whispered.
I didn't know why I couldn't find the one simple word that I desperately wanted to say. He didn't have a ring, but, how could he? He had been attached to this bed for months.
"Maisie," he replied.
His voice was one of the many reasons why I fell in love with him. It was deep and manly, but there were times where it would crack especially when we had serious conversations about what would happen if he didn't make it.
Those talks were always the worst.
The way my name rolled off his tongue always managed to send a shiver down my spine.
Though, when our eyes met, I knew that he was aware of my answer. Simply because his lips slowly turned into a small grin that showcased his dimples. His eyes that were once glossy now had a glint of relief.
He had lost control of his life, constantly following doctor's orders, but not now. He just asked me to marry him and for one moment, he gained all control back.
"Yes, Denny. I'll marry you."
His small grin broadened. His dimples deepened. And the tears… They were now falling from the corner of his eyes. Just as it was doing to me.
This was the man I was going to spend the rest of my life with. His shaggy hair. His dimples. His natural sparkly eyes. His dimples. His smile.
I loved everything about him.
The marriage proposal meant everything to him. To me. And now, it seemed like a distant memory.
They said everything was going to be okay.
They said that things will soon get better.
But it hasn't. It hasn't been since he left.
He promised me.
He said we were going to spend the rest of our lives together.
And after he received the new heart, I knew it was going to be all right. Everything was finally going to fall into place.
Then the one night I decided to catch up on work, he left.
I hadn't even been by his side. I wasn't there.
Denny died.
Alone.
Everywhere I look, I see him. Everywhere I go, he's there.
I can't sleep in our bed.
I can't bring myself up to look through his things. Our things.
His scent lingers around the house.
I shut my eyes and I imagine him sitting at the couch, watching his Seahawks football game.
I imagine him cooking in the kitchen, helping me clean the dishes.
I imagine him singing to me because it made me laugh.
I imagine…
I imagine what our life would have been like if he was still alive.
The kids we would have.
The countless football games and dance recitals he and I would have to attend.
It was once a dream that I thought we could fulfill, but now…
That was never going to happen.
I finally kneel down to touch his tombstone.
Here lies Dennison Duquette —
I could never continue reading. Seeing his name was enough for me to start crying in the middle of the cemetery in broad daylight.
"I miss you…" I mumble. My lower lip begins to quiver. I knew I wasn't going to be able to make it back into the car before I started to cry.
The tears were already streaming down my face.
Jokingly, I create a word on the Scrabble board game that I had placed on the grass near his tombstone. Everything seemed so distant now.
"Your move, Duquette… I'm winning…" My voice is shaky and so are my hands, but I couldn't move. I wanted to leave so badly. Visiting his grave every day for the past six months had done nothing to help me cope with his death.
Finally, after fifteen minutes of arguing with myself about whether I should leave, I decided to gather my things.
"I'll be here tomorrow, Denny… I love you, honey."
The drive back to the house was a hazy one. I kept wiping at my eyes. The tears were nonstop. I had even gotten honked at a few times because I hadn't moved at a green light. I just —
I was never going to see that smile again.
I was never going to hear his voice again.
He was gone.
And he was never coming back.
Once I make it back to the house, I park at the curb. I couldn't bring myself to park in the driveway anymore.
I step out of the car and walk to the mailbox. This was a constant routine of mine.
Visit Denny. Check the mail. Cry myself to sleep.
I hadn't even gone to work in sixth months and I knew the letters in the mail were simply notices for missed payments on my bills.
I hold the mail in my hand and unlock the front door with the other. Walking inside, I shut my eyes and instantly imagine him waiting for me with his hands in his pockets and that knowing grin he loved to use on me.
"Maisie," he said.
It was like I could hear his voice.
Like he was here.
When I open my eyes, I was welcomed with disappointment. The house was empty.
Just like it had been for the past sixth months. I drop my mail onto the coffee table and sit at the couch, staring down at my lap for what seemed like hours.
Until my phone rang.
It was my mother. I knew she was worried about me.
But once I reached for my phone, I took notice of the familiar handwriting on a specific envelope.
There was no return address. No stamp.
It was Denny's handwriting.
Quickly, I grab the envelope and tear it apart.
Slowly opening the folded piece of paper, my breath catches in my throat and a fresh set of tears pool at my eyes as I read the first two words on the paper.
"Dear Maisie…"