Winning the Lottery

Ch. 17 Frontline

"Thanks, Kristi."

She nodded and sat down.

I put the bag aside, not wanting to think about my father. I couldn't believe it. I needed to focus. I looked back to my work. I worked hard for a bit.

"Britt?" a voice spoke.

I looked up.

George stood in front of me. He was a mess. His hair was shaggy and his eyes were red, overflowing with tears.

I stood and pulled him in a hug. "It's okay, George. He'll be okay."

He hugged me back, then pulled away. "They won't let me see him, because I'm not family."

"Okay. I'll take you to him, okay?"

He nodded.

I looked at Jake. "I'll be back, okay?"

"I'll be here."

I led George to Lou's room.

We walked in.

Lou was unconscious with a tube breathing for him. He looked so helpless.

George walked over and sat on the bed. He ran his hand through Lou's hair. "Lou, baby, I love you. I need you. Please, wake up. Please, please, don't leave me. Please."

I blinked back tears. I had to be strong. I watched as George fell apart, holding Lou's hand for dear life. It broke my heart.

"George, I need to get back to work. Are you okay?"

He nodded.

"If anyone gives you trouble, send them to me, okay?"

"Thank you, Britt."

"It's no problem." I left the room and went back to the nurses' station, where Jake was sitting.

He looked up.

"I need you to stand up."

"What?"

"Stand up."

With a confused look on his face, he stood.

I wrapped my arms around his waist, hugging him as tight as I could.

He wrapped his arms around me. "You okay?"

"No. Everyone is dying or getting injured. So much has happened today, I'm just so done with it all."

"I know," he whispered, kissing my head. "I'm here for you, Britt. Whatever you need, I'm here."

"Thank you."

"No need to thank me."

I pulled back and sighed, "I'm okay."

"You're okay."

I gave him a kiss.

"Oh my God!" a woman gasped.

I pulled back.

His whole family was in the hallway, staring at us.

I blushed five shades of red. I looked at Jake, who looked like he'd been caught doing something terribly wrong.

Kelly came over and smiled, "So I guess the family knows now."

Jake nodded.

"How's your friend?" Kelly asked.

"He's fine. His boyfriend is with him and-"

"How long have you been with our James?" an older woman asked.