A Lie in Fall

Chapter Twenty One

*Monday morning at school Jessica talking to Drake and Kashiwagi*

Jessica: No way. When I went to see her over the weekends we talked like always. "Let's go shopping for winter clothes..." That kind of stuff.

Drake: When Enzo and I got to the hospital... Like all of a sudden. Karly's in the ICU right now.

Jessica: She's gonna be okay, right? We can see her again, right?

Drake: I don't know. But it really doesn't look too good.

Kashiwagi: No...

Jessica: You and Enzo? So Enzo knows about this, too?

*Sandra calling Enzo but he's not answering her calls*

Sandra: *still on the phone waiting for Enzo to answer when she remembered what Jessica told her* "Save Enzo, please... Enzo's gonna break down all over again..." *takes a deep breath and hangs up the phone and barges in Enzo's house* Dammit, Enzo! I'm coming in! Enzo! *sees Enzo in his room sitting on the floor with his arms crossed and head down and his phone next to him* What do you think you're doing? Do you understand the situation you're in? You only have so many days before the competition! Okay, we're going to practice! Get on your feet now!

Enzo: I cant do this... Can't do this... anymore... Sandra... Why does it have to end up this way? All I... all I ever wanted was... To play the guitar and make my mother get well... that's all... All I did... was fall in love... Why... does it have to end up this way? I can't... go on. No more... I can't try anymore...

*The next day Drake goes to Totsuhara University Hospital to visit Karly while Emi and Takai are practicing for the competition except for Enzo who just went to school and sees an envelope he opens it and reads it "I want cannolis."*

*At the hospital Karly sitting up on the bed as she sees doves fly by the window she hears the door open*

Karly: Hey! They let me come back to my room yesterday. Oh, boy, what an ordeal. That was my first time ever inside an ICU. You just can't relax in there, you know. You really caught me at an awkward moment! That's why I told you not to come to the hospital. *takes her stuff animal and throws it at Enzo* Hey!

Enzo: Wh-What are you doing?

Karly: Don't come to see me and then stand around looking so gloomy! You're gonna make me even sicker! Oh... *sees Enzo holding a bag of cannolis* Cannolis! I want to eat it outside!

Enzo: It's too cold.

Karly: Not in this hospital room! Come on, come on, come on!

*Enzo gives Karly piggyback ride as he takes her up on the roof top outside so they can eat cannolis together*

Karly: One word about me being heavy and I'll kick your butt, all right?

Enzo: I think you could stand to eat more. *thinks* She's light... Very light. At some level I felt easy in my mind. That she was all right now. That she was so strong, she could just send her illness packing. That is "now" would go on forever. She loves stuffed animals and loves sweets. Fragile You're a normal girl, and yet... I'm a moron.

*They get to the top as Karly gasp*

Karly: Wow... Snow.

*Enzo sits her down as she opens the bag of cannolis*

Karly: Are you playing the guitar?

Enzo: No, I'm not.

Karly: I knew it. "You're feeling sorry for yourself."

Enzo: I can't do it anymore. The people I care about keep leaving me. The people I care about... music takes them away from me. I'm going to be left all alone.