Chapter 15
Justin walked in and sat down on the stool beside of Dani's bed. He just sat there and stared at her. He couldnt believe that it was actually her lying there..someone that only hours ago was so cheerful and full of life, was now lying there helpless. And there was nothing humanly possible that he could do to help her.
"Hey Dani." he said as he took her freezing cold hand in his.
"Look, I know that you probably can't hear me. But I wanted to tell you...that Im gonna be right here by your side until you get better. And you're going to get better Dani, I know you are. You're the strongest person I know."
Justin took a deep breath and closed his eyes as he began to cry.
"Definatly stronger than me." he whispered.
"So what did Johnny want earlier?" Joey asked Lance as they, along with Alyssa, walked back to the waiting room area.
"Oh you know...checking on Dani."
"Mmm.."
"And um..making sure Justin was getting enough rest."
"He mention next month?"
"Yeah." Lance sighed while staring at the floor.
"What? What's next month?" Alyssa asked.
Lance and Joey looked at each other uncomfortably.
"What??" Alyssa asked again..getting concerned.
"We're supposed to go back on tour next month." Lance replied slowly.
"And if Dani's not any better?"
"Johnny says we've already got the dates booked."
"Are you planning on wacking Justin over the head and dragging him unconscious to the tour bus? Because he's not leaving. I can already tell you that."
"We know." Lance and Joey both said.
"And that's how it should be. I mean he loves her...he may not truly realize it yet. But he does. I know it..you guys know it. And he shouldnt let anything stand in the way of his love for her...not even a 'booked tour'." Alyssa said while glancing at Joey and walking off to herself.
"For some reason I dont think she was just talking about Justin."
"Hmm..ya think?" Lance said while cracking a smile.
"I gotta go talk to her." Joey sighed.
"When did I become the elligle bachelor of the group?" Lance mumbled to himself. He turned around and saw Justin returning from the ICU.
"Hey man...How'd it.....go?" Lance said while biting his lip as he got closer to him.
Justin's eyes were blood red and tears were streaming down his face. He looked up at Lance but he couldnt respond. He finally just completly broke down as Lance gave him a hug.
"I dont know what to do. I can't lose her. Not like this.."
"You're not going to. She's going to get better."
"But what if she doesnt? What if I just completly and totally screwed up this time Lance? What if I dont get a second chance? I should have never done it. I should have never let her walk away from me."
"It was her own decision to leave Justin. That wasnt your fault."
"But I could've stopped her."
"You tried to stop her. You tried to get her to stay."
"Not hard enough." he said while wiping his face. "I didnt try hard enough."
"Lyss?"
"Red?" Alyssa replied with her back turned to Joey as she stood out on the balcony.
"We need to talk."
Alyssa dried her eyes and turned around to face him.
"About?"
"Look...We've only known each other a few days and.."
"Oh geez.."
"Lyss.."
"Just save it Red. I know what your gonna say. I was only just another one of your little flings while you were off the road. Its ok. No big deal..."
"Will you let me finish?" Joey interrupted her.
"Sure. have at it."
"What I was going to say was that Even though we've only known each other a few days...It doesnt seem like it to me. I like you Lyss. I really like you a lot."
"You do?"
"Yes. I do."
"Oh.."
"And..I was wondering.., If the feeling is mutual.., Maybe you could go on tour with us?"
"Oh my God, Yes!" she said while wrapping her arms around his neck. "Of course I'll go! I'd love to."
"Great!" Joey said, returning the hug.
"But...What about Dani?"
"Well..she can come too."
"I hope so." she said as Joey hugged her again reassuringly.
"She's gonna be just fine Lyss..I promise you."
About a week had passed and still Dani had showed no signs of recovery. Alyssa and Justin stayed at the hospital the whole time...only going home long enough to get a change of clothes. Justin stayed in the lobby for the first couple of nights, but after awhile Alyssa managed to get him to come up to the guest rooms.
Justin would go see Dani every night around 12 or 1 in the morning. The nurses would let him go in even though visiting hours were over, just because they thought it might help her. He would go and sit by her bed as held her hand in his and talk to her about anything he could think of. He prayed for just a simple movement from her fingers. But a week had went by and nothing had changed.
"Is Joey supposed to come up today?"
"I think so." Alyssa replied as they stepped off the elevator and walked to the ICU.
"I might call him and see if he can bring me some more clothes."
"I'll tell him. Im supposed to call him after we see Dani." Alyssa said as they approached the room.
The curtain in the small window was pulled open. Justin looked inside and couldnt believe his eyes.
A young guy, around his age, with sandy blond hair was standing beside of Dani's bed. He holding her hand and gently rubbing it as he sadly stared down at her.
Chapter 16