Page 42 of Rome: The Ballerina

With each passing year and the progression of my age made it hurt even worse these days. I was ready. Ready for him. Ready for us. Ready for our lives together.

In this lifetime and all the others.

Sighing, I nodded. “I understand.”

“I’m sorry.”

His posture changed. His tone changed. His eyes changed.

“I know,” I said, pushing the blanket from my body. “I know, Teddy.”

“I’ve informed the hospital of our arrival. They are waiting. Tiana’s room is ready. We can visit.”

“Okay,” I breathed out. “I’m ready.”

The Clarke sun was beaming.It welcomed me back to the city with bright, yellow cheer. I stepped from the plane feeling highly rested, slightly aroused, and ready for what the city that held all of my dreams had to offer me.

My nostrils swelled as I descended the steps, picking up the familiar stench that always led to a wet, warm victory in the spring and summer.

Rain.

The door of the black SUV swung open. I slid inside, eyes straight ahead. Teddy was next to me within seconds. Quietly, he unbuttoned the single button of his jacket for more comfort. When the wheels began turning, he placed one leg over the other. His phone’s screen lit up and he began pressing the accurate buttons to send a message.

Seeing him change so rapidly and beautifully was an honor. He’d softened around the edges, in the center, and in some spots throughout. As much as I adored the version of Chemistry I’d known my entire life, the more evolved and understanding version of him was my favorite.

I rested my head on the seat and closed my eyes, hoping sleep found me again. Hoping he found me again. There was so much to unpack. Too much to unpack. And, I didn’t want to do it alone. So, I went searching for him, again.

Unfortunately, sleep wasn’t easy. Neither was my search for him. When the SUV came to a stop thirty-two minutes later, I knew I’d run out of time. I tucked my top lip inside of my mouth and pressed my bottom teeth into my skin without breaking it.

Sighing, I waited for the brightness to meet the Prada shades I slid onto my face. It didn’t disappoint. The bright and partially unbearing star led me right into the confidential entrance of the hospital.

Teddy’s extended arm drew me closer. I planted my hands inside of his and allowed him to lead the way.

The thin heels of my pumps met the floor over and over. A swipe of the card in August’s possession allowed us to enter the elevator. Quietly, we gathered inside and waited until the doors reopened. Hand-in-hand, Teddy and I stepped onto another floor.

Deserted.

I took note of the empty nurse’s station. Medical assistants weren’t pushing around blood pressure machines. Doctors weren’t walking around with white coats clinging to their bodies. The family members of patients were combing the halls to find their rooms.

Silence met us. Silence guided us. And, silence plagued us as we reached the room that Tiana was resting in.

Her loud, admirable spirit had left her. She was quiet. Motionless. Still. Unmoving. Unchanging.

I removed myself from Teddy’s grasp. With the same hand he had held, I traced the long lines of the cover, leading to her pretty face. A tube trailed down her throat. Needles pierced her arm.

Beep.

Beep.

Beep.

Machines that kept her alive notified us of their presence. They wouldn’t allow me to forget that she was close to death.

“Bab–”

“She’s alive in there,” I expressed, placing my palm against Tiana’s chest.

“And her future?” Chem asked, folding his hands in front of him and pushing his legs apart.

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