Eleven

Pulling back from the kiss I stayed in Ryan's arms for a little while longer as I tried to catch my breath, though I knew I was going to be successful as I still felt unwell and felt like I was going to faint again.

"you okay, Kalani?"

"I don't know babe, I still don't feel too good. I think I'm going to faint again."

I knew that I would be lying if I said I wasn't scared or panicked and I knew that this was only the beginning since my diagnosis and there would be multiple times for the rest of my life that I would start to feel unwell and end up fainting and that was very much a daunting prospect for me to even think about, let alone come to terms with but I knew that I would one day.

With a kiss being placed atop my head I knew then Ryan had noticed I had gone quiet.

"What's wrong darling? You've gone quiet."

"I just - I let my thoughts cloud my mind and now I found myself thinking about everything that's happened to me recently."

"Hey, It's okay I know it's been a lot to take in and process but you'll be alright I promise."

I knew my heart believed him but my mind kept on telling me otherwise and I couldn't help but feel weak and useless, and with a moment of weakness, I couldn't help but begin to cry as my emotions had gotten the better of me.

"Oh Kalani sweetheart, it's alright don't cry. Shh, I'm here come on try and take some deep breaths for me you're okay."

I began trying to take deep breaths but somehow this time it didn't seem to be working, and although I knew Ryan was right beside me I soon felt movement and his arms move away from around me and I couldn't help but panic.

"Ry... Ryan where are you? Please stay."

"It's alright Kalani don't panic I'll be back as soon as can."

With that, I felt his lips on my forehead and I listened as his footsteps disappeared, but thankfully I could soon hear him return only for them to stop and be replaced by his voice.

"River!"

"Yeah?

"Is Jax down there with you?"

"Yeah, she is."

"Send her up please Riv it's urgent."

Within seconds I felt Ryan return to my side as he placed his arms around me once again and began rubbing my back.

"I'm here darling, I'm here."

Not a moment too soon I began to hear the tapping of claws on the floor followed by her licking my face.

"Hey Jax, hi girl."

For a few moments I found comfort in both Jax and Ryan but it didn't last long. Once again I began to feel dizzy, hot and out of breath as began to feel the effects of air hunger trying to take in as much oxygen as I gasped for breath.

I could feel the blood pressure monitor tighten around my wrist until it stopped meaning it had taken a reading.

"Ry... what's it reading?"

"Your blood is good but your pulse it's topping out at a hundred and thirty-two. That's worrying high sweetheart considering we're only sitting down."

"Yeah..."

Feeling ready to faint again I lay down resting my head in Ryan's lap as he ran his thumb over my forehead keeping me calm and relaxed, though just as Jax began licking my hand it wasn't long before I had blacked out seconds later before I could respond to her reaction.

~

When I found the strength I had soon come round again I found myself to be still laying in Ryan's lap.

"Hey, darling how are you feeling?"

"Tired, but I'm okay. I feel a little better."

"That's good, do you want to go want to go downstairs for a bit I think River will have dinner ready soon."

"Okay."

With that I soon managed to get myself in a standing position but as I tried to take a few steps I could help but wobble and lose my balance.

"Are you alright sweetheart?"

"Yeah, it's okay I'm good I just need to get moving and walking that's all."

"Okay, let's get you downstairs then."