Pain racked her body.
Is this what death feels like?
No. She could hear voices Trance, Dylan, and…Harper?
No, Harper, no. Please don't be here. Don't see this!
She tries to tell Trance to make him go away but her eyes are too heavy, and there's not enough air to get the words out.
There's a pain in her chest and from her small knowledge of medical care she knows her heart is failing and Trance is trying to get the beat to normal.
She briefly wonders what she was thinking in trying to kill herself.
Then…nothing. It's as if she's aware of all that's going on around her but not taking part of it. She looks down at her friends and feels sorrow for them.
I didn't want to hurt them.
Trance is making last attempts to get the heartbeat from slowing to a stop, tears falling down her face. The screens showing that nothing she is doing is working.
I'm dying, Trance. Just let me go.
Dylan is standing close to the other side of the bed, hands clenched in fists by his side. His jaw is taut and eyes watery.
Oh Dylan, you couldn't have stopped this. You know I always did what I wanted regardless of what you said.
Rommie is standing a few feet from the bed. A blank look on her face, an arm around Harper. Harper, who looks so afraid.
Rommie, you know don't you? You've accepted that I'm gone. And Harper, I… I'm so sorry. I never meant to leave you.
She is jolted back to the real world, to pain, one last time, as she feels something ripple across her body.
I love you, it's okay.
The blackness starts to fade in again.
I think I'm going to be okay now.
XxXxXxXxXx
"Oh, she's beautiful."
"Yes she is. What are you going to call her?"
"Rebecca, after her father's mother."
"It's a lovely name."
"Yes, and for such a lovely little girl. Look at her red curls! Oh, have you ever seen a baby as cute as her? Oh I'm sorry, you do this all the time, of course you have."
"It's all right, I understand. The first girl is always a special thing to a mother."
"Yes, it does seem special."
"Would you like me to bring in the father and the big brother now?"
"No. Well yes, I just. Is it selfish I'd like a moment longer with her all alone? I have the feeling she'll be a daddy's girl and I'd like to always have the memory of being alone with her in her first few moments."
"That's fine, Talia. I understand. I'll inform them of you and the Rebecca's good health, and then bring them in."
"Thank you."
"Of course."
"Oh, and Trance?"
"Yes?"
"I must admit I was worried by your young age. I'm sorry I misjudged you."
"It's okay, I've heard it hundreds of times before."
