It was all to surreal. This moment was one she had wished to never experience. Or never did she even imagine a moment like this would enter into her life. Guilt was setting into the pit of her as she slowly made way into the silent hospital room. Shutting the door tightly behind her she heard the sound of the rhythmic beeping machines and his faint shaky breaths. Clearing her throat and trying to keep herself at a steady she moved forward. As he came fully into view Haley instantly brought a hand to her mouth. The brother she had known, the appearance he once held; this surely did not look to be even remotely similar to that of his features before. Bruises covered many inches of his arms and what was visible of his upper body. Their were cuts, gouges and many bandages wrapped around his frame. Biting at the inside of her right cheek Haley kept herself from bursting with tears. She had cried enough that was for sure. She had to remain at a strong for Joey. At least for now. Even though several tears were now spilling she forbid herself to completely break. Sitting down in the chair the room provided she scooted her body closer to his and reached for her brothers hand. Gently caressing the damaged yellow skin she sighed out.
"God Joey I never really thought I'd be doing this. I never even pictured a time where I would have to make my final good-bye to you." Bringing his hand up to that of her lips she lightly placed a tender kiss and then let a few tears fall along his finger tips. Hearing a moan burst out from his lungs she titled her head and watched as her eyes met to his own. She remained silent as her eyes searched that of his. They always gave away what he felt and just like always she could read him. She felt his fear, and could see the hurt radiating through him. Giving his hand a tight squeeze she whispered softly.
"I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have ran out like that. I just..."
"Care bear?" His voice gasped as he spoke of her childhood nickname. His chest heaved with his words and a tightening sensation caused him to wince with pain but he continued with speaking his words for her to hear. Looking to their connected hands she smiled when seeing his thumb lightly caressing her in a caring manner.
"The doctors said there is a good chance I'm not gonna make it."
"Joey they tried telling me. Said you weren't strong enough. But they're wrong aren't they? I mean they don't know you like I do. They don't know that you are strong enough to beat this. You can beat this can't you?"
Haley watched as his eyes shut momentarily and he began coughing with urgent. Holding his hand tighter she watched as he tried best to regain breathing and then looked back to her face once more.
"Haley I need you to be strong okay? I want you to live even if I'm not with you. I want you to think of me and carry me along for whatever it is you do in life. If you ever need advice think of me and the words will come to you. Hales the doctors said I might not make it and they are right. I'm not making it out of here. I need you to understand that."
Tears were falling from her eyes as she watched too as he released moisture of his own. She never thought to hear him say those dreadful words. She never thought there would be a day when Joey James would give up. Nodding her head and trying her best to understand just what he was telling her she stayed silent. She knew this was just as hard for him as it was for herself to handle and he had yet to finish speaking.
"Baby girl I love you with everything I have and I know you feel it. No other girl means the amount that you mean to me. Your my heart and soul Haley and the best sister I could have ever imagined to have. You are one of my best friends and that will never change." Coughing once again Haley reached out for the pitcher of water and slowly brought the straw to his chapped lips. As he sucked slowly on the liquid she brought her mouth forward placing several kisses to his forehead. Crying a bit harder in the realization in which he would be leaving shortly she set herself down once again and began a speech of her own.
"I love you to Joey. You're my hero you know? You helped me get by these years of my life and I owe you everything. I just want you to know how much I appreciate your love you've given me. I could have never asked for a better brother. You are the most perfect."
As his raspy breath began to grow fainter he talked in a softer tone and pleaded for her agreement.
"Promise me... Haley I need...I need for you to promise me something."
"Anything Joey. You name it."
"Open up to him. He's...he's a good guy. He just tries to hide it sometimes. But he'll do you good. He made me a promise a while back to protect you from harm. I know that to be true and I need for you to let him keep you safe. I...I know right now things look as they won't get better for you. They will and I can promise you that. I am promising you'll find happiness Haley. Now please do the same."
"Joey I..."
"Haley please. Promise me to let yourself radiate with gladness. To let happiness shine on you again. P..please Haley do this for me."
Watching as he grew weaker before her eyes the only thing she could bring herself to do was nod. She needed to grant his request and she would. For his final asking she would follow through. Lifting her body closer to his she let their tears mix as she kissed both sides of his cheeks with much softness. Then bringing her lips closer to rest beside his ear she let her words drift.
"I promise."
Hugging to him trying to keep from hurting his already broken body she felt Joey's grip slowly release from her and the sound of his breathing calm down to a stop. The beeping of the machines started to raise in volume as the life drained out from his body. Crying as she watched the effects of life or shall I say death take from her brother she stepped from the room entering the arms of the awaiting fellow. Bringing her arms around him she buried her face in the space of his neck. Making sure to hold him as tightly as possible she breathed out in pain and whispered the words she never wished to speak again.
"He's gone Nathan...please just... I need you."
Pulling her waist and body closer to his own he closed his eyes and nodded as the tears too spilled from him. Running a hand through her soft hair the words of his best friend rang through his ears.
"Keep her safe Nate. She's going to need you. Trust me."