If love could be objectified, not even the universe itself could compare to the love I have for you.
"Life is a balance of holding on, and letting go… and knowing when to do which of the two."
Luke watched Beca's face intently. The younger girl hadn't shown any signs or consciousness. Nothing to indicate that she was okay. They had been there for 3 hours, since the elderly man had called the ambulance. The man, from which Luke had learned was called Arthur, had called Luke. He had seen the last text that the brunette had sent, and called the number, informing Luke what was happening and to meet them at the hospital.
"How's she doing son?" Luke glanced to the door where Arthur was walking in. he had two cups of coffee and a bag hanging on his arm. He looked worn and tired, but despite Luke's constant protests, the man had stayed.
"Umm… no change. The doctor said she's stable though." Luke looked back at Beca, as if to assure himself that she was still there. Still breathing steadily.
"What about… you know. The blood?" Arthur didn't want to pry, but he was genuinely concerned about the younger girl.
"They think it's just the lining of her stomach coming away slightly. Between the… the chemo and the constant throwing up, it's to be expected. They have done a couple of tests to see if there's anything else that could be causing this." Arthur could hear the uncertainty in the blonde's voice. Slowly, so as not to make him uncomfortable, the elderly man took a seat next to him.
"I don't know the full story son, and I'm not going to pry. But from what you've told me, Beca is a very strong girl. She's come this far, even performing on that leg of hers," he points to Beca's right leg, which is propped up and wrapped in a heated blanket. "I feel that this is just a bump in the road that she will be able to overcome with your support." Arthur smiled warmly at Luke, but the feelings were not reciprocated. Luke just stared down at the girl he had come to care deeply for.
"I wish it was that easy." Arthurs' smile dropped at the dejected tone of Luke's voice. Before he could pry anymore, there was a soft knock at the door. Both men turned towards the door, waiting for a nurse or doctor to come in. when no one entered, Luke called for them to come in.
The door opened slowly, revealing a very dishevelled looking Chloe. Luke was shocked at first, having called her an hour ago and only turn up now. Chloe's hair was unkempt and her eyes were bloodshot. Combined with the sweatpants and oversized hoodie, she looked like she hadn't slept in days.
The redhead looked around the room briefly, wondering who the old man was, before they landed on Beca. It felt like her world fell from under her feet. Beca was hooked up to numerous machines, each one making some form of noise, monitoring all of her vitals. Her face was pale and drawn, a waxy complexion replacing the normal embarrassed flush she would sport. Her fingers, which were normally tapping out an unknown beat or tugging the ends of her brown hair lay still by her sides.
Whatever words Chloe had prepared dissipated in her mouth. She stood there awkwardly, unsure of what to do while Luke and Arthur continued to stare. Eventually, the blonde senior broke the silence.
"Took you long enough." There was slight hint of annoyance in his tone, and Chloe had to wonder if Luke had heard about the… events that unfolded. Chloe had to remind herself that Luke had called her, and if he was mad, she would be the last person he would want to see.
She straightened her spine, composing herself. "I stopped off at Beca's dorm to grab these." She pulled her backpack off her back and pulled out Beca's sacred headphones and IPod. She figured if she was going to be in here for a while, Beca would need entertaining.
Luke's eyes softened. His face remained mostly impassive though. "Do you want to sit with her for a little while?" all Chloe could do was nod. She moved out of the way for Luke and the other man to walk out. She quickly found her words again.
"Wait!" both men turned, eyeing her curiously. "I'm sorry… I don't… do you know Beca or?" she trailed off, looking pointedly at the elderly man. He chuckled slightly.
"I'm sorry, where are my manners? I'm Arthur." He extended his hand, which Chloe took cautiously, smiling politely.
"He's the one that found Beca." Chloe's smile faltered slightly, feeling the weight of the words.
"Well," her voice caught in her throat as she tried to swallow the lump that had formed there. "Thank you, Arthur." The Elderly man smiled and nodded, before turning to Luke.
"I would hope that you'll keep me updated son. You've got my number. Just a text every now and then." The two men walked out, leaving Chloe with the sleeping girl. Tentatively, she pulled up a chair, careful not to make too much noise. Once she was settled, she took Beca's hand. It was cold to the touch, the knuckles standing out against her taut skin. The evidence of stress and suffering was evident in everything that made Beca the person she was. Guilt stabbed at Chloe's heart while she silently promised herself that she would be there for her now, regardless whether the brunette wanted her or not.
"Hey Becs…" she trailed off because, what was she supposed to say? That she forgave her? That she was sorry? It would all fall to deaf ears anyway.
"I know you probably can't hear me… I'm glad you can't actually. Because otherwise this would just be embarrassing." Chloe chuckled at herself.
"But I just want to say I'm sorry Beca. For not being there. For not understanding when you told me." The redhead looked down, shame flooding her body. She gripped Beca's hand tighter.
"But I'm not going to give up on you now. I'm going to be the person you need me to be. If you're having a bad day and just need to sleep, I'll be your pillow this time. If you need to shout or scream or just cry I'll listen. I… I love you Becs," tears were intermingling with her voice now. "I just need you to come back to me."
Chloe was met with the monotonous beeping of the monitors on the wall, Beca's pale face devoid of any emotion. Whatever hope the redhead heart was quickly diminishing. She did the last thing she knew she could do.
Pulling the jack out of the IPod, she placed Beca's headphones on the table by the side of her bed. Chloe knew the exact song she wanted, and started scrolling through the brunette's extensive collection until she found it. She turned the volume up and played it out loud.
The guitar intro sounded softly, and Chloe knew that if Beca was somehow listening, it would convey what the redhead was feeling.
When I see your smile
Tears run down my face
I can't replace
Now that I'm strong I have figured out
How this world turns cold
And it breaks through my soul and I know
I'll find deep inside me
I can be the one
Chloe harmonised perfectly with Ronnie Winter's. The emotions were raw and blurry.
I will never let you fall
I'll stand up with you forever
I'll be there for you through it all
Even if saving you sends me to heaven
Its ok
its ok
It's okayayay
Seasons are changing and waves are crashing and
Stars are falling all for us
Days grow longer and nights grow shorter
I can show you I'll be the one
I will never let you fall
I'll stand up with you forever
I'll be there for you through it all
Even if saving you sends me to heaven
'Cause you're my
You're mine
My true love
My whole heart
Please don't throw that away
'Cause I'm here for you
Please don't walk away and
Please tell me you'll stay
Yeah
Waohohaoh
Stay
Woaohoh
Waohohoh
Chloe could feel her eyes welling up. She meant every word that she was singing. It was equally soft and powerful and entrancing, all mashed together.
Use me as you will
Pull my strings just for a thrill
And I know I'll be ok
Though my skies are turning grey (grey)
I will never let you fall
I'll stand up with you forever
I'll be there for you through it all
Even if saving you sends me to heaven
I will never let you fall
I'll stand up with you forever
I'll be there for you through it all
Even if saving you send me to heaven
I will never let you fall
I'll stand up with you forever
I'll be there for you through it all
Even if saving you sends me to heaven
The song came to an end, the silence now surrounding the two women once more. Chloe looked back towards the door, wondering if anyone had heard her impromptu performance. She was just contemplating putting on another song when she felt the hand gripping hers twitch slightly. Chloe's eyes shot up, looking for traces of consciousness on the brunettes face. There was nothing at first, and Chloe's heart sank once again.
"You know, it's rude to stare Beale." Chloe couldn't be sure it was Beca who spoke. Her lips barely moved, her voice only reaching a mumble. It wasn't until bloodshot eyes opened and locked with Chloe's that she could believe what was happening.
"Beca."
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A/N – sorry for the long update time. It was my birthday the other week. It's been a little bit hectic! Let me know what you think!