A Hand Always Reachable
Feeling a hand in his Craig awoke beside Manny's bed finding he ad unconsciously placed his hand in hers.
"Manny please forgive me if I had been there that night a little sooner none of this would have happened, and would could very well still be together."
The nurse came in a couple minutes later holding a tray.
"You were here all night sir, but we didn't want to wake you since she is your girlfriend."
"No she's no my…"
Just then J.T. walked in with a look on of surprise his face at seeing Craig there.
"Craig what are you doing here?"
The nurse chimed in.
"This sweet young man has been here all night. In fact he fell asleep holding hands with the patient isn't that cute."
"Yeah sure." J.T. said sarcastically as the nurse turned to leave.
"J.T. let me explain."
"I understand you are worried for her too. Probably more than I am because you to are so close."
"Yes, but she chose you not me."
"Who says we only went out on one date you've loved her for years."
Turning around Craig watched a defeated J.T. walk away.
Pausing he looked at Manny's unconscious and battered figure.
"He's right you know I have loved you for years I've just been to afraid to say it. But it wasn't supposed to come out this way. I didn't want J.T. to think I don't want him with you, and now look at him he's a mess."
Walking out of the room to find J.T. Craig sighed not knowing what this confrontation would bring.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Santos sat at home waiting for the phone call to say if her daughter would live or die.
"God give me and those boys strength."
"Craig I don't want to hear an apology from you I understand how you are willing to fight for that which you love so dearly."
"Look I want you two to be happy even it means giving her up I am willing to do that if what she really wants is to be with you."
"Seriously?"
"Yes I just want you both to be happy."
"Thank you. So are we okay as friends?"
"Yeah we're cool."
Making their way back to Manny's hospital room they did not notice the crowd until he turned the corner.
"What the hell?" Gapped a shocked Craig.
All their classmates had gathered in her room with gifts not knowing what happened truly, but worried nonetheless.
(In my story Mrs. Santos's name is Rose)
The phone rang and Mrs. Santos jumped.
"It's me Isabelle."
"Craig did the doctor's say anything?"
"No change except one."
"What is it?"
"Get down here and find out for yourself."
"On my way Craig thanks."
Driving to the hospital Rose thought she saw someone she knew, but guessing it was a mistake she just kept on driving.
"J.T., Craig what is it?"
"A get well soon card from the entire 10th grade class. They all left flowers and cards of their own too."
"Amazing I can't believe it."
Walking into the room no more students were in the room except Emma.
"Mrs. Santos what happened?" Asked a teary eyed girl.
"Emma dear."
"Emma come with me and I'll tell you if that's okay Rose?"
"It's fine just don't tell anyone."
"I won't Mrs. Santos."
Craig led Emma into a tiny room where no one else was.
Telling her almost everything he hurt to watch her cry so badly.
"Shhh Em it's okay the doctor's say her chances to pull through are really good."
"Craig thank you for being here for me."
"Anytime Emmy."
"Emmy? You haven't called me that since we went on the set up date a few years ago. I missed that."
"Then I'll call you that for now on."
Seeing her smile he smiled for the first time in weeks.
"Craig do you want to try a real date sometime?"
"Yeah I'd love to Emmy." He laughed as he saw her eyes light up. However, the moment didn't last long when she stopped stalling her tears and let him hold her the rest of the day.