Both me and Ernest were nervous as we entered the house, taking an anxious seat at the dinner table.

My dad sat in front of us with his arms still crossed. I didn't dare look up at him because I was afraid of what he was going to say next.

This all felt so tense and awkward.

"What did I say to you several times now young lady?"

"That I was grounded and I can only go to school and back home. And no boyfriends."

"And what did you do?"

"Snuck away after school to go out with my boyfriend despite still being grounded."

"Yes. And you, I thought I told you stay away from my daughter. Why are you still spending time with her?"

"Because I care about her sir."

"If you care about her then you will abide to what I say! And that's to stay away from her!"

"Dad enough!"

I stood so fast and yelled so loudly they both went silent.

"Thank you Ernest but I can take it from here. Dad isn't him making me happy enough? Or did you forget what I told you already?"

"Excuse me, I am your father Octavia! And you will abide to what I say!"

"And that's to staying home all day studying like a prisoner in my home and not spend time with the only person that matters to me aside from you dad?! All for having a boyfriend?! Because if that's what I have to do to abide by you than I'll just tell you that I'm miserable now! I hated it at school enough and now I hate coming home! Anytime I feel at peace is when I'm with him dad! Why can't you understand that?! How much do I have to spell it out to you?!"

My dad went silent at my words and even looked a little surprised.

"I. Want. To. Be. Together. With. Him. Either you accept that or I'm never speaking to you ever again!!"

I felt my heart pounding in pain and I just ignored it as I seethed on my father. He was taken aback by what I was saying and even looked like he was regretting all that he had said.

"Dad please I had enough. I learned not to disobey you just please let me be with him please."

I fought back tears as he looked up at my depressed expression. The look on his face when he realized he added onto the stress I had been feeling lately at school.

"Octavia. I'm sor-"

"Aaauuugghhhh!"

I felt excruciating pain in my chest as I collapsed onto the floor. Ernest held me up trying to do something to help me while Dad had ran to the phone to call for emergency services.

I didn't remember much after that and slowly I passed out.

~

I woke up in a hospital bed my head feeling groggy and my body feeling very weak. It no longer surprised me I just hated it on the inside to be back here again.

I heard faint voices and I blearily looked to the window to see my dad and Ernest talking on a bench outside the room.

I could hardly hear them and had to strain myself so I can catch what they were saying.

"Sir, I understand you want what's best for Octavia. But I swear I would never hurt her. And if I ever do that's just life. I can't be blamed for worsening her heart. She just wants you to let her live her life. And maybe you don't think I'm any good for her, but I promise you I will always put her health right next to her happiness. Both are important if you want your daughter to be able to live."

My dad sat there quietly considering Ernest's words.

"So I just let you two be together and it will have good end results? Are you prepared to take care of her if the time ever comes to it or maybe even...her death?"

I hated that word. It's what took my mother so unexpectedly. Ernest was right though and I'm glad he was telling my father this. He needs to hear the full truth if he'll let us be happy.

"When and if that ever happens I will be ready to take care of her. She's very important to me and I just want to be with her. If you'll let us Mr Spencer."

My dad sat there looking unsure of how to respond or say anything else to resist, but deep down he knew he couldn't say anymore.

"Alright. I'll allow it. Don't ever go back on your word. And be prepared for anything. If not I'll never allow you to see her again."

"I won't sir."

Ernest stood up and looked like he was about to enter the room when my dad said something else.

"And Ernest?"

"Yes?"

"Treat my daughter right please."

"Always."

Ernest said before entering the room and freezing when he saw me awake.

"Ernest..."

"Via!"

He ran over to me and pulled me into a hug.

"Oh thank god you're alright!"

Ernest pulled away only once to give me a big smooch on the mouth.

"Mmmm!"

I closed my eyes savoring his touch. Our lips pulled apart and he held me again more gently and relaxed this time. Dad stepped into the room and Ernest briefly stepped aside so he can hug me.

"Honey are you okay?"

"I'm okay now dad. Sorry for worrying you."

"No I should be sorry. For making you feel like you can't take care of yourself and hurting you and stressing you out over something like this. I'll try to hold onto you less and let you be more free from now on. I'm really sorry Octavia. Forgive me."

"I forgive you dad."

My dad smiled looking a little teary eyed as he pushed a strand of hair out of my face.

"What did the doctor say?"

He looked worried when I asked him along with Ernest.

"Well he said that your heart reacted to high levels of emotional stress and your blood pressure increased tightening your heart. And you know before he told you before you were at Stage B before and what it meant?"

"Yes I remember."

"Well he says you're at risk of reaching stage C. Which means your chances of having heart failure have gone up."

"What?"

I was never expecting this. This was devastating news for me.

"You can prevent it from affecting you faster if you take your medications and exercise. If you don't you can die in about 10 years or so."

"So...what he told me last time...but I'm just in worse shape now?"

"What no! You can prevent it you just have to-"

"Dad! That's exactly what's happening to me right now!!! Don't lie to me!"

Dad went silent and Ernest was shaking from where I sat. Angry tears stung my eyes and I just wanted to be left alone.

"Get out. Both of you."

"But Octavia-"

"GET OUT! Please...just...go..."

"Okay honey."

Reluctantly they both got up and left Ernest giving me a panicked look before he exited the room.

I tightened my grip on the blanket and for the first time in a long time I sobbed my eyes out. I haven't felt this devastated since my mother passed away...when can I finally...live...?