Calum walked slowly into the hospital waiting room, running his hands through his hair. His eyes were red and puffy from crying. He sat in the chair next to me and grabbed my hand. He knew what had happened. “Maryana…” he whispered. I watched his eyes and saw a stray tear roll down his blotchy cheek.
“He didn’t make it, did he?” I asked, showing no emotion in my voice. He nodded and lifted my hand up to his face. Tears started falling down my face. He was gone. And he wasn’t coming back. Calum pulled me into a hug and let me cry into his shoulder. My body shook with loud sobs. “How, Calum? How?” I cried. He just held me tighter and stayed silent. Michael came out and sat next to us too. But he wasn’t crying. He had always been the closest with Ashton. I pulled away from Calum and wiped my eyes. Michael looked at me sympathetically.
“Would you like to go see him, Maryana?” he asked me. I shook my head. I knew I wouldn’t be able to handle it. He nodded and hugged me.
“Michael, it’s okay to cry.” I whispered into his ear so that no one else would hear. He shook his head.
“Not here.” he responded. We both pulled away slowly. Already, I was missing his embrace. “Calum, do you mind if Maryana stays at my place tonight? I feel like it might help a little.” Michael asked, out loud this time. He knew me too well. It would help me. Calum nodded knowingly and we all got up to go down to the lobby. Luke said that he didn’t want to come to the hospital. As soon as it happened, we all knew he wouldn’t make it. Luke just wanted to avoid the extra hurt that came with losing one of his best friends. Michael held on to my hand tightly, not allowing me to leave his side. I knew how he was feeling. I felt the same way.
|