Dear Diary

Chapter 85

Almost a week has passed since Cole's sister was rushed into surgery and I haven't seen much of Cole since. I still get tutored by him and that's when he gives me updates on how she's doing, but that's as far as we get talking-wise. I miss our daily walks and listening to him speak about things other than the Seven Geometric Theorems, but I'm trying not to be one of those clingy girlfriends.

His sister is in hospital and they haven't seen each other for three years, so obviously they would have a lot to catch up on and that she would take priority at the moment; although it doesn't change the fact that I miss him like crazy, which I find weird because I see him every day.

But now I find myself seated in Richard's car, having just finished a tutoring session and on my way home. I stared out at the passing scenery and I noticed the hospital approaching in the distance. 

I haven't actually visited Cole's sister since that night. I figured she needed rest and some time alone to come to grips with the fact that she lost a child. Cole told me that she was finally taken off all the machinery yesterday. An idea suddenly formed in my head.

"Hey, Richard?" I asked and he glanced at me before returning his eyes to the road.

"Yeah?"

"Can you stop by the hospital for a minute?"

He frowned. "Why?"

"I have a friend of a friend I want to visit quickly," I replied. 

I hate to admit it, but I'm getting better at this lying thing, although this wasn't exactly a lie.

"Okay, sure, I guess. Do I know them?" Richard asked as he changed lanes and soon entered the hospital parking lot.

"No," I replied and waited patiently for him to park the car. 

I opened my mouth, about to think up an excuse when he parked and began to climb out the car, but nothing came out. I closed my mouth. Richard knows when I lie. Maybe if I introduce them in a certain way, Cole's sister will get the hint and not say who she is.

Although, now that I think of it, I didn't even know her name, and I've known her for a week.

"Lizzy?"

"Huh?" I asked and looked to see Richard peering at me through the car window. He was already standing outside my car door. "Oh." I jumped out my seat and we made our way towards the hospital.

We soon entered the reception area and the smell of surgical chemicals immediately washed over me. I was never fond of the smell. It smelled too clean, and having a mechanic for a dad, things were bound to not be clean. I stayed silent as I began walking down one of the many halls.

"So ... who is it?" Richard asked and I glanced at him as we walked.

"Funny enough, I actually don't know her name," I muttered, feeling awkward. 

I couldn't exactly ask her now either, that would just be embarrassing.

Up a flight of stairs we walked, and I glanced to the side when I noticed the small gift shop. I bit my lip. I should've thought this through. Whoever visits someone in hospital but doesn't bring them a 'get well soon' present? Unfortunately I didn't have any money on me either.

"Hey, do you mind if I wait here for you?" Richard asked. "I don't want to feel like I'm imposing."

I immediately nodded my head, thankful that I wouldn't have to explain my relation to Cole's sister to him. "Sure, that's fine. I'll only be a minute."

Richard nodded and sauntered into the gift shop while I continued walking towards Room fifty-two. But when I reached the door a hint of doubt started to form. What if she's been moved? Or worse yet, doesn't want to see me? Then I came here for nothing.