RPOV (15 1/2 years later) [QUICKY A/N: CLAUDIA, ROSE&DIMITRI'S YOUNGEST DAUGHTER, WAS BORN AFTER DIMITRI' B-DAY PARTY]
The doctors tried everything to get rid of the tumor, but the surgery wasn't able to get all of the tumor out. It was big, and the doctors said I only have a few months left. Dimitri is heartbroken. Bener and Eloise - Eloise especially - have taken this terribly. Claudia hasn't stopped crying. Veli and Francine have tried to lighten the mood, but nothing they say will make anything better. Dimitri's family arrived, halfway through last year, and has tried to support me the best they could. Olena especially, who's gotten older and can't really do as much. Even now, Olena's attempts of trying to help makes me feel guilty, just like it did back when I was pregnant with the boys.
"I'm sorry, Dimitri," I said softly. We were at the hospital, the doctors said they'd like to keep an eye on me, even though there's nothing more they can do. "I wish you didn't have to deal with this."
Dimitri was sitting beside me, holding my hand, trembling. He was close to tears. "Don't you apologize, Roza," he said, his voice was weak and shaky. "This isn't your fault." He kissed my hand. I could tell this was difficult for him.
"Jr.?" I looked up to Jr., who hadn't spoken a word since the doctors said I'll be dying. He looked up at me. "Do you think you could go get Spice? You and Veli? I'd like to see her." Jr. nodded, and Veli said he didn't mind coming. Veli gave Francine a quick kiss and left with Jr.. There was a silence after they left. Hopefully the hospital would allow Veli and Jr. to bring Spice. I haven't seen her since I was admitted to the hospital. I looked at Dimitri, his face was down. Over the years, Dimitri's hair has went from being the beautiful brown to grey, with a few brown stripes here and there. "Comrade, it'll be okay. I'll be okay."
Dimitri looked up at me. His eyes watery. He leaned over and kissed my forehead. Olena came and hugged me gently. It's sad, knowing the one person you could ever love is slowly dying. I couldn't imagine the pain Dimitri's going through. The absolute depression and anguish. I squeezed his hand, trying to comfort him.
DPOV
When the doctors said that Roza doesn't have long to live, my heart shattered to a million pieces. I didn't want her to die. Not now. I wanted to have some more years with her. I wanted her to see Bener and Eloise's baby. And to be around when Veli and Francine have kids. She wouldn't be able to see Claudia's graduation. Or be there when Jr. gets married, or when Claudia gets married. She won't see Bener and Eloise's wedding day. I was so close to crying, but I wanted to be strong for Roza, and I didn't want the kids to see me like that. I had to be strong.
So I stayed by Roza's side, holding her hand. I couldn't let go.
RPOV (two weeks later)
The past two weeks that've gone by have been difficult. I've gotten terrible headaches. A few bloody noses. And I actually lost consciousness a few times. I've been having trouble breathing, and the doctors had to put me on a ventilator. Dimitri hasn't left my side, not once. The only time he has was to use the bathroom and to freshen up. This whole experience is taking its toll on him.
He hasn't smiled, he doesn't laugh, and he doesn't joke. I know that if someone was watching a loved one slowly die they wouldn't do any of that, but I would imagine them trying to lighten the mood. The kids and Dimitri's family has come to visit every day. Even the gang has come to visit. Francine and Eloise told their parents about my condition and came the quickest they could. I hadn't told them about the tumor because I didn't want them to worry. But when they saw my condition, they broke down. Mia and Lissa and Jill, who found out through Claudia, who's friends with Jill's daughter and son, were bawling their eyes out. Adrian and Mason and Eddie and Christian were trying to be as strong as Dimitri. Though Eddie's had a few meltdowns. Lissa's told me on multiple occasions that if she could heal me she would. I felt so terrible for putting them through so much hell. I didn't want them to go through this. I pained me.
~Secret admirers~
While Dimitri was freshening up, Lissa and Christian were the only ones left. I was exhausted, but I motioned Lissa to come over. She quickly walked over. I tried to tell her with my hands to get the memory book from my house, but she didn't know what I was saying. Christian somehow understood and said he'd be right back, leaving Lissa by my side. Christian was able to get the memory book while Dimitri was getting out of the shower. He handed it to me and I hit it under my pillow, giving Christian a nod as a thank-you. I had finally finished it. I just had to give it to Dimitri when the time was right.
QUICKY A/N: SORRY FOR THE CONFUSION OVER ROSE&DIMITRI'S DAUGHTER, CLAUDIA. JUST A REMINDER ROSE GOT PREGNANT WITH CLAUDIA AFTER DIMITRI'S 29TH BIRTHDAY PARTY. SORRY I FORGOT TO MENTION IT. THE NEXT CH. IS THE LAST CH. UNLIKE THE PREVIOUS CH.'S THAT HAVE RPOV AND DPOV, THIS CH. WILL BE TOLD THROUGH NO ONE'S POV. I HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS STORY!
REVIEW!
YOURS TRULY,
~SMITHY
