Part 8

My eyes open up to a bright white ceiling and the first thing I feel in my hand is something soft and warm. I glance over to see my mother's hand in mine as my father comforts her by rubbing her back. I grip her hand a bit to grab her attention and it seems to work well.

"You're awake? Oh god (name), you're awake!" My mother shouts out. Everyone in the room turns to look at me, hoping it is true. Smiles appear as well as tears. So many faces; my mom, dad, (1st friend), (2nd friend), (3rd friend), and then some other relatives of mine. (1st friend) goes to glomp me, but (3rd friend) stops her.

The room is full of life, it would seem complete to a lot of people. For some reason odd reason though something is missing. I look over everyone as they speak, talk, and cheer. That's when it hit me the something missing isn't a thing, it's someone. Arthur is missing, not anywhere in the room.

"Mom." I whisper my voice sore from not talking in so long. Everyone looks at me shocked. My mother smiles warmly at me, crying her heart out at the sound of my voice. Her hand's hold tightens on mine.

"You spoke." Are the only words she utters. I don't mind her caring, but I want Arthur. I want to see him. I need to see him. I just had to speak with him.

"Mom, where's. . . Where's Arthur?" I stumble over words like I'm speaking a foreign language. My father turns to face me wide eyed before glaring. I could tell what he's thinking and I didn't like it, but I don't say anything.

"He's out in the hall. He said he didn't want to be in here until you woke up. He never said why." (1st friend) states while doing a bunch of random hand motions. I slowly sit up in my spot and then nod my head.

"I want to speak to him." I stand up from the bed. My three friends look at one another. (2nd friend) shrugs her shoulders, (1st friend) starts to head to the door, and (3rd friend) rubs the bridge of her nose. After (1st friend) leaves the room it goes completely quiet. Some people shifted thinking the silence is awkward while others seem at peace.

Two sets of footsteps grab everyone attention . . . well mine to say the least. I wait a moment before seeing Arthur walk in with (1st friend). Correction Arthur is being dragged by her. I smile at the sight of him; his presence makes me so happy.

"I told you to let me go!" He shouts at her. (1st friend) points towards to me causing Arthur to look over. His green eyes grow wide at the sight of seeing me awake and okay. I don't bother moving though; I'm just to happy it makes me want to cry. He starts to walk in my direction like some unknown force is moving him.

"Arthur." I say his name for the first time. He stops in his right in front of me surprise written all over his face. I waste no time to hug him, face resting on his chest.

"Arthur." I say again, starting to cry and my body starts to shake. He's so warm. Arthur finally wraps his arms around me returning the hug. I feel him rest his head carefully down onto my shoulder. My hands grab hold of his shirt tightly griping it.

"I'm so glad you're okay." He whispers into my ear. I slowly pull away just far enough so I can look up at him, but not enough to break our hug. I smile up at him.

"Arthur? I need to tell you something." I can feel my heart pounding in my chest, my face becoming a shade of red, and thoughts flying wildly through my head. I look up so I'm looking into his eyes. His emerald eyes staring into (eye color) as if looking for what I'm going to say.

"I think I love you." I turn my head away a little embarrassed. Arthur's hand grabs my chin causing me to look back at him. His hand moves up to cherish my cheek. He starts to lean in. I close my eyes waiting for what I think is a kiss. Right before he kisses me someone's yelling stops us.

"Don't you dare your hands on my daughter!" It's my father. I turn my head over to look at him. His face is red with anger; I can't help, but laugh when my mom comes in and drags him out of the room. Arthur smiles down at me.

"By the way, I love you too." This time when he goes to kiss me there are no interruptions. I kiss back, not really sure what else to do. This is my first kiss after all. When we pull back I hug him and laugh.

"You have a lovely laugh too. I would like to hear it more often." Arthur lets out a chuckle as he places a small kiss on my check.

"Wait. Does this mean we're going out?" I look up at him.

"Yes it does." Arthur leans down and kisses me once more on the lips. I take his hand in mine and we leave the room towards the rest of the group. Arthur starts to get the idea and picks me up so he's carrying me bride style into the lobby.

The looks on everyone's faces when they see us walk into the room. (1st friend)'s mouth is hanging wide open in disbelief. My father is yelling at Arthur while my mom tries to keep him calm. (3rd friend) is still just reading a book. (2nd friend) walks over to talk to us a bit.