The Outcast

Don't go

The nurses and doctors began saying things I couldn't make out, and I didn't understand what all the commotion was about. That's when I heard the heart monitor beeping on the other side of the room, realizing that there was a straight line placed on the screen. My heart just sank as I saw the crowd of nurses and doctors surround Nia's limp body on the other bed. No, this can't be happening.

    " Wha-" I cut off, and one of the nurses pushed me out the door.

    " I'm sorry, but you need to stay out here, sweetheart."

    " Not until you tell me what's going on," I replied, my voice cracking in the end.

    She sighed," Well, it turns out that your friend didn't make it, but we'll give her two weeks before we make it official."

    " Oh."

    " You should get some air, kid. I'll sign you out if you'd like."

    " Yeah, thanks," I sighed.

    The nurse just smiled at me before walking over to the counter, and I walked outside, taking out my phone to call Danny.

    " Hello?" Danny mumbled.

       " Hey Dan, could you get Michael? I need a ride back to town," I replied, sorrow in my voice.

" Sure, but what's got you so bummed out, man? You seem depressed," Danny replied, concerned.

           " She's gone, man."

           " Please tell me you're joking!"

           " I'm not. One of the nurses said she don't got a chance," I whimpered.

    " Don't think like that, now. She might have a tiny chance, man."

    " Yeah, you're probably right. Sorry 'bout that. It's just that I woke up to her being surrounded by a bunch of doctors and there wasn't a heartbeat. So, I guess I'm a bit shaken up."

    " Don't be, Pepsi, I get it. You don't want to lose her."

    " Yeah."

    " Well, I'll get Mike and we'll be there in a few. Just hang in there, ok?"

    " Alright."

    I ended the call, putting the phone in my jean pocket and was still a bit shaken. I guess, this whole situation has got me full of doubt, but I can't think that way. I need to believe that she's still alive. That she hasn't left me yet. The thought scared me something awful. Soon, Michael pulled up in front of the hospital, and I got in the back beside Danny. Once he got to driving, I just stared out the window with Nia on my conscience.

    " Hey kid, I was thinking of taking the truck to the Wally's. Wanna help me gussy up the girl?" Michael suggested.

    " We aren't kids anymore, Mike," I huffed.

    " C'mon, you used to love gussying up our parent's cars. It'll be just like the good old days."

    " Fine,  just don't be getting us all arrested."

    " I can't make any promises, little brother."

    " C'mon, I've had a rough day as it is."

    Michael sighed," Alright, just don't make me look bad. I still have a reputation, you know?"

        I nodded, and we were all silent up 'till we arrived at Wally's Car Wash. I haven't been here for years and it feels weird to be back somehow. I just pushed the thought aside, and we all walked out of the red truck. Danny walked over to the vacuums, leaning against one of them, minding his own business. Then, Michael and I went over to get the quarters, walking back to the truck. So, I leaned against the concrete wall as Michael rinsed off the truck, flipping the quarters that were in my right hand. Before long, he was rinsing off the hood of the truck, and he decided to spray me with the hose, leaving me soaking wet. Wiping the water off of my face, I put in four quarters into the other machine, spraying Michael with the hose that I had in my grasp and he did the same. I honestly think that we were forgetting that we were supposed to clean the truck, but whatever. That's when we both ended up spraying our hoses in the same direction, hitting the owner of the place, Mr. Moses. Now, I knew we were screwed, because he doesn't take kindly to teenagers that mess around at his car wash. I swear, the guy was going to turn into the hulk soon.