Disclaimer: I do not own Austin and Ally nor do I own anything you may recognize.
My mom was speaking in hushed tones with my doctor. It didn't sound like it was good news.
I could barely hear their murmurs from my bed, but anyone who walked past can see it was a heated argument. But no matter. I of all people knew the most about what was happening. This sickly body belonged to me, so obviously I felt the effects of Cystic Fibrosis.
Earlier today, I got some more tests done. The test results were worse than last time, and now my mom was discussing what to do with the doctor. At the rate my disease is consuming me, something had to be done. They gave me more massages, confined me to my bed (the best that they could), and upped my medication to the point where I wondered if it was the medication or the disease that made me feel weak.
The slam of the door alerted me of my mom coming back from her heated conversation. Dad couldn't make it again but seeing her was good enough. She still looked weary, but there was a determined glint in her eyes. In her arms was a stack of papers. It would no doubt be read over and over again by her. Usually, she would keep them to herself, wanting to 'protect' me from the details.
Which was why I was surprised when she placed the papers on my lap.
"Paperwork's not really my thing." I told her, hoping to bring some sort of smile to her glum expression.
She pulled up a chair next to me while still having that grave air around her. "Well, it looks like it has to be."
"What?"
A sheet of paper was placed into my hands. My attention stayed on Mom.
"You need to make a decision," she said, "and it will change your life."
And so we spent a good hour or so going through the contents of those papers. She went through the stack, summarizing factors that I needed to remember before deciding. That one important sheet was clutched with my hands. The information from her stack was mostly things I had already known, or had a vague idea about.
No, I wasn't even thinking of the complications of Cystic Fibrosis she was talking of during that time. My mind had been racing with the importance of this choice I have to make. The final decision would be severe, and choosing the wrong one will mean my death. Probably.
When Mom said the decision would change my life, she wasn't kidding. It could make it better, or just end it altogether. It was definitely a big deal.
We got interrupted when her phone rang. Naturally, it was from work. With a quick farewell she was off for the surprise shift once again.
Mom left, but the gloominess lingered in the room. It's kind of difficult to forget that your fate was in your hands, you know?
Suddenly, the hospital phone by my bed rang. Thinking it was because my mom forgot something, I picked it up. It was Ally.
"Hey," the voice of Ally soothed much of my anxiety away, "how are you?"
"Pretty good for now."
"Glad to hear it. Did you get any news about your progress yet?"
Since she got discharged from the hospital, she hasn't forgotten what she said on the rooftop and has been regularly calling me. They're usually just brief check ups on how I'm doing and easy conversation. It's comforting to talk to her.
To tell or not to tell? I settled for half of the truth. "Yeah, they're giving me more of those meds and other regular treatments." She would know I was getting worse, but it wouldn't sound as bad as saying my life on the the line/paper.
"More massages for you then." You could hear the playfulness in her voice.
I grinned at her quip. "More massages for me."
"Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that I'll be visiting you tomorrow sometime in the afternoon. Is that okay?"
"I've got nothing planned. Always ready for you , Ally."
"Right."
"How are you adjusting to..." I trailed off. How do I say it? "...getting back to regular life?"
"Not bad, actually. I still need my crutches and all that, but everyone's been really helpful and supportive. I even got a welcome back party. It was at Sonic Boom with most of the people I know. Dancing, music, food, and all of that jazz." Ally let out a sad sigh. "I wish you were there though."
Her words gave me warmth and happiness. A fond smile touched my lips. "And risk eating your pickle cake? No way!"
She replied in an indignant tone. "Pickled cake? I've never-actually that sounds delicious. When you come over, I'll make sure we're having a slice."
I made a gross gagging noise at that idea.
"Pickles are great. You're the one eating bananas with ketchup!"
Whoa, she did not just go there. "You've never even tried it, how would you know?"
"It's wrong to put ketchup on fruit."
"Well it's wrong to put pickles on cakes."
She sighed again, but not necessarily annoyed. "Whatever. I'll see you tomorrow?"
"Can't wait! Bring some bananas."
"I know you well enough to know what you're planning, and there's no way I'm falling for it."
"You fell for me."
There was sputtering at the other end of the line. Ally is so easily flustered, especially when reminded of our new kind-of-sort-of relationship. "That's irrelevant."
"Love you," I said cheekily.
"Yea, yea. Love you too." She grumbled, "Stay alive."
And with that, our phone call ended. It was nice to talk to her again. Speaking to her had washed away my worries for a few minutes. The promise of seeing her tomorrow, in person, made my mood go up. There was nothing like being with her.
Still, the single piece of paper was there on my table, reminding me of the important decision I had to make.
I'm not ready for this responsibility, but I will try my best.
On schedule this time! Many thanks for the inspiration :) I've been starting on another Austin and Ally fanfic, and I've been distracted by school. But with Spring Break just a week away, I'll have more time to write. See you all later.
