Part 34: Standing

I froze and my phone dropped to the concrete. A tear started to run down my cheek and Harvey started to panic. I couldn't make out what he is currently saying but I know that he's shaking me.

"Caroline! Caroline! What on earth happened?! Caroline!" Harvey said in panic.

"H-Harvey..."

"Yes, hon? Tell me what's wrong?" Harvey said, starting to calm down. "What did Briana say to you?"

I shook my head, more tears starting to flow down my cheeks. "It was Briana's mom." I sobbed. "Briana had a heart attack and she was rushed to the hospital in Tolona."

Harvey looked at me with worry and wiped my tears from my face. "We can go to Tolona if you want to."

I nodded. "She already had two frequent fatigue attacks. I can't imagine-" I sobbed. "I want to go, Harvey."

Harvey nodded. "Alright, let's go home and leave Bruno with your cousin."

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My mind was clouded as I was packing some stuff and decorating a fruit basket for Briana. Harvey would keep hugging me and kissing the top of my head.

We we arrived at Tolona and we went to the hospital. Briana looked so pale. When we entered the room, she looked shock and aunt Lois gave us a smile.

"I didn't know you'd come." Briana said as she received the fruit basket.

"I was so worried. Harvey offered a ride."

Briana looked at me and laughed a little. "I heard from Sierra. You're marrying the guy from the seminary."

"That would be Harvey." I pointed to Harvey who's standing beside me, being silent.

Briana pointed at Harvey. "You. Take care of her when I'm not around. take her shopping so she can get a good wardrobe, make her order food so that she'll boost her confidence, and never get mad at her since she cries easily. Please don't break her heart or I'll haunt you for eternity."

"Briana! You're not dying!" I started to sob and cry.

"Promise me, Harvey. I want this girl to be happy."

"I promise." Harvey said.

"Stooop! You're not gonna die." I said, sobbing.

Briana gave me a small smile. "Remember I told you that the heart transplant has a 50-50 percent chance of me living or dying?"

I nodded. "Please don't say that..."

Briana nodded. "I'll be going back to our town and have a get together with our friends before the surgery, just in case it would be the last." Briana explained. "Listen, Caroline. In our get together, put on a smile for the whole day even if it's fake. I don't want anyone having a glum face during a get together. I already have my mom book us a cottage at a beach resort and I ordered the food. Our friends are arriving tomorrow. The next day after that, it would be the day we will have a good day."

I nodded, staying quiet.

"Aw, come on. Don't give me the silent treatment. I promise you that I'll do my best to fight for my life."

I nodded. "You're brave. You're strong. I wish I had the same strength."

Briana smiled. "You do. You're just too kindhearted and sweet to be cruel to get it." Briana looked at Harvey. "Harvey, get her out of here and take her home. Give her a good time and distract her for me."

I looked at Briana in shock. "But I want to stay!"

Briana shook her head. "The surgery won't be after the get together. I also have tons of check-ups after visiting time. I don't want to see you sobbing when I can't comfort you."

I get what she means. She's the one suffering but I'm the one crying.

I nodded. "We'll be on our way then."

Briana nodded. "Bye" She waved at both of us and we exited the hospital.

We're now on our way home and Harvey looked at me with a smile.

"She'll make it."

"I want her to make it."

Can she make it?