Chapter 3

The next day Kasey made her way onto the third floor and after signing in she made a quick stop in Room 319 which was occupied by Mandy, a nine year old girl whose mother died and her father is working three jobs to pay for her hospital bills. After exchanging a few encouraging word and a chocolate pudding Kasey headed down the hall for the room which held her heart. Kasey silently slipped in unnoticed by the sleeping figure in the small hospital cot. Making her way over Kasey's memory was flooded with all the memories with the man lying before her. Like the time in junior year when they were filling out college applications.

After two hours of sitting in the libraries hard, wooden chairs Ryan was on the verge of not even going to college. "Screw it! I'm quitting and applying for Clown College. ," Ryan let out a dramatic huff.

"And what are you going to major in if you get accepted?" Kasey asked through her giggles.

"O I'm leaning toward Pro Clown." he stated proudly.

"Ok then. If you're going to be a professional clown then I guess I can learn to walk the tight rope and we can join the circus together." Kasey plotted.

"Aww you would do that for me? Follow me all the way to freak city?" Ryan said putting his hand over his heart acting like a love stuck teenage girl.

"I would follow you anywhere, even if that means all the way to freak city," Kasey declared, "I Love you Ryan and I would walk through fire for you and nothing will stop me."

Ryan dropped his hand and stared at his girlfriend for a few moments before pulling her and kissing her with all the love he had. "I love you too Kasey Marie Donnelly," he said breathlessly.

Ryan woke up to be met by a very pleasant looking Kasey.

"What is going through that brilliant mind of yours Kase," Ryan asked in awe of how beautiful she still looked.

"When we were filling out college applications in junior year," she answered snapping back to reality.

Ryan felt a smile tugging at his own lips, "When I said I was going to become a clown,"

Kasey nodded as a laugh rolled off her tongue.

Before he knew it Ryan curiosity got the best of him, "Did you mean it? About walking through fire for me?"

A look of shock crossed her face, "Of course I did, I loved you Ryan. Without you there was no me." A tear escaped her eyes.

Ryan's hand reached up brushed the tear away with his thumb. "I love you too, Kasey."

Kasey's head snapped up at his words "Love? As in present tense?"

Her question was answer with a nod, "Yes. Present tense Kase. I still love you. I always have and I would walk through fire for you too."