That day, Rory and I waited for hours. She tried to get me to go home or eat, but I refused. She ate, but didn't leave my side. The only way I kept my strength up was through my comfort drink: coffee.
"In case, I haven't told you, I love you," I said to Rory.
"I love you too," she told me.
"Thanks for being here. I mean, really. You've almost missed a week of classes to be my support."
"She's my sister too."
"Yeah, but I know how you've been here for me as much as Lily."
At that moment a doctor approached us and we both stood up, eagerly awaiting news.
"How are they?" I asked nervously.
Rory instinctively stood closer to me.
"We got the liver out of Mr Danes Ok, and he's fine. He's in recovery now."
My Mom radar instantly went up. "And Lily?"
"We put the liver in, but unfortunately there were complications and she died. I'm sorry."
"NO!" I sank back on the chair, crying uncontrollably.
Rory sat down and put her arm around me, but I was inconsolable.
The doctor continued to speak. "We have some counsellors and chaplains in the hospital if you'd like someone to talk to."
"No thank you," Rory answered for me and the doctor finally left.
For an hour Rory and I just sat there and cried in each others arms.
"Miss Gilmore?" I jumped.
"Yes?" I said, standing up.
Another doctor was standing there. "Mr Danes is now awake in his room and asking about Lily. Would you like us to tell him about Lily or would you like to?"
"We will, thank you," I told him. I knew Luke would be furious if we let some doctor tell him.
When the doctor left, I turned to Rory.
"I can't see him, Ror. I don't want to see Luke."
"Mom, calm down. I'll tell him."
"Ok," I said, actually calming down. I took a deep breath. 'I'm going to go see if I can see Lily – you know, to say goodbye."
Rory understood this and headed towards Luke's room as I approached a doctor and enquired about seeing Lily.
"Sure, come with me." He led me to the operating room, which had been cleared. All there was was Lily on the table, looking like she was sleeping. I had a hard time believing she wasn't going to wake up and tell me she was all better. I smiled in spite of my tears; she was so beautiful. I began to talk to her.
"Hey kid," I said softly.
I laughed. "God, you had to do this to me, didn't you? You knew it'd make me crazy, and it has, so…I don't know." I grew serious again.
"I'm sorry you had to leave us, but I'm sure it's great up there. I'll miss you, and so will Rory and Daddy. I love you so much, more than you ever knew. Rory loves you too – and Daddy, but they can't come see you. So…bye, and again, I love you." I kissed her on the forehead and went out.