My Last Breath
Part Eleven

[Once again, I'm really sorry. Trying to finish the year well ! Once summer starts I'll post more often.]

I stared at the floor of the waiting room. The nurse said it was late, but I was used to sleeping there, so she brought me a cotton blanket and an uncomfortable pillow. Oh, the things we do for love...
"Leighlani?"
I looked up and saw the nurse. "Yeah."
"Would you like to come in and see Declan before he goes into the operation?"
"Yes, thank you!" I got up and practically ran into the operating room, which looked like a regular hospital room except it was bigger.
"Hi Declan," I said softly, and went over to stroke his cheeks.
"Lani," He replied, almost whispering. His face lit up and he smiled.
I smiled too. "How are you, baby?"
"Are you kidding?" He said, gesturing to all the machines he was hooked up to. "I'm as healthy as I've ever been." He laughed weakly.
I grinned, but it faded quickly when he started coughing. "How long til the surgery."
"Few hours." There was an awkward silence for a few moments. Then I spoke.
"What are the chances?"
"The doctor said 66%."
"That you'll live?"
"Yeah.. not exactly settling though.."
I tried to change the subject. "Eric and Katrina have their prom tomorrow."
"I know. I feel bad that I'm gonna miss it. I've never seen someone who was about to go to a prom, and this would probably be my last and only chance.."
"Stop it, Dec."
"Stop what? You know it's true, even if I make it through the operation, I would only have a little bit longer to live."
"Please, stop. I don't want to fight about this. Your surgery is in a few hours, and I want to spend it talking, just in case--"
"See?! YOU Dont even think im going to make it!"
"DECLAN! PLEASE STOP! You know i'm just being precautious! Goodness! Sometimes i think you take me for granted! I'm giving up my entire life so I can be with you and half the time you're not awake. You don't even care enough to stop fighting with me so we can spend what might be our last few hours together. You know i love you. So why are you doing this to me?!"
He stopped. "I'm sorry, Leighlani."
I looked at the ground, not answering.
"You're right. I'm sorry. Please forgive me."
"I'm not mad. I forgive you."
"Leighlani?"
"Yes, Dec."
"I love you with all that i am, all that i was, all that i could be. I love you more than i love myself. You are gorgeous and funny and smart and sweet and adorable and unique.. I could go on for days. All i want you to know is that I love you so much. I really do. Even if i leave you here, don't cry for me. I'll be up in heaven, watching over you."
I could feel the tears coming. "Declan, I--"
He held up his limp hand. "These past few months, you've been my angel. So when I die.. I'll be yours. Up there, in the clouds, loving you until the day you die, until you come up and join me. I love you."
I was crying now. Bawling. "I don't even know what to say. I love you, too, Declan."
He smiled. "Oh, and if the whole heaven thing doesn't work out, I'll be sure to haunt you."
"Funnnny, kid." I laughed. I leaned in to kiss his forehead ,but he pulled me in instead and kissed me on the lips. It was deep and passionate, like we had just seen each other for the first time in three years.
But in this case, it was goodbye.
[ Just in case. ]