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Chapter 22
Bethany
I wake up to the distinct smell of cleanliness. You know, the type that can only confirm you’re in a hospital. Nothing drifts through the air. Not one scent of lavender, vanilla or even the streets of New York. It’s as if I’m in an entirely different place but I know better. I’d like to think all of this was a dream, however this is my reality.
I open my eyes and glance around my room. Beige textured wallpaper with small leaves cover the walls, and there’s a beautiful green and blue painting with sandy elements straight ahead of me. It looks to be a beach setting, but I can’t see it too well. My vision is still a bit blurry from waking up.
“Bethany, how are you feeling?” I’m asked by a nurse who has just come up to check my IV.
“I’m . . . alright.” I say, not quite sure how I’m feeling.
“Are you in any pain, hun?”
I shake my head, “No. I’m not. I’m okay on that front. I just feel a bit tight.”
She smiles lightly, “What you’re feeling is perfectly normal. You’ll feel this way for a few days. I’m glad you’re not feeling uncomfortable, though. Do you think you’re ready for visitors or would you like me to give you a bit of time to rest before I send your entire party in?”
I furrow my brows, “Sorry. What do you mean?”
“You have a few people out in the waiting room, sweetheart. Your boyfriend is there with an older couple, and I believe there’s another couple with a little girl.” My parents must’ve shown up here after all, which is relieving and terrifying at the same time. Seeing them after all this time makes me feel like a heavy weight is sitting on my chest. I know I’m able to breathe and it’s nothing more than anxiety, but man is it suffocating.
“Oh. I think I’m up for some company. But, can you send the couple in with the little girl first? I’m sure they’re just coming to check in on me and will be on their way back home shortly. The other three may take up a bit of time.” I smile awkwardly at the end, trying not to think about the reactions I might have coming my way from my parents.
“Sure thing. I’ll be back in a couple minutes,” she says, looking over the monitor next to my bed one last time before she disappears through the doorway.
While she’s gone I try to keep my mind on positive thoughts, taking a play out of Leon’s book. He’s overly positive sometimes, even in the worst circumstances. Every now and then I want to choke him for it, but I know he has the best intentions in mind.
“Miss Bethany!” Bianca shrills at the sights of me, almost causing me to jump from shock. She has this ability to squeal as loud as an excited group of bachelorettes getting ready to go party.
“Hey kiddo.”
“Glad to see you’re doing well,” Ion states, walking into my room alongside his wife, Mariana.
“Yes, I’m alright,” I confirm, trying my hardest to not let all my scared feelings wash over me and send me into an anxiety attack. Receiving my diagnosis was one thing, and all of this is something else I never imagined. I knew it would be hard, however I had no idea how difficult it would be.
“Are you in any pain?” Mariana asks from the doorway, looking worrisome.
In the time I’ve spent with the Petrans I’ve noticed just how compassionate she is. From what Leon tells me, a lot of people respect yet fear her at the same time. Personally, I think it’s unfortunate. She’s a genuine person with a sweet soul. Maybe one day others will be able to see this side to her.
“No, I’m okay. Thank you all for coming to see me. I honestly didn’t expect it.”
“Nonsense. You’re one of us now, and you’ve gone through something incredibly challenging. Of course, we’d be here to support you.” Mariana dismisses me with a wave of the hand, telling me how important it was that they come.
It makes me feel warm in my heart, knowing that people I haven’t been around for too long would come and show me support such as this. Natasha and Anton couldn’t be here because he had some business meetings where Natasha had to attend with him. I made sure to tell her Leon would contact her with status updates to ease her worries.
For the first time in ages, I think I’m making new friends. Now, this makes me happy.
“What did they do to you, Miss Bethany?” Bianca curiously asks.
“Well, I was sick, and the doctor had to take the sickness out of my tummy,” I explain, not wanting this little girl to have to think about cancer. She’s young and while she is, she should only be doing things kids do. I want Bianca to spend her time drawing, painting or eating ice cream— not trying to understand cancer or why people get sick.
“Oh. Did he get it all?” she asks through big, dark eyes.
“I haven’t spoken to him yet, but I think so.” I smile, knowing my odds were very good and now they’re even better.
“Okay. Good! Mom,” Bianca turns to Mariana after speaking in a very serious tone. “We have to take Miss Bethany out for ice cream when she feels better. Okay? Ice cream always makes everything better!”
“Sure thing, pumpkin.” Mariana smiles, with tears filling her eyes.
