Chapter 7 - Dance with Danger

Someone reminded me of a scene that I had completely forgotten about, so I've included it here. I know that person said that part of the scene involved a fountain, but since I could not find a mention of a fountain in a Flat Rock park (yes, I used real information in this story), I changed it a bit.

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The next morning, Otto woke up first again. This time, Amy heard him get up and she stirred.

"Hey Amy. How are you feeling?" he asked tenderly.

"Much better," she smiled. Just to be safe, Otto went and got the thermometer. Her temperature was still high, but it was between 99 and 100 degrees. However, shortly after she had gotten up, she began to cough persistently. It sounded like she had something in her lungs as the cough sounded quite "wet." She knew she had pneumonia...again.

"I have an idea, Otto. I think I'm well enough that we can get out of the house for a few hours."

"Uh, are you sure about that? You don't sound well to me?"

"I'm surprised at you Otto. You were always the daring one. I'm sure if you were in my shoes you would do anything to get out."

Otto grinned. She was right. "Where did you want to go?"

"I was thinking of taking you to Huroc Park. You'll like it a lot," she assured him.

"OK. Whatever you feel like," he replied.

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After eating some cereal and showering, both left the house and walked to the park. Otto was concerned that the park was very far away, but he eventually realized that Huroc Park was probably what he saw on his way in to town, and that wasn't very far at all.

Ten minutes later, they reached a covered bridge that crossed the Huron River and in to the park. Both walked in holding hands. The scene that awaited them was quite picturesque. It was sunny and cool, more than either of them could have asked for. And everything was in full bloom; not a single tree was still without its leaves. They initially walked around on the trail, taking in the surroundings. Otto was disappointed that there wasn't a skatepark in sight, but at this point, he didn't care; as long as he was with his friend he was happy. They turned and looked at each other, smiling from ear to ear.

Amy did not feel well enough to do anything too strenuous, so Otto pulled out a frisbee from his backpack and the two of them just carefully threw it to each other. Otto tried his hardest not to throw too hard or in the wrong direction, but his efforts sometimes failed. He, however, refused to have Amy go and retrieve his misthrown frisbee; he moved for her and picked it up, giving it to her as he returned to his position.

After a while, Otto began to feel hungry. Sure he had just eaten a few hours ago, but he was an average ravenous teenager. Fortunately, there was a hot dog cart nearby. Otto ordered two hot dogs and gave one to Amy. He then spotted the perfect spot to sit: a gazebo situated right on the bank of the river. He took Amy there and they sat down.

"I can't thank you enough, Otto. You've been such a great help and you've really brightened up my life," Amy commented as they enjoyed their dogs in the cool breeze.

"I'm not done yet, Amy," Otto announced as he produced a Mervyn's box from his backpack and gave it to her. Her eyes lit up in response. She carefully opened the box and unraveled the tissue paper.

"Otto!" she cried. "It's absolutely beautiful," as she pulled out a green sweater. He knew that she absolutely adored the color green and he couldn't resist picking up that sweater when he and his dad had gone shopping for the trip. She sadly added, "I wish I had something for you."

"Don't worry about it," Otto replied. "Seeing you again has been a gift enough." She felt so close to Otto that she wanted to kiss him right then and there. However, she was afraid that she might give Otto her pneumonia or something, so she kissed him on the cheek. His eyes widened and he blushed, causing her to laugh. After the shock wore off, Otto began to laugh as well.

"I have something to tell you, Otto. It's strange and kind of weird. After we got to know each other, I began to feel funny when I was around you. I could never figure out why though. I guess I was too young. When I left, I had a hard time adjusting to life without you around. It's like you had become a part of me that didn't want to let go. But now that you're back, that same feeling has returned with your presence. I don't know, it's like you've always been there for me and I've been there for you. It's almost as if you're watching over me, making sure I'm all right. Otto, I think...I think..." She stopped and coughed for almost a minute straight. Otto moved closer to her, hoping that nothing was going to happen to her at the moment. Thankfully, the coughing stopped and she continued. "Otto, I think I'm in love with you."

The l-word caught Otto by surprise. "It's amazing," he explained. "I felt the same way when I was around you. I thought it was just a crush. But then when you moved it never wore off. It couldn't be a crush; it had to be more than that. Some days I would sit and stare at your photos and cry. Now that I've found you, I feel complete again. While I never will be whole since my mother died, you seem to make that void disappear, as you remind me of her. Amy, I love you too." With that he took both her hands and they embraced for several minutes in the gazebo.

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Sadly, however, Amy's cough gradually began to worsen. A concerned Otto suggested that they walk home. They got back without a problem. Coincidentally, as they were heading home, the sky began to cloud up as if it wanted to rain. Sure enough, about half an hour after they walked back in the door, it began to rain.

"Hey Otto. Will you do something with me?"

"Sure what is it?"

"I know I may never see you again after this," she said, fighting back tears. "It would make me really happy if I could have a dance with you right now."

Otto had rarely danced with girls. He had never found anyone worth asking to school dances. Although he was afraid of screwing up, he wanted to grant what he thought might be one of her last and greatest wishes. He nodded in response to her request.

Amy walked over to the entertainment cabinet and popped in a CD. When the music started she wrapped her arms around Otto's neck and he put his arms around her waist, pulling her in close to him. She then rested her head on Otto's shoulder as tears began to stream down her face. Otto, while trying to remain strong in this touching moment, was fighting back tears himself.

you light me up and then I fall for you
you lay me down and then I call for you
stumbling on reasons that are far and few
I'd let it all come down and then some for you

pretty baby don't you leave me
I have been saving smiles for you
pretty baby why can't you see
you're the one that I belong to
I'll be the embrace that keeps you warm
for you're the sun that breaks the storm
I'll be alright and I'll sleep sound
as long as you keep coming 'round

Otto and Amy wished that this moment would never end. Fate begged to differ. All of a sudden, Amy began coughing uncontrollably. Otto ran to turn off the music, helped her on to the couch, and felt her forehead. She felt warmer than she had the day before.

"Otto, I'm having a hard time breathing," she whispered.

Now Otto was getting worried. His worry turned to panic when she closed her eyes and wouldn't respond to his calls.

"Amy," he yelled as he tapped her shoulder. "Amy? Amy!!"

He ran to the phone immediately and dialed 911. They asked if she was breathing. She was thankfully, but her breathing was labored and shallow. When asked if he knew CPR, Otto replied "Yes." (he had learned basic life support in school gym class). The dispatcher advised him to monitor her condition until help arrived.

Five minutes later, the paramedics arrived at the door. Otto could only stand back in fear as he watched them work to stabilize her. Meanwhile, he grabbed his cell phone and called Amy's father. He sounded very worried as well and asked Otto if he could try to meet him at the hospital. The paramedics, after being told the situation by Otto, let him ride with them in the ambulance.

After a few minutes, they placed her on a stretcher and wheeled her out of the house. The ambulance then sped away toward downtown Detroit. She was stable enough that they aimed to take her to Children's Hospital of Michigan.

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Is this the beginning of the end of Amy? Is there any hope left?

Cliffhanger. How terrible of me (lol). Don't worry: I'll update soon.