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When Jayden woke up a few hours later, Samuel was already awake reading the piles of Get-Well cards that had been left for him. He turned as Jayden stretched stiffly beside him.
‘How many times have you fallen asleep in that position?’
Jayden shrugged, wincing slightly as his neck popped with a soft crack. ‘I dunno. For as long you have been here, I guess.’
‘You’re going to get joint and back pains at this rate. You could have just used the cot over there.’
‘Out of your coma barely eight hours and you’re already nagging me.’
‘I wouldn’t have to nag you if you took proper care of yourself.’
‘Don’t fall into a coma next time then because I wouldn’t have had to take care of myself if you were there to do it.’
Samuel rolled his eyes in exasperation but there was a glint of humour in them.
Jayden grinned and moved closer to him. ‘Rolling your eyes is such a me thing to do. I fear I may be a bad influence on you.’
Samuel snorted. ‘I would be more concerned if you were realizing that now.’
Jayden’s stomach growled in that moment which caused Samuel to shoot him an accusatory glare.
‘Have you been skipping meals as well?’
Jayden shook his head quickly. ‘No, I haven’t. You heard Leo, I had a whole squadron making sure I was kept fed and watered.’
Samuel still looked suspicious, but he decided to let the matter drop. Instead, he gestured to the table in the corner of the room.
‘Your mum left some snacks in case you were hungry when you woke up.’
Jayden’s nose wrinkled slightly in distaste. ‘She’s still here? I suppose someone needs to keep tabs on me and provide updates to my father.’
Samuel gave him a curious look. ‘I don’t think that’s why she’s here. She could have easily sent someone else to do that if that’s all it was.’
‘She won’t ask someone else to do it because she knows her presence irritates me. She’s just trying to antagonise me.’
Samuel thought about it and shook his head. ‘I don’t think that’s it. ‘Think about it, from what I gathered she refused to leave the hospital as long as you were here, she slept on those uncomfortable waiting room chairs, and she even showered in the hospital bathrooms. She didn’t need to do all that if all she wanted was to simply antagonise you. And I saw the look in her eyes when she came in and saw you sleeping. Whatever you may think of her, your mother still loves you.’
Jayden was quiet for a long moment. ‘I don’t want to think about it,’ he whispered after a while. ‘Thinking about it always leads to disappointment. Every time I think that it’s different, that she will actually be there for me, she turns around and picks my father’s side. Time and time again, she has proven that my father’s feelings are more important to her than my own.’
‘I’m not trying to make excuses for her or anyone but if it’s possible for you to have a good relationship with at least one parent I think you should give it a shot. Your father is a hopeless piece of shit, so that’s a lost cause, but your mother seems to be willing to at least put in the work to bridge the gap between you.’
Instead of responding, Jayden stood and walked to the table. He picked up a bag of chips and shook it questioningly at Samuel. ‘Hungry?’
Samuel understood and allowed the change of topic to happen. He raised the hand that was attached to the drip in response. ‘I don’t think I’m allowed to eat solid foods.’
‘You got that right,’ Dr. Gay cut in, walking in with a nurse in tow. ‘Hello, Samuel.’
‘Hi, Samuel.’
‘I must say we’re looking very handsome today.’
‘Indeed, we are.’
Jayden scowled at the both of them. ‘Is this going to be a regular thing?’
‘Yes,’ the two Samuels answered in unison.
‘Joy.’
‘Ignore him,’ Samuel stated. ‘He is always extra moody when he is hungry.’
‘Sometimes I wonder why we even decided to date him.’
Jayden closed his eyes. ‘Someone please shoot me now.’
‘Been there, done that, would not recommend it.’
‘Right, sorry. Too soon.’
‘Speaking of shootings, how is my favourite patient doing?’ Dr. Gay asked as he checked Samuel’s vitals from the screen.
‘Apart from the tiredness, I’m fine actually.’
Dr. Gay frowned. ‘Didn’t you get any rest like I asked?’
‘I did. Or at least, I tried to. Only managed to sleep for about an hour.’
‘And you’ve been awake the rest of the time?’
‘Yes, I have,’ Samuel answered. He hesitated. ‘Is that bad?’
‘I wouldn’t say that. We are just going to run a few more tests to be sure there are no lasting consequences or side effects. But try to get some rest later.’
Jayden stood aside as the nurse wheeled Samuel’s bed out for his CAT scan. ‘How long until he’s able to walk again?’ he asked as he fell into step with the doctor.
‘Not long. He doesn’t seem to suffer from any motor impairments and can even begin physical therapy today if he feels up to it.’
‘Does that mean I can be discharged soon?’ Samuel asked from the bed.
The doctor shook his head. ‘We are a long way from that yet. You would need to be carefully monitored for the next few days before we can remove you from intensive care to a standard ward. Then we have weeks of recovery ahead of us. You seem fine now, but the migraines are coming -if they haven’t already started. Tell me, have you been feeling nauseous?’
‘A little,’ Samuel admitted.
‘There you go. Then there are the random confusions, vertigo, randomly drifting in and out of consciousness…’
‘Wait, slow down.’
‘And trouble keeping up with complex conversations,’ the doctor finished with a pointed look. ‘You would need plenty of rest -both mentally and physically, no loud sounds, no bright lights, no strenuous activities, extremely limited screen time, and especially no sudden shocks. All in all, we are looking at, at least three more months of stay.’
Samuel’s face fell. ‘Three months?’
Dr. Gay grinned. ‘It’s not all doom and gloom. Look at the bright side. The three of us get to spend more quality time together.’
‘Joy,’ Samuel and Jayden muttered together this time.
The tests took a total of three hours to complete and by the time they were done, Samuel had already drifted out of consciousness. Jayden sat in his usual spot by Samuel’s bedside and taking out his mother’s iPad, he began to read ‘Netochka Nezvanova‘ by Dostoevsky.
Soft rays of sunlight filtered through the partially drawn curtains, casting a warm glow upon the room. The window was open, allowing in a gentle breeze that caused the curtains to flutter lightly in the breeze.
The peacefulness of the room reflected the serenity in Jayden’s mind and the tension that had been present in his shoulder disappeared as he allowed himself to be lost in the words that dotted the screen.
Everything was going to be alright now. Samuel’s quiet breathing and the steady hum of the medical equipment reminded him of that.
He didn’t how much time had passed when he heard the door open and quiet footsteps walk up to him. He looked up to see Cissy take the chair on the opposite side of the bed.
‘How is he?’
‘Good,’ Jayden answered, turning off the iPad. ‘But the doctors say it will take a while before things go back to normal.’
Cissy nodded. ‘That makes sense. It’s a miracle enough that he was able to survive a bullet to the head. We can’t anger whatever gods are out there by getting too greedy and asking for more.’ She looked down at her brother’s sleeping face. ‘I still get shivers when I think of how close we came.’
Jayden followed her line of sight. ‘I know what you mean. Right now, I’m too relieved to feel anything else but I know the nightmares are going to come. They are just waiting for the relief to fade.’
The heart monitor beeped steadily as it continued to monitor Samuel’s pulse.
‘I was just talking about it with Charles,’ Cissy said. At Jayden’s look, she rolled her eyes. ‘Don’t give me that look. I don’t know the full story but from what I gathered calling what he went through a living hell would be a severe understatement. He knows more about PTSD than both of us combined.’
‘How’s he doing?’ Jayden asked not out of any interest in Charles’s wellbeing but because he knew Samuel would be curious to know when he woke up.
‘Much better. He actually speaks to me now instead of just staring. He’s in the waiting room now, as a matter of fact. He and the boys came with me to check up on Samuel.’ Cissy glanced once more at Samuel’s sleeping figure. ‘I’ll let them know they would have to wait a little more before they can say hi.’
Jayden watched her leave the room then turned his attention back to Samuel. He observed the soft rise and fall of his chest for a few moments before turning on the iPad and returning to his novel.
That was the sight that greeted Samuel when he stirred awake an hour or so later. He lay quietly on the bed observing the way Jayden’s eyes moved imperceptibly back and forth across the screen, the slight flutter of his long eyelashes whenever he blinked, and the graceful arc of his eyebrows.
There were faint dark circles around his eyelids which spoke of the long nights he had spent recently but they still weren’t able to detract from his general attractiveness. He probably could have woken up from a coma and still looked like he had just stepped out of the pages of a beauty magazine -a fact that Samuel couldn’t help but feel slightly aggrieved over.
‘It really isn’t fair,’ he muttered to himself.
Jayden looked up. ‘You’re awake.’
Samuel closed his eyes sullenly. ‘Go away. I can’t keep looking at you.’
‘… Did I do something wrong?’
‘Yes.’
‘What did I…’
‘You’re too beautiful.’
Jayden blinked. ‘Huh?’
‘Curse your mother and her good genes.’
‘How did my mother get into this?’
‘You certainly didn’t get your looks from your father.’
Jayden had completely lost the plot of this conversation. ‘Are you delirious?’
‘No, but I am your boyfriend which I suppose is a win.’ A curious look suddenly came upon his face. ‘How come you weren’t together with someone before you met me? It’s quite odd now that I think about it.’
‘Where is this question coming from?’
Samuel shrugged. ‘Dunno, just curious. Come on, answer it. Please?’
Jayden sighed. ‘Things weren’t exactly conducive for me to have a relationship, were they?’
‘Didn’t stop us,’ Samuel pointed out. ‘And I don’t mean having a boyfriend. We both know you’re too unromantic for that. I was talking more of like a casual fling.’
Jayden shot him a deadpan stare. ‘You’re really asking me why I didn’t go around sleeping with every Tom, Dick, and Harry that so much as looked at me?’
‘… Yes? I mean look at you.’
Jayden let out a long-suffering sigh. ‘Despite popular belief and how I “look” I am not and never have been a playboy.’
‘Really?’
‘Yes, really. I don’t fool around with people I don’t have any emotional connection with. Apart from you, I have only been with one other person. Besides, you’re one to talk, Mr. “Star Athlete”.’
‘Good point.’
A faint smirk played on Jayden’s lips. ‘Have I sated your curiosity now?’
‘You have.’
‘Good,’ Jayden said, getting to his feet. ‘Because you have visitors. Cissy is here with those boys you saved. You were asleep so they’re in the waiting room now. I’ll go get them.’
‘Give me a kiss before you go?’
Jayden rolled his eyes exasperatedly before reaching down to place a kiss on Samuel’s eyelids. ‘I’ll be back soon.’
It was a short walk from Samuel’s room to the waiting room and as expected, Cissy was waiting there with Charles and the two boys he had met earlier. His friends were there as well, and Leo was currently in the middle of an animated conversation with the boys who were staring at him with something akin to awe.
‘And then boom! The bear just dropped dead!’
‘That’s so cool!’
‘Did you really kill a bear?’
Leo puffed his chest out proudly. ‘Yes, I did.’
‘Stop lying to them Leo,’ Cam said. ‘You didn’t kill anything.’
‘How am I lying? You were there, you saw it for yourself.’ He turned to Paul. ‘Tell them, Pauline.’
‘For the hundredth time, you didn’t kill anything. Jayden blinded it, and Paul delivered the killing blow by stabbing it in the neck. All you did was make it mad,’ Cam finished with a mocking edge to his tone.
‘What can I say, I drive the ladies mad with passion,’ Leo said with a wink, causing the boys to giggle.
‘You threw rocks at it.’
‘Which some might say was the most pivotal moment of all.’
‘No. I think most people would agree that the most pivotal moment was when Jayden jumped on its back and stabbed a stake through its eyes.’
The younger boy’s eyes widened in amazement. ‘Jayden really rode a bear?’
‘And he couldn’t have done that if I hadn’t distracted it,’ Leo stated with an air of finality.
‘Wow, Jayden seems so cool. Like the kind of mysterious dark-haired hero, you read about in books.’
Jayden cleared his throat loudly, causing the room to startle and look up in surprise ‘He is awake. You can go in now.’
The younger boy blushed and looked down when Jayden’s eyes met his. Cissy stood and ushered Charles and the boys to their feet.
‘Alright troops, big smiles! Remember what we practiced? Good.’ She turned to the others. ‘You guys coming as well?’
‘Right behind you, sergeant,’ Leo responded, his arm raised in a mock salute.
‘Actually, it’s Field Marshall,’ Cissy corrected. ‘Alright then, fall in line everyone. Chins up, chest out. Now, forward march!’
Cam rolled his eyes at their antics while Paul and Noel just snickered in amusement as they followed them down the hallway. Jayden was about to leave when he caught his mother staring at him from the corner of his eye.
Realizing she had been caught, Victoria smiled and gave her son a short wave, but Jayden simply ignored her and walked away. Letting out a soft sigh, she watched him leave with an indiscernible look on her face.
They were already gathered around Samuel’s bedside by the time Jayden walked back in. All of them except Charles, that is. He stood a bit to the side and seemed content to just watch without saying anything.
‘We made this for you,’ the younger boy said, excitedly taking out a large pink card from his backpack and handing it to Samuel. ‘Charles helped as well. He is the one who taught us the calligraphy and checked our spelling.’
‘Nice,’ Samuel said appreciatively. He opened the card and a large dusting of glitter fell onto the bed.
‘I may have gone a bit overboard with the glitter. Alex tried to stop me, but everything looks ten times better with glitter.’
Samuel looked up. ‘Alex?’
‘Oh, right. I forgot we never properly introduced ourselves. I’m Nikolai and he’s Alex. He doesn’t talk much because he’s trying to go for the strong silent type, but I keep telling him it’s silly.’
A scowl appeared on Alex’s face. ‘And you never stop talking.’
‘Well, someone has to make up for your silence.’
Cissy let out a snort as her eyes met Samuel’s bemused ones. ‘Who do they remind you of?’
‘I know what both of you are thinking and I strongly object to that notion,’ Jayden spoke up from the back.
‘I agree,’ Cam stated. ‘Niki is clearly the younger version of Leo minus all the crazy.’
Paul studied Nikolai carefully and shook his head. ‘I disagree. He’s obviously got the spark, but he lacks the passion.’
‘That’s what I said, “minus the crazy”. Besides, it doesn’t help he and Leo are almost the same height.’
Leo looked absolutely wounded by this accusation. ‘What do you mean almost the same height?’ he demanded. ‘He is 5’3 and I’m almost 6.’
‘First of all, you’re not almost 6. Second, everyone knows you wear platform shoes.’
‘Lies!’
Paul rubbed Leo’s hair fondly. ‘Just admit it. You’re our cute small boy and we love you just the way you are.’
Leo shoved his hand away. ‘I am not cute.’
‘Yes, you are.’
‘No, I am not!’
The door opened at that moment and Dr. Gay strolled in. ‘I hope this is not shouting I’m hearing. I thought we agreed on no loud noises.’
‘It’s not shouting, that’s just Leo’s normal voice,’ Samuel explained, trying to keep the amusement out of his voice.
‘Be that as it may, it looks like you’ve had enough excitement for one day. We don’t want to overexert ourselves so early in the recovery process, do we?’
Samuel sighed. ‘Fine.’ He turned to his friends. ‘Sorry guys, looks like I have to rest now. Doctor’s orders.’
‘Sucks to be you, little bro,’ Cissy stated. ‘Come on troops, let’s say our goodbyes.’
‘Bye, Samuel,’ Nikolai said. ‘Hope you feel better soon.’
‘Bye,’ Alex muttered.
Charles just gave him a tiny nod from his spot in the corner before following them out.
‘Don’t worry, buddy,’ Leo said. ‘We’ll be in the waiting room and if you get bored of resting just give us a holler and we’ll be back to save you.’
Samuel forced back a smile ‘Appreciate it.’
They waved at him and walked out, leaving him and Jayden alone in the room. Samuel frowned and looked around. ‘Wasn’t Samuel here a minute ago?’
‘He probably just stepped out for a minute. I can…’
A loud buzz suddenly filled the air as someone’s phone began to ring.
‘Is that Leo’s phone?’
Jayden walked up to the table and picked it up. ‘Looks like it.’
‘Well?’ Samuel prompted as Jayden continued to simply watch it ring. ‘Aren’t you going to give it back to him?’
‘No.’
‘Jayden…’
‘If he needed it so bad, he wouldn’t have forgotten it, would he? He can have it back the next time he comes to visit.’
‘Be nice.’
‘I am always nice. When have I never been nice? Some might even say I am too nice.’
A smile played at the edges of Samuel’s lips. ‘True, but we both know I’m the only one who thinks you’re nice.’
‘Cissy also thinks I’m nice,’ Jayden pointed out.
‘She also thinks the devil is a saint, so I’m sure we can easily dismiss her opinions on the subject.’
The phone began to ring again causing Samuel to give his boyfriend a meaningful look. Jayden sighed in defeat.
‘Fine. For the record, I also think the devil is a saint.’
Samuel just shook his head in amusement as Jayden walked out of the room.
Dr. Gay and Cissy were deep in discussion right on the other side of the door and they looked up as Jayden walked out of the room.
‘Anything the matter?’ Dr. Gay asked.
Jayden gave them a strange look as he lifted Leo’s phone in explanation. ‘Leo left this behind. What were you two talking about?’
‘I can get that to him,’ Cissy said quickly, taking the phone out of Jayden’s hand. ‘The tyke would forget his head if it wasn’t attached to his body.’
Jayden’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. ‘You’re acting weird. Which is strange because unlike Samuel you’re a good actor which means you’re purposefully acting this way.’
Cissy let out a nervous chuckle which only served to prove Jayden’s point further but before he could question her further Alex came running up the hallway.
‘Sorry, I forgot I had something to say to Samuel,’ he said breathlessly. ‘Can I go in?’
‘Sure, sure. Go ahead.’ Dr. Gay waved his hand dismissively. ‘But try to keep it short. He has physical therapy in a few minutes.’
Alex nodded gratefully and walked into the room, leaving the three alone once more. Leo’s phone rang again causing Cissy to spring to attention. ‘That’s my cue. Best be off.’
‘Before you go, do you know when your parents will be coming by?’
Cissy frowned as she considered the question. ‘Not sure, but they should be here soon.’
Dr. Gay nodded absently. ‘That’s good.’
‘If that’s all…’
‘Yes, yes. Sorry to have kept you for so long.’
‘Is everything alright?’ Jayden asked after Cissy had disappeared from sight.
‘Hmm? No… Yes… I mean…,’ the doctor sighed. ‘It’s nothing for you to be worried about for now. Let’s just focus on helping him achieve a full recovery.’
Jayden was quiet for a few moments before saying, ‘He was wondering where you were by the way.’
‘Was he? I’ll go back in shortly, but for the moment I think we should give them some privacy.’
Back in the room, Samuel had looked up in surprise when the door had opened to reveal not Jayden but Alex. Memories of his brother had rushed to his mind, but he had quickly dismissed them and focused on the boy in front of him.
‘What’s up? Did you forget something?’
Alex moved closer to the bed and pulled a small box out of his pocket. ‘I kept it safe just like I promised.’
Samuel reached for the smooth box and inspected it closely as a look of pleasure lighted up in his eyes.
‘Can I ask you for a favour?’ At Alex’s nod, he placed the box back into his hand. ‘Can you continue to keep it safe for a little while longer?’
Alex clutched the box tightly as he gave Samuel a solemn nod. ‘You can trust me.’
‘I know. Thank you.’
Alex placed the box back in his pocket and fingered it thoughtfully. ‘So, he’s the one?’
‘He is.’
‘How are you so sure?’
A soft smile appeared on Samuel’s face. ‘Trust me. When you know, you know.’
‘I guess.’
‘Is Nikki the one?’
Alex shrugged. ‘I don’t know. We’ve known each other since we were ten and it recently just kind of happened. We haven’t made it official or anything.’
‘If it’s what you both want then I wouldn’t worry too much about it. The important thing is to be happy and enjoy every minute of it.’
‘He doesn’t look happy.’
Samuel was confused. ‘Nikki?’
‘No. Jayden.’
‘Oh.’ Samuel chuckled. ‘He is, he just doesn’t show it well.’
‘I don’t think he likes me very much.’
Samuel frowned. ‘Why do you think that?’
Alex shrugged. ‘I’m not sure. I guess it’s because he never talks to me, or hardly pays me much attention.’
‘That’s just how he is with new people. You should have seen the way he treated me when we first met.’
‘From what I’ve heard, I don’t think he liked you back then either.’
‘Good point.’
‘So, I’m right.’
‘No, you’re not.’ Samuel sighed. ‘Listen, Alex, I know it comes off that way -and we’re still working on it- but it’s not that he doesn’t like you, he just doesn’t like strangers. You just need some time to get to know each other and once you do, trust me, he would be the most loyal friend you’ve ever had.’
Alex bit his lip thoughtfully. ‘You think so?’
Samuel gave him a sure smile. ‘I know so.’
Alex hopped down from the bed. ‘Thanks. I have to go now. I promised the doctor not to take too long.’
‘I’m glad you remembered that.’ Dr. Gay said as he walked into the room. ‘I was about to kick you out.’
Samuel and Alex exchanged an amused glance as the doctor busied himself with checking Samuel’s vitals.
‘Isn’t that a nurse’s job?’ Samuel asked as Alex walked out of the room.
‘How can I leave my favourite patient in the hands of a nurse?’ was the last thing Alex heard before the door closed.
On the other side of the door, Jayden was leaning against the wall and there was an unreadable look on his face as their eyes met. Alex quickly looked down and was about to leave when Jayden’s voice stopped him.
‘I don’t hate you; you know?’
Alex looked up in surprise. ‘You heard everything?’
Jayden shrugged. ‘Some.’
Alex searched Jayden’s face carefully, but he couldn’t tell what he was thinking. In the end, he gave up and muttered, ‘But you blame for what happened to Samuel, don’t you?’
Jayden didn’t say anything to that, and Alex took that as a confirmation. He opened his mouth to say something else, but Jayden beat him to it.
‘Samuel’s mother refuses to look at me.’
Alex was confused by the sudden direction the conversation took.
‘Do you know why?’ Jayden continued.
Alex shook his head.
‘It’s because she blames me for everything that’s happened to her son. Which is fair because I blame myself. It made me realize that I was doing the same thing to you, and you are also no doubt blaming yourself for what happened.’ Jayden paused until Alex slowly looked up into his eyes. ‘I don’t hate you and I don’t blame you either. You also shouldn’t blame yourself. It’s not your fault any more than it is mine.’
Tears welled up in Alex’s eyes. ‘But if it weren’t for us… if he didn’t try to help us, he wouldn’t…’
Jayden studied him thoughtfully. ‘Did you ask him to help you?’
‘No, but…’
‘Did you shoot the bullet into his head?’
‘No…’
‘You are as much a victim as he is, and even if you had told him to go away, he would have still done everything he could to help you. I used to think it was because he had a saviour complex, but I’ve come to realize it’s because he’s simply a good person which is one of the many reasons I fell in love with him. In the end, the only ones to blame are the people who let their bigotry get in the way of their humanity.’
Alex sniffed and nodded. ‘You’re right. Thank you.’
‘I’m always right. Come, clean your face and I’ll walk you back to the waiting room.’
Alex wiped his tears with the back of his hand and followed Jayden as he led him down the hallway.
~
A few hours later Jayden was wheeling Samuel down the hallways as they made their way back to his room. His first physical therapy appointment had gone well. Fortunately, he hadn’t been in the coma long enough for his muscles to atrophy and he was able to take short steps with some assistance, but it would be a while before he would be able to walk on his own again.
Samuel was talking excitedly about his progress, but Jayden was barely paying attention to him, his mind preoccupied with other things. Samuel’s parents had been with them during his appointment when Dr. Gay had popped his head in and called them away for a private word.
He was probably overthinking but there was something off about the whole thing that he couldn’t help the slight twinge of unease that was rising inside him.
‘Jayden? Are you even listening to me? Jayden?’
Jayden blinked and looked down. ‘Hmm?’
‘What’s going on?’ Samuel asked with a concerned frown on his face. ‘You’ve been out of it for a while.’
‘Nothing. Just thinking.’
‘Penny for your thoughts?’
‘They are worth much more than that.’
Samuel considered it. ‘How about I pay you with a kiss?’
Jayden’s lips quirked slightly in a ghost of a smile. ‘A tempting offer, but I must decline.’
Samuel pouted. ‘Why?’ he whined.
‘Because it’s probably nothing and I don’t want to worry you. When it turns out to be something, I promise you’ll be the first to know.’
‘It can’t be nothing if it’s bothering you this much,’ Samuel muttered.
‘Your boyfriend is an overthinker, you know that. You are dating a brooder.’
‘Fine, fine. I won’t push.’
They had almost reached the waiting room and Jayden reached down to place a quick kiss on Samuel’s cheek. ‘There. All better now?’
Samuel smiled sunnily at him. ‘Much better.’
‘Ugh, get a room you two,’ Leo yelled. ‘Some of us just ate and are trying to keep down our lunch.’
Jayden just smirked and pushed Samuel’s wheelchair into the room. All their friends were already gathered there; even Jayden’s mother was present, sitting by herself in a chair in the corner.
‘Oh good, there you are,’ Dr. Gay said, walking into the waiting room with Samuel’s parents right behind. ‘Could I borrow you for a moment? There’s something I need to tell you.’
Jayden’s sharp eyes immediately narrowed in on Sandra’s subtly shaking hands and the tiny knot of worry that had been gnawing at him intensified into a sense of dread.
‘What is it?’ Samuel asked with a frown on his face.
Samuel looked around and noticed all the eyes in the room focused on them and cleared his throat. ‘If you can follow me-‘
‘No,’ Samuel cut in firmly. ‘Everyone here has suffered because of what happened. They have a right to know as much as I do.’
‘I agree,’ his mother stated.
Samuel sighed. ‘Very well, but not here. Let’s take it somewhere more private.’
A few minutes later they were all gathered in Samuel’s room waiting expectantly for the doctor to begin speaking.
‘I’m afraid it’s not good news,’ Samuel began in a grave voice. ‘As you know, we’ve been closely monitoring your condition and though the initial tests were clear, your recent brain scans revealed renewed bleeding in parts of your brain. While this isn’t a rare occurrence, judging from the severity and location of the hematoma, you would need to undergo another surgery.’
Jayden’s jaw was tense. ‘How bad is the surgery?’
‘Not that bad. The survival rate is generally favourable, however….’
‘However?’ Jayden pressed.
‘All things being equal, I would say there’s a fifty-five percent chance of survival.’
Sandra couldn’t control her shaking any longer and had to be helped into a chair.
‘That’s the worst-case scenario though,’ the doctor went on quickly. ‘In his case, the chances are a bit higher. The problem is the aftermath. The surgery could lead to some… side effects which can range anywhere from paralysis to loss of cognitive ability.’
Samuel finally spoke up. ‘And if I don’t take the surgery?’
‘We can attempt to control the bleeding, but it is very likely that you would have lost all memories and motor skills by the end of the fifth year. You would be able to live for about three to four years more after that before your brain succumbs to the pressure and shuts down, leading to…’
He didn’t finish the sentence, but the word hung heavy in the air.
Death.
The doctor cleared his throat. ‘Anyway, it goes without saying which option we recommend but the final decision lies with you.’
‘Can we have the room to discuss this?’
The doctor nodded. ‘Take as much time as you need. We’ll be just outside.’
The others filed out leaving Samuel, his parents, and Jayden alone in the room.
‘You’ve already made your decision, haven’t you?’ Jayden said as Samuel turned to him.
‘I have, but I want to know what you think.’
Jayden passed his hand through his hair in frustration. ‘I don’t know. I don’t…’ His voice choked up before he could finish the sentence.
Samuel took his hands into his own. ‘It sucks, I know. I shouldn’t have to choose between ten years with you or a surgery where I may or may not make it just to have the possibility of a lifetime with you. But ten years isn’t close to enough time. Hell, even a lifetime isn’t enough. If I had my way, I would be with you through several lifetimes.’
Tears rolled down Jayden’s cheeks. ‘It’s not fair. Why you? Why does it have to be us? Haven’t I gone through enough?’
‘Things aren’t that bleak. You heard what Samuel said, people generally survive the surgery. If the price of that is not getting to walk again then I would pay it willingly.’
‘No!’ A familiar light of stubbornness reignited in Jayden’s eyes. ‘You wouldn’t need to because you’re going to be alright.’
A tiny smile flitted on Samuel’s lips. ‘You’re right. Everything is going to be alright.’
‘So, we’re in agreement?’
‘Yes.’
‘Don’t we get a say in this?’ His mother’s voice came in.
Samuel turned to her. ‘Of course you do. But the final decision lies with me and Jayden.’
Sandra couldn’t control herself any longer. ‘Why?’ she blurted out. ‘He isn’t part of our family and it’s because of him that…’
‘Sandy…’ Samuel’s father placed a gentle hand on her shoulder and there was a warning tone in his voice.
Sandra shook off his hand. ‘I’m sorry but it needs to be said. Samuel, we are your parents and…’
‘Mum,’ Samuel’s voice was firm. ‘I love you, but I’m eighteen. My partner and I have come to a decision, and I need you to respect it.’
‘But he isn’t,’ his mother insisted. ‘Not legally.
‘About that…’ Samuel turned to Jayden. ‘Can you ask Alex to come in?’
Jayden seemed confused by this request, but he obediently went to the door and a few seconds later came back with Alex in tow.
Samuel stretched out his hand. ‘You don’t have to take care of it anymore. It’s time it went to its rightful owner.’
Alex nodded and took out the box, placing it carefully into Samuel’s hand. Sandra’s eyes widened as she finally pieced it together. ‘Is that…?’
‘Please excuse us for a moment.’
‘But…’
‘Of course.’ Samuel’s father took his wife by the arm and gently guided her out. ‘Come along darling.’
Soon Samuel and Jayden were the only ones left in the room. Jayden’s face was indecipherable as his eyes remained fixed on the smooth obsidian box.
‘Jayden?’
Jayden’s eyes snapped up to meet his and Samuel could see a trace of fear mixed in with the surprise that was now clearly visible.
‘You know what I’m going to ask you?’
Jayden was silent for a moment then in a quiet voice he whispered, ‘Why?’
‘Because I love you.’
‘Then why does it feel like a goodbye?’
A confused expression appeared on Samuel’s face. ‘What do you mean?’
‘Are you doing this because you think you won’t make it?’
Understanding dawned on Samuel’s features. ‘Oh… Of course not. I was going to ask you a long time ago, but it got delayed due to obvious reasons. I got the ring the same day I met Alex and Nikki.’
‘So why now?’
‘Because if anything were to happen, I want us to go through it as more than just boyfriends. I know it’s sudden, and I was planning for it to be more of a promise ring than a marriage proposal, but fate had other plans.’
Jayden let out a tiny unamused snort. ‘Not the way I would put it.’
Samuel smiled expectantly. ‘So? What’s your answer?’
‘You haven’t really asked me anything?’ Jayden pointed out.
‘You’re right.’ Samuel cleared his throat. ‘Jayden Francis Antoine Pascal Mills, would you make me happier than any person alive has the right to be by forever being the moon to my sun and together we would illuminate our path through the darkness of life?’
Jayden’s lips twitched with a touch of amusement. ‘Poetic.’
Samuel grinned back at him. ‘Learnt from the best.’
‘Don’t be too pleased with yourself. If you were going to be romantic, you should have done it properly and went down on one knee.’
‘Alas, I am currently too indisposed to undertake that gallant gesture. I beg your indulgence on the matter.’
Jayden let out a gracious sigh. ‘Very well.’
‘So?’ Samuel prompted.
Jayden rolled his eyes but there was a large smile on his face. ‘Of course, it is yes you idiot.’
Samuel beamed with happiness. ‘Really? Thank you! I know it sounds crazy, but I wasn’t sure you would… I want to hug you now. No, I want to kiss you. I want to hug you and kiss you.’
Jayden leaned down and captured his lips in a long kiss. ‘There,’ he said, breaking away. ‘That should be enough for now.’
‘Not nearly,’ Samuel said. ‘But I suppose it’s better than nothing.’ He turned to the door. ‘You don’t have to eavesdrop anymore; you can come in now.’
The door burst open, and everyone immediately swarmed back in.
‘I can’t believe that really happened.’
‘I thought Alex was joking.’
‘Congratulations!’
‘Good for you, dude!’
‘Way to go!’
Their friends and family fluttered excitedly around them as their voices came in quick succession.
‘Quiet. Quiet!’ Cissy called out. ‘Now,’ she turned to Dr. Gay. ‘When would you perform the surgery.’
Samuel considered the question. ‘At best, it would have to be within the next forty-eight hours.’
‘I have worked with less odds.’ She turned to the room. ‘Alright, so we have forty-eight hours to plan a wedding. First, I need…’
Jayden felt a hand on his arm and turned to see his mother standing behind him. ‘What?’
Everyone’s attention slowly focused on them, but Victoria didn’t seem to notice. Her voice was full of concern as she met her son’s eyes. ‘Are you sure about this? You’re only eighteen and you used to be against getting married at that age. It all seems a bit rushed maybe you need some time to really think about this.’
‘I agree,’ Sandra piped up.
‘Sandy…’ her husband began but he was promptly cut off.
‘No, Fredrick. None of you have thought about this. Disregarding the fact that they’re both eighteen, you’ve all seemed to have forgotten that same-sex marriage is very illegal in this country thanks to her husband. We already have enough problems; this family doesn’t need to create more.’
Victoria nodded. ‘Maybe we should all just take a step back and-‘
Jayden suddenly snapped. ‘No.’ His voice was firm as he levelled his mother with a fiery glare. ‘You had no problem with marrying me off at eighteen when it suited your needs so don’t be a hypocrite now. If you’re unhappy about this then leave. If you are going to stay, then don’t say anything if you have nothing helpful to say.’
‘That goes for you too,’ Samuel added, looking directly at his mother.
‘But…’
‘Let it go, Sandy.’
Cissy looked around the room. ‘If there are no more objections, let me make one thing clear. I don’t care if it’s illegal or not. My little brother wants to get married to his boyfriend before he undergoes surgery in which he may or may not come out alive and by thunder, I am going to give it to him! Are we on the same page?’
‘Hear, Hear!’ Leo shouted, and everyone else joined in.
‘What’s this I’m hearing about a wedding?’ a deep powerful voice suddenly spoke out.
Everyone’s head turned in surprise before immediately descending into bows and curtsies as His Majesty, the King walked in.
King Dominic IV gestured to his attendants who had come in behind him and one of them broke away to place a bouquet on the table next to Samuel’s bedside.
‘We had heard about your condition and since we happened to be in the area for a meeting we decided to stop by and check in.’
‘Thank you, sir,’ Samuel said. ‘That’s very kind of you.’
The king waved his hand dismissively. ‘It’s a mere trifle. The reports made it seem that you were knocking at death’s door, but it seems that they were greatly exaggerated. We are glad to see you’re alright.’
Samuel let out a nervous chuckle. ‘They weren’t exaggerated I’m afraid, but the worse is over with thankfully.’
‘Indeed. Now, were my ears deceiving me or did I hear you were getting married?’
‘I am,’ Samuel said proudly. ‘Jayden said yes.’
‘Oh?’ the king’s eyes twinkled with amusement as he turned to Jayden. ‘We doubt your esteemed father would be happy to hear that.’
Jayden stuck out his chin defiantly as he squarely met the king’s eyes. ‘My esteemed father can go to hell.’
A deep booming laugh resonated throughout the room. ‘Such spirit! Quite right, there’s no point in doing things by half-measures. If you’re going to break the law, you might as well do so with gusto!’
Samuel stared at him in surprise. ‘Are you really ok with it?’
‘This is not my country, so I have no dogs in this fight, and I doubt my opinion would sway you on the matter. However, since we are on the subject…’
Paul looked up as his father walked over to place a powerful hand on his shoulder.
‘I daresay it’s high time you and your old man had a little bit of a talk, wouldn’t you agree?’
A/N: Full disclaimer I have next to zero knowledge about medicine or medical procedure and the little I have was gleaned from watching reruns of Grey’s Anatomy so if you are an expert in this field I humbly ask you to suspend your disbelief😭🙏🏾. If you have any suggestions that is also welcome 🖤
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