DISCLAIMER; I DON'T OWN G.A. (AW...I WISH I DID)

CHAPTER 3

I tried to open my eye lids which weighed like a thousand pounds, but failed. I wonder what happened to me...…..then images from earlier replayed in my head. Oh my god Hotaru!

I tried to open my eyes again, but this time with a lot of effort because I didn't want to waste time anymore. I was glad when I was able to see…..my room?! How the hell did I end up here?

I quickly jumped out of my bed and dashed outside like a crazy cat…..until I saw Hotaru's parents crying outside some strange room. I kept on praying…..praying for my friend whom I didn't get to tell, how much I loved her…to be okay.

I stared at them not knowing what to do next. Do I have to go near them and ask what I could clearly see? Or do I have to run far away from here…..and get myself stuck in one of those unreal worlds- as the doctors say- which weren't this scary? Sheesh, all those imaginary worlds are better.

I saw a doctor coming out of that room wearing an unreadable expression. Is it because he's sorry for what happened? Well, he better be! If they've tried harder none of this might have happened to her. Wait, what is 'this' in the first place? I don't even know what to think any more.

I went closer to hear what he was saying.

"Mr and Mrs Imai, I'm afraid we'll have to perform a heart surgery because that's the only option we are left with," I was relieved and frightened at the same time. Glad for the fact that the worst thing I had imagined hadn't happened; scared for the fact the she will have to face a surgery which was scary as hell.

I didn't go near Hotaru's parents afraid that I'd trouble their moment of solitude.

So instead, I sat on the floor, a few meters away from the surgery room. I had my face buried in my hands, sobbing and praying in my own silent way.

You know what…? This is all your fault….you always end up hurting your loved ones, just like you did back then…..

I heard a voice whispering in my head. I tilted my head to see who said that, but I wasn't surprised to see no one near me except for Hotaru's parents. I knew this voice; it was the voice that l always heard….accusing me for things I haven't done. I think the effects of missing that stupid blue pill have started showing off. I mean, I didn't hear this voice during the time I took that pill. Well, I'd rather prefer smelly and disgusting pills over these kind of unauthorised voices.

I shook my head and put my head back into my hiding place; the place that helped me to distance myself, at times I really didn't want to stay in the reality.

I opened my eyes in an effort to get out of the troubled dream I had. I felt warm and heavy, which was quite unusual since I had just one layer of cotton on me, and it was like minus degrees out here.

I turned my head to look at my shoulders, and that's when I saw the thick coat that hung heavily on my shoulders. Am I having a time leap or something like that? I mean there had been weird things happening to me lately. Like; how did this coat end up hanging on my shoulders covering me? How did I wake up in my hospital room when the only place I remember standing last was Hotaru's room?...were all mysteries.

My thoughts were interrupted by the doors that swung open. Mr and Mrs Imai, and I stood immediately in unison, all hoping for just one thing; Hotaru's safety.

This time the doctor had a proud smile on his face which meant one thing for sure; Hotaru was back in one piece. Hotaru's parents rushed towards the doctor while I took a few steps towards them, afraid that the Imais' wouldn't like to share this news with anyone.

To my surprise, Mrs Imai who instead of asking the doctor what happened; waved at me motioning me to come there. Did they know I was Hotaru's friend? I felt like doing my favourite octopus dance. Without even wasting a second I ran happily towards them.

"The surgery was a success. Miss Imai's okay now," his smile kind of faded when he opened his mouth to continue.

"Well, that doesn't change the fact that she's a heart patient. We can't really tell what will happen in the future, but let's hope for the best"

Immediately I felt all grim again after hearing those words. With my experience in hospitals I've come to understand that 'let's hope for the best' was the nice way of telling us that, the worst was yet to come.

"All I want to ask from you as a doctor is that, don't let her stay alone, make sure you spend quality time with her while you have the time to do so." He said this in a sincere way which made all of us burst into tears.

I couldn't wait till I see Hotaru. I quickly washed and dressed myself in my usual polka dotted PJs, and hurried to her room.

I opened the door and saw Hotaru's parents sitting on her bed…hugging her in a really affectionate way. Hotaru who caught me staring at them, gave me a weak smile.

"Hotaru!"

I went running towards her; her parents who saw me coming, gave me a warm smile and went outside as if allowing us to have our own private space.

I gave her a tight hug unable to hide my longing and sadness which hung all over me….while tears sprung out of my eyes without a warning.

Hotaru who usually shooed me away when I tried to hug her; hugged me back with so much affection. Everything we wanted to say to each other was conveyed that way.

We stood there huddled together for a while as she whispered BAKA in to my ears which gave me the sign that, old Hotaru was back again. Oh how much I've missed that attitude of hers.

Natsume's POV

I don't know what got into me. I shouldn't have shouted at her, I mean she is a mental patient and what if she has a mental break down or something like that? I'll be in trouble for sure.

I was working in my office, which my dad gave me to work while I did my project….yeah that stupid project where I have to examine other people's problems like I have no problems of my own. I rolled my eyes in frustration. Because of my stupid mouth, I lost the chance of doing a bit of that project.

I was going through one of my medical books, when I saw Ruka, my mate who was doing his project in the other part of the hospital, came bursting into my office.

"Yo, what's wrong?" I asked confused.

"…..huh….huh…the patient you asked for has had a stroke!" he blurted out while gasping for air.

What the hell?!

Miss Imai, the one whom I planned to do the check-up, after I spoilt my chance with that annoying brunette….

As far as I know Imai was a heart patient.

Well, there's nothing I could do.

I stood there reading that book while my mind kept wondering off to what Ruka said. I felt a pang of guilt hitting me. Okay, I think sitting here wouldn't change anything either.

I stood up, and went out of my room hurriedly. I was passing the hall when I saw that same brunette whom I verbally harassed a while ago, standing inside a room in an odd way which made me realize that she was going to pass out…

I ran there immediately in full speed, and was glad to catch her right before she hit the ground. I took her in my arms and carried her to Ms. Serena; who was generous enough to tell me this girl's idiotic crime before.

I later found out that the brunette was a friend of Miss Imai's. Probably the closest, from the way she reacted.

I went to see Miss Imai, who was in the ICU unit. I was mad as hell, when they told me that I wasn't allowed to go in there. Next time I go, I'll make sure to have my surname printed on my shirt….so that they'll know how to behave.

I returned to my office and after a few hours, I thought of going back to see what's happening, because I heard they're doing a surgery on her. I mean I'm practically the owner's son, not that I like being called one, but it was my responsibility to check on the patients too.

As I went there I saw a girl sitting in the corner.

She was practically sitting on the floor; her face buried in her a moment I was horrified to see her there. That's when I realized that she's wearing just her PJs. And what's with it's pattern? Tch...Pink polka dots? Seriously?!

Plus it's bloody cold out here. Is she out of her mind?!

I raised my eyes to heaven. I mean what will the others think if they saw her sitting there like an orphan?

It didn't take me long to recognize who that girl was. It was none other than the most stubborn, idiotic girl I've ever seen. The brunette! I wasn't even surprised to see her here anymore. Wait, what was her name again? Well guess what, I don't care because there are already a lot of words that suite her.

Without giving it any thought, I found myself removing my coat and putting it on her shoulders. It seems like she was in a deep sleep, because she didn't even move when I did so.

And out of habit I ruffled her messy auburn hair. Jeez what the hell was wrong with me?

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-Niv