The Woman With An Ice Heart

Chapter Twenty

My pillar, my love.

:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

A car was already waiting for us at the airport. We got in and went straight to the hospital. My heart was not settled, at all. I had no peace within, and I didn't know if this was a good idea either.

The car came to a stop at the hospital and we rushed in. After asking at the reception for my father, we went straight to his ward. Claire and mother were there, mother holding onto her head with a tear stricken face and Claire just walking back and forth typing furiously on her phone. When she looked up and saw us, she ran toward us.

"I was about to send you a message. I was wondering if you were gonna make it."

I held onto her shoulders to calm her down. Her eyes were not settled.

"We're here now. Don't worry too much. It's gonna be okay, okay?"

She gave a slight nod and took Valerie's hand and went towards mother. I knew what I had to do. I had to go and talk to him now.

Taking a deep breath, I got into his room.

Tubes were stuck to him, making him look more of like a machine than a biological being. A small beep was resonating in the room. He looked frailer than ever. His veins were popping out  and he looked like he had difficulty breathing. His salt and peppered head shifted to look at me. The grey eyes that were passed on to me stared right at me.

"Son, come and sit down here."

His state didn't even make me want to object. I went and sat down next to him.

"I hadn't been the best father out there a son could need, and I know that. I really wish I could've done things differently. I wish I'd played with you when you grew up but I pushed you away. I really am sorry son-"

He began to cough maniacally, and I couldn't help but hold onto his hand. I knew that we didn't have the best relationship, but he was sick for crying out loud.

"I hope that you can forgive me son."

I was purely stunned at this situation I was in. I was talking to a man who wanted me to forgive him, that I barely knew. Sure, he was my father and all, but I didn't know what to say to him.

One should forgive, my son.

I looked around. Where was that voice coming from?

"Please."

I looked at him, and I was shocked to see tears on his cheeks. I awkwardly wiped them off. I didn't want to see him cry. He was too old for tears.

"Okay, father."

She shook his head.

"Call me Dad."

"Okay, Dad."

He let off a small smile. I couldn't help but smile back. I felt a small amount of peace overwhelm me.

"I don't think I'm gonna live for long. The doctor said that I won't live for long."

"Don't say that, Dad. You still have to live for mother."

"What about for you?"

I kept quiet. I had forgiven him, but I didn't know if our relationship would ever be normal.

"We'll see."

He patted my hand but then, he suddenly began to jerk around. My mind went blank for a second before my body started to act on its own. I quickly ran out and looked for the doctor who was, fortunately, close by.

He got in with a bunch of other nurses and we were told to not get in. Mother came in front of me, holding onto my shirt.

"Maxwell!!!! Maxwell!!! What's wrong with him?? What's going on??"

I couldn't tell her what I saw in there, what I never thought I'd ever get to see in my life.

Suddenly, fingers intertwined with mine, giving me a warmth that was very much needed at this time.

Valerie stood by my side, and gave me a side hug.

"It's gonna be okay."

I gave a small nod. A hand came and wiped at my cheek. I then realized that I was crying. I quickly held onto her in a fierce hug. Whispering sweet nothings in my ear, I made a decision, a decision I never thought I'd make in my life.

I want her in my life. And not in just the present.

The doctor came out, a look of worry etched on his face. Claire went in front of him.

"How is he,doc?"

"He made it, fortunately. His heart is extremely weak at the moment. He has to stay in the hospital for a while. We got here just in time. He doesn't need any more stress or pressure."

He left us there, and no one said anything to anyone.

He was almost dead.

He'd almost died.