A/N: Okay, I know it's been a while since my last update, but I really got stuck and it made me sad. But I hope this helps, and I'm planning on only having one more chapter after this. Ten is a suitable number. I'll be sad to leave, but it must happen. There is a time jump in this chapter, it's not just where we left off.
Disclaimer: Jonathan Larson.
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Collins' POV
"What did they say?" Mimi's voice appears out of the waiting room; her frail and sick body slumped down on the green upholstered chair. I blink to come out of shock, unable to process what I was just told. What did they say? I can't even remember. It's too appalling. Too much information to soak in.
"Umm…" I mumble, as the group stares at my bewildered and exhausted body. Minutes, hours, days, weeks, months at the hospital is taking its toll. I lost track of how long I've been here. The group comes to visit every so often, Mimi the most; in fact she's been arriving everyday for a while now. All of my memories of the past few weeks have sort of blurred together, unable to separate.
"Honey…are you all right?" Maureen grips onto my shoulder, and I realize that everyone has collected in a circle around me. I look up, dazed, and decide to just tell them. Maybe I can get it out without crying. Just maybe.
"No. Its days. Maybe even today." When the words break from my lips, I feel a sudden awkward twinge come over the group standing beside me, trying their best to comfort. All they are doing is showing up. Comforting is a lost cause right now. The only thing that comforts me is Angel.
"I…I'm sorry." Mark squeaks out, and I close my eyes. That's the one thing I didn't want to hear. But I appreciate that he said it. Even if it hurts me. I feel like the victim when people apologize. I'm not the victim. I'm not the one who has days. Angel is.
"Thank you. You guys really don't have to stay…" A loud murmur breaks out, convincing me that they are fine where they are. I look over to see Roger sitting alone in a chair, the only one who didn't migrate towards me with the group. He's the only one who knows that it won't help. I do need my friends, but I don't need them to crowd and apologize. Roger gets it.
"Shh…we will just stay until they let us see him again and then take off. Is that okay? Or do you want us to stay longer? We could always just ask if…" Maureen's voice stings my ears, too much talking. Luckily Joanne grasps onto her arm, telling her to stop with a tight squeeze.
"I'm sure Angel wants to see you. Then you should all go home and get some sleep." I answer to her many questions, even though I want time with Angel. Time that I don't have much of. Time that has become my life. Time that is slowing fading away.
"All right." Joanne says, quieting Maureen from responding with another extended answer. I walk everyone into Angel's room, Roger hesitantly following slowly after Mark at the end of the line. Angel smiles weakly when we enter, probably gathering all of his energy just to keep the spirit alive in the group. He does too much, even when he shouldn't. Why can't he just rest? He has to be cheerful and strong all the time, and it kills me because I know that it hurts him.
"Hi baby." I whisper, even though he's awake, but something inside me wants to be cautious around him. Like he's glass.
"Hi." His voice mumbles, cracking around the edges and forcing itself out of his mouth. Everyone settles in the room, their eyes focusing on Angel, even though they might not mean to. "I'm sorry to worry you…" His eyes close wearily, and I know that he really wants to be sleeping right now. But I also know he wants to see everyone again. Maybe for the last time.
"Baby, don't speak if it hurts. I know you're tired and you should be resting. We're only staying a little while." Mimi speaks up, rubbing the forehead of her best friend. I've always admired the connection Angel and Mimi have. "We just wanted to say…that we all love you." She sniffs, tears swelling up in her eyes as she wipes them quickly away while Angel can't see. She wants to be strong, even while her best friend is dying.
"I love you guys too." Angel manages to say, and Mimi grasps her hand tightly, the veins popping out harshly from the pressure.
Everyone left an hour after they came, after watching Angel drift into a quiet sleep, what they assumed to be the end, but not entirely sure. Mimi stayed however, unable to leave Angel's side. They had a small conversation when Angel woke up, very sweet and loving but short.
"Are you okay?" Mimi asks, knowing the answer already.
"I'm all right." A silence follows, consisting of both friends holding back tears and clutching each other's hands securely. I tried to leave them alone, standing in the corner of the room, watching the emotional exchange.
"I love you Angel. You're my…" Mimi finally lets her tears spill over her cheeks, mascara lines becoming visible almost immediately.
"Shh…I know. I know it all. I love you too Mimi. Don't be sad…" Angel lightly rubs a piece of hair out of the brunette's face, trying to comfort her friend from depression.
"Okay." Mimi accepts it, leaning her face against Angel's chest and climbing next to her on the bed, snuggling carefully into her body. I find my own tears running down my face now, after witnessing these two best friends take their final moments peacefully. I just don't want my turn to come.
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Notes: Too sentimental and sappy? I don't know, but there is only one chapter left! Sorry for the delay in updates. Review? Thank you!
