Chapter 15
I ran into the waiting room and saw my mother and BJ holding each other, their tears mixing together.
"Where is she?" I asked.
"Oh, Nick!" my mom cried and hugged me. I pulled back from her embrace.
"Where is she?" I asked again.
"She's in the ICU. The doctor told us," my mom whispered.
"Told you what?" I asked.
"Nick, Caitlin isnt going to make it." As soon as my mother said those words I froze. Every little thing that happened between us played in my mind. Playing Cops & Robbers, our first kiss together, our break up, our life long friendship. 'No, this can't be happening!' I screamed to myself.
"How?" I found myself asking.
"She was hit by a drunk driver," BJ said. I sighed and looked at the floor, no tears since the phone call from my mom about twenty minutes before. Just then, Brian and the rest of the guys along with my Dad walked out of the elevator. My mother retold the doctor's words. All of them were crying. All except myself. I was too furious to be sad. I was furious at that drunk that hit my best friend, but more mad at myself for letting her go. I jumped when the doctor walked in, hoping there was good news. My heart sunk as I listened to his words.
"You can see her now, but one person at a time. It's time to say you're good-byes. I'm sorry," the doctor said and walked out of the room. The room was so silent you could hear a pin drop.
"Nick. You go first." My dad said.
"No."
"Nick, you're--"
"NO," I said, this time more firmly.
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I watched as each and every one of them had gone to see her. The only thing I thought about was my promise ring. ' I still haven't found mine,' I said, and managed to smile. Caitlin still had hers, laying in her jewelry box.
"Nick, its your turn." Brian said. I nodded.
"I'll be right outside if you need me," he said. I nodded again and walked into the room. I cringed at the sight I saw. She had tubes coming from all directions of her frail body.
"Nick." She whispered.
"Shh, don't talk." I said, and knelt next to her. I took her hand and she squeezed it lightly.
"Nick, I love you." she whispered.
"I love you, too."
"I've never stopped loving you," she whispered.
"Neither have I. When you come home--"
"Nick, I am not coming home." she interrupted me.
"Caitlin, don't talk like that," I said, and the tears came.
"Nick. Please don't cry, I hate it when you cry," she whispered.
"Caitlin, you are going to come home and everything will be fine," I said.
"No, Nick. My parents are calling me. They need me."
"But I need you, too!" I sobbed.
"Nick, promise me one thing."
"What?" I asked. I looked into her pale, once sparkling blue eyes.
"Never forget me."
"Caitlin, please. You--"
"Just promise me."
"I promise," I said, and kissed her hand. Her eyes started to close.
"Caitlin, NO! You can't leave me, you cant!" I was crying hysterically now.
"Nick, I have to go now. Never forget your promise..." she whispered. I felt the grip that she had on my hand grow loose, and then her hand dropped.
"NOOO!!" I screamed. "CAITLIN! COME BACK TO ME!!" I cried. Sobs were racking my body and I could barely breathe.
"Nick, she's gone," Brian said, and placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. I cried with Brian until the doctor's came in and covered her. She was gone. My best friend was out of my life. Forever.