With Your Love

Chapter 57

Chapter 57


I locked my phone as I continued to run down the hallways of the hospital, my bare feet making contact with the cold floor. Niall ran behind me, my heels in his hands, and I could feel myself getting out of breath. We had been running late because of the fact we didn't have any security with us and the restaurant we were at earlier was surrounded by paparazzi. We ended up getting help from the staff members of the restaurant in order to make it safely to our car.


So all in all, we were running late and I was afraid Lacey would fall asleep because she would still be feeling a bit sick after her radiation.


The hospital at this time made me shiver, it was eerily quiet. The sound of our footsteps echoing down the halls only added to the strange feeling.


I had just called my mum, telling her to rush to the hospital as soon as possible because I had promised Jake I would bring him as soon as Lacey was allowed visitors.


Ever since I got the news that Lacey had awoken, I felt like shit. I had promised myself that I would be there to hold her hand when she wakes up, and I had completely messed up. I should have stayed at the hospital instead of going on about my day, while she suffered.


When I approached the reception desk, I couldn't help but feel embarrassed. Of course, it was the same lady who had been working last time, and I could tell by the way she glanced at me that she had remembered the scene that I had caused.


My eyes widened in terror, how was I supposed to face her after I broke her flower vase?


Niall seemed to understand and gave my hand a little squeeze before he let go and started making his way to the reception desk. I just stood my place as Niall asked her for Lacey's room information and being informed that she may be asleep, so we should hurry.


Niall cocked his head to the side to single that I should get moving to see Lacey. I walked timidly, trying to avoid eye contact with the receptionist.


I had walked right past her desk, and everything went well. It didn't seem like she recognized me, so I let out a deep breath I had been holding in.


"Oh Valerie is it? I would like a new flower vase."


My eyes widened in terror as a small scowl started growing onto my face. I slowely turned on the balls of my feet to face the receptionist.


"Yeah, hi. 'M sorry about that." I said quietly, not being able to meet her eyes. In reply I got a short laugh, and out of the corner of my eyes I saw her waving my response away.


"You should get going; Lacey will most likely be tired. I know there a couple of other people already waiting to see her and they are only allowing one visitor at a time." She suggested and I nodded in response.


She gave me a small wave, which I returned with a tight smile and with that Niall and I started running down the halls.






*






Since Lacey was still feeling a bit drowsy, the doctors didn't want us to overwhelm her. They let one person go in at a time, and Josh had just emerged from her room. Taylor glanced over at me, as to ask who was going next.


She had been waiting here longer than I have and It's only fair to let her go next.


"Go on Taylor." I told her with a tired smile.


She nodded shortly before shuffling out of her chair and walking over to the room that held the little girl who had stolen our hearts.


I laid my head against the wall, blowing a small puff of air out from my parted lips. Niall didn't say much all night, neither had Jessie or Mum. In two days, it will be the last day that Mum, Jessie and Jake were going to be in London. No matter the amount of begging I did, neither mum nor Jessie were agreeing to move out here.


I didn't want to think too much of the fact they were leaving because I knew it was coming. I didn't want to dwell on the negatives, since everything was going great.


Part of growing up was learning how to fly away and how was I supposed to fly if I stayed in the nest for the rest of my life?


Jake tried to stifle a yawn, which caused a tired smile to be drawn onto my lips. I had promised that I would beg the doctors to let us both in together to see Lacey, as he was genuinely worried about her as much as the rest of us.


"You okay there?" Niall asked as he leaned his against my own. I hummed slightly in response, my eyes fluttering closed for a second.


"'M just tired." I replied trying to swallow back a yawn from echoing down the hallways.


"I think I'm going to be heading out in a bed, I have loads of things I need to do." Josh muttered as he stretched his limps in the chair. Niall lifted his head away from my own and I almost whined at the lost of comfort, but I caught myself.


The last thing I needed was to not be able to sleep without Niall.


I was a goner; gosh I was so unbelievably whipped.


"Hey Josh, I need to talk to you, yeah?" Niall asked as he jabbed his thumb into the direction of the exit. Josh raised his eyebrows in question, but Niall just quirked his head as to say 'let's go'.


"Now?" Josh asked as Niall shuffled out from his seat and stretched enough so the band of his boxers was visible for a split second.


Niall shook his head, waving away Josh's confused glances. It wasn't long before the two of them shuffled out of the room, leaving me with a tired Jacob, a knocked out Jessie and a rather lost in thought mum.






*






I grasped onto Jake's hand as I took in a deep breath trying to calm down my nerves. I had no idea why I was so nervous but whenever I saw Lacey after she had a round of Chemo, I couldn't help but feel nervous.


It just reminded me that life was such a precious thing and it could slip from your fingertips in seconds.


Taylor has just emerged from Lacey's room indicating that it was my turn to go see her. I let my fingers curl around the cold metal of the door handle and I was just about to push open the door, someone interrupted me. I turned quickly to see a nurse impatiently tapping her fingers against a clipboard.


"Ms. Harris you are going to have to leave, I'm sorry." She mumbled. I raised my eyebrows in question, confusion clear in my facial expression.


"I'm sorry, what?"


"There are people outside shouting for pictures and it's really distracting to the patients. So many patients have complained and they are right outside the cancer ward. People are trying to get some rest and it just isn't fair. It would be in everyons best interest if you would please leave. I'm sorry." She explained.


I couldn't help as my mouth fell open a little, I couldn't believe the paparazzi followed Niall to a hospital for crying out loud!


I sighed unhappily, knowing that there wasn't much I could do. Part of me wanted to just run inside Lacey's room and ignore what the nurse had told me, but she was right. It angered me that these people had the audacity to stand outside the cancer ward of a hospital and cause all this commotion! I ran my hand through my hair in anger, my shoulder slumping with disappointment.


"Hey bud wait here, I'll try to get things sorted so we can go see Lace, alright?" I asked Jake, giving his hair a slight ruffle. He nodded his head, his eyes dropping slightly. The nurse gave me a curt nod before continuing, "If things don't settle down, you are going to have to leave Ms. Harris"


I nodded and bit down slightly on the insides of my cheeks. I knew that no matter what, I wasn't going to leave, however it angered me beyond words that these people were disrupting patients.






I made my way down the series of hallways before I heard the exit. Yes, I heard it. The shouting, sounds of feet shuffling, camera clicks. I closed my eyes and took in a steady breath before I started making my way to the exit. Through the clear glass doors, I could see Niall begging the paparazzi to stay quite. The door made a 'whoosh' sound as the slid open automatically and I was immediately blinded by lights and shouts. I cringed at how loud they were, completely oblivious to the fact that behind these doors, someone could be taking their last breaths.


Niall's arms wrapped around my waist loosely, guiding me to walk me to his car. I looked up at him and couldn't help but smile at his way of showing affection. I motioned for him to lower his head so I could whisper, or shout, in his ear as it was so loud this would be the most efficient was to communicate.


Niall lowered his head, and the noise level kicked up at least 20 notches causing me to groan.


"I haven't seen her yet! A nurse warned me that if I don't sort out all this commotion then we need to leave!" I shouted, loud enough to Niall to hear. Immediately his facial expression changed, concern clear in his face. He shook his head, as he held my waist a little tighter.


"I'm going to go home then, that's the only way they will leave." Niall shouted back, motioning to the paps.


I nodded my head, trying to mask my disappointment. Lacey would have been excited to see Niall, he made her really happy, and knew exactly how to make her laugh.


"I'm so sorry, please don't be sad baby. I'll make it up to you, I promise okay. Tell Lacey I will visit her as soon as possible." He told me, and I shook my head. I wanted to give him a quick kiss but all the attention on us made me hold back.


The commotion was getting louder and nurses and doctors were begging to keep it quiet, and threatening to call the police.


I had been trying my hardest to hold my tongue and not let my anger get the best of me, but I failed. Miserably.


"Please for the love of God, be quiet. It's one thing that you all don't respect Niall's privacy but it's another thing to come here and disturb the patients. Do you even know what ward you are standing in front of!? It's the cancer ward! People are fighting for their lives inside their buildings and here you are making it harder than ever for them to get some rest. Please just leave them alone, they don't deserve it."


I raised my voice with every word, trying to get it through their heads, but no one seemed to acknowledge what I was saying.


Niall had started making his way to his car, catching the attention of many people and they were soon to follow. I waited for Niall's car to drive away, and the commotion to die down.






*






When I walked into Lacey's room, the soft snores of Mr. Ross were the first thing I heard. I couldn't help but smile, the fact that Lacey's parents literally stood by her side through everything made my heart warm.


Jake tugged on my arm eagerly as I continued to walk deeper into the room, the curtains no longer blocking my view.


Before I could even lay my eyes on her, her squeal echoed through the room.


"Valerie! You're here!"


I smiled and nodded, trying to remember what the nurse had said. I shouldn't overwhelm her, I shouldn't ask how she is. I have to get her to take her mind off of the pain, not remind her of it.


"Wouldn't be anywhere else, baby girl" I smiled, blinking my tears back furiously. Her face was so pale, dark bags looking out of place on her milky white skin. The color from her face was drained, her voice strained. Her little button nose was red, obviously from crying, her usual happy vibes that she radiated weren't there. She lay in her bed, the light sheets engulfing her frail body. She looked even skinnier than usual, her cheeks no longer carrier the rosy color they usually did. She bought out her tongue and swiped it over her lips, causing a hint of color to return to them. A tired smile grew onto her face, as she motioned for Jake and I to come closer.


"Jake you're here too!"


Jake nodded, a scared expression on his face. I couldn't blame him, it was like watching someone slip from your hands. I couldn't help but gasp as I took in Lacey's appearance, no matter how many times I have visited her, she has never looked so gone. It was like I was looking at a corpse, she seemed so out of energy, so lifeless. And it broke my heart.


I couldn't help the tear that slid down my face as I creased Lacey's cheek. She melted into my touch and smiled warmly.


"Don't cry Valerie! I'm fine! I swear you, Josh and Taylor are all the same. I'm not going to let cancer win, you know me better than that. Stop looking at me like that!" She pleaded. I couldn't help but nod slightly, trying to put on the best smile I could manage.


"I'm sorry, I'm just so happy to see you. I missed you so much Lacey, so so, so much."


"You are so dramatic!" Lacey whined as she dramatically laid her head back onto her pillow with a small 'huff'


"You look like a dead body." Jake said after a while, causing me to face palm. Lacey giggled, before putting her arms out and making zombie noises. Jake joined her and started laughing as well, and a couple seconds later. Mrs. Ross was giggling as well.


"Kids." She muttered, shaking her head slightly.


I couldn't help but agree although technically I was a kid as well.


I suddenly remembered the message I had to deliver to Mrs. Ross, "Mum and Jessie wanted to talk to you, they are outside the door."


She nodded quickly before glancing over at Lacey and back to me. Slowely, a smile spread across her face, and I noticed her eyes start to well up with tears.


"What more could I have asked for? My parents have passed on, and I never thought I would ever receive as much love as they have given me. I was wrong. You, Taylor, and Josh seem to fit in our family like you always belonged. This love is rare and it's genuine and I could never ask for anything more in my life."


This night had become something out of a bad soap opera, but it was our tradition. As a family, well Mr. and Mrs. Ross (my parents for when I wasn't around my real mum), Taylor, Josh and I would always remind each other of something we were thankful for in situations like these. It just showed us that maybe today was a rough day, but in the end we can't be sad. We have been blessed to be surrounded by so many amazing people.


I whispered a quick 'I love you' before Mrs. Ross exited the room to talk to Jessie and Mum.


I turned towards Lacey to see that her and Jake were lost in their own conversation.


"I'm going back home soon, and I wanted to give you something first." Jake stated as he started ruffling his pockets. He took out what looked like a dead flower, but it's dried petals had been crushed from being kept in his pocket for God knows how long.


"It's the flower you gave me at Valerie's dad's wedding. You said it was your favorite flower and I wanted to give it back to you. It's dead now. But that's okay, dead things are pretty too" Jake told her as he placed the crumbled dead flower petals into Lacey's hands. Lacey beamed at the gift, and picked up the petals carefully.


My heart warmed with love at the sight of Jake and Lacey, although they have only known each other for a short amount of time, they acted like brother and sister.


"I also got you something else!" He added as he rummaged through his pockets once again. Lacey waited for the other gift as she placed the withering flower onto the table that was next to her bed.


Jake pulled out something that I couldn't quite make out until he placed into Lacey's stretched out hand.


"Oh my gosh Jake is that a worm!?" I screeched looking at the thing that lay in Lacey's hand. Jake nodded and Lacey looked like a child on Christmas morning, and I looked terrified.


"It looks like a Robert!" She examined as she bought it closer to her face. I sighed, not even bothering to question her decision as to why she was naming a worm.


"It looks like a David." Jake argued.


"It's my worm I get to name it." Lacey shot back as she held it closer to her. Jake smiled, showing off a missing tooth, "I gave it to you though"


She scowled and kept the worm in her hands causing me to mentally cringe.






*






I had ended up staying in the room with Lacey for forty five minutes before Mrs. Ross entered the room once again.


"Hey Lacey you ready for bed?" Mrs. Ross asked as she started to make her way towards Lacey. Lacey shook her head no, complaining that she wasn't tired.


"You need to sleep." I whispered as I ran my thumb over her hand.


"I won't see Jake again though." Lacey complained as she glanced over at Jake who was petting the worm.


"You will see him soon, I promise. When you get out of this place, I still need to take you to Disney Land remember? We will take Jake along as well." I told her, not forgetting the promise I made her almost a year ago.


Lacey nodded and looked over at Jake. She couldn't get out of bed as she was hooked up to some machines, so I just leaned in hugged her like that.


"I'll bring Jake again tomorrow before they leave for the airport, I promise."


Lacey nodded as Jake gave her a salute and started making his way to my side, his fingers curling around my hand.


"Bye Lacey" I whispered planting a small kiss onto her temple.


Lacey scrunched her nose, almost as she was disagreeing with what I had just said,


"Never say goodbye because goodbye means going away and going away means forgetting." She replied, quoting 'Peter Pan'


I smiled at her choice of words, and nodded.


"Alright, Peter Pan, sleep well tonight okay?" I reminded her, standing up from the bed. Lacey nodded as Jake and I started to make our way out of her room.






*






When I stepped into my dark room, I didn't even plan on turning on the lights. I was still bare foot as Niall had my heels and I quickly threw off the shirt I was wearing and wiggled out of my jeans. I grabbed what seemed like a pair of sweats and threw them on, and a random tee shirt. I couldn't promise they were clean, Christ I didn't even know what they looked like! My room was pitch black and I was literally falling asleep standing up. I jumped onto my bed, that was literally calling my name. My body made contact with another causing me to scream as loud as my lungs would allow before a hand slapped over my mouth.


"Valerie, the neighbors will think I'm murdering you!" Niall scolded. His voice caused my racing heart by a little and I could finally breathe.


"You scared me so badly! God, why do you still have that spare key?!" I muttered, trying to calm my racing heart.


Niall just laughed as he settled into bed, urging me to lie down as well. I was soon to follow him.


"I'm going to see Lacey tomorrow, God I feel so bad. I'm sorry I had to put you through all the shit at the hospital today." Niall mumbled as he yanked the blanket.


"It's fine Niall, it's not your fault." I responded as I yanked the blanket to cover my own body.


Niall let out a sigh before he pulled the blanket at the same time I did.


"Give me the blanket!" I begged as Niall laughed.


"Well then scoot closer to me! You're like on the other side of the bed!" Niall chuckled as I scooted closer. Niall laid the blanked on top of us both, causing warmth to floor my body.


"Everything is going so well, I'm just waiting for it to all come crashing down." I admitted after a while.


"Why would you say that?" Niall asked, his voice coated with sleep. I turned to face him, his arms responding and wrapping around my waist causing goose bumps to arise on my skin.


"Because that's what happens. When something good happens, something bad happens. TI's just how it goes." I explained nervously playing with the hem of my shirt.


"Well it won't. I promise that everything will be uphill from here. Lacey is doing fine, you're starting college soon. Your mum may be leaving, but that's part of life Valerie, she can't stay forever" Niall reminded me. I nodded my head, agreeing with him.


"And I have good news!" Niall said excitedly before he pulled his head back so we could make eye contact. It took him a second to realize that his action was of no use as it was so dark in my room.


He continued, "It all worked out with Josh as well. We needed a new band this tour, and I talked to the boys and management and we all agreed that Josh would be perfect. He's going on tour with us in two weeks!" Niall told me excitedly I practically fell off the bed. I shot up in bed and glanced down to where I was guessing Niall was laying.


"You're kidding me! Niall that is fucking awesome! Oh my gosh this has been his dream! I need to talk to him!" I shouted as I stated doing these spasms knows as a 'happy dance'. I knew ever since Josh had gotten his rejection letter, he hasn't been himself. I could sense that he was battling with himself, trying to figure out what to do now. Little did we know that one door had closed and another one had opened. Josh has been trying to find a way to make a living out of his hobby, playing the drums. This, this was insane! He must be freaking out, I mean I sure as hell was!


Niall laughed as the bed was squeaking from all my movement.


"Call him later, come lay down for a while. Let's just go to sleep you can talk to him tomorrow."


I wanted to disagree with Niall, but my mind was so exhausted I couldn't even count to 9. Tonight had been a long night, and I deserved a long sleep. Maybe even hibernation...


*


Author's Note


I literally have to start every author's note by apologizing and you guys don't deserve that. I knew I said I would update last Friday but school came in the middle of everything and there is so much going on I'm struggling to keep up. I was never big on school, I didn't really aspire to be a doctor or engineer blah blah blah. I want to do what makes me happy, and fucking graphing quadratic equations is not it. I want to write, all day and all night and it freaking sucks that school has come in the way of it.


I can't promise when the update will be but I think it will be next Friday! I can't promise you guys, I have a lot on my plate right now and I'm not allowed to go on my laptop as much as I want to. Please don't give up on me, I won't disappoint again. I love you all so much!


Hey I'm sorry if you felt down today. I'm sorry if you frowned more then you smiled. You know you have such a dazzling smile? It deserves to be flaunted around! Tomorrow is a brand new day and if anyone tries to bring you down, then tell them to fuck off or Husna will shoot them with an ak47 :)


I love you all SO much! I hope you enjoyed this chapter, my fingers hurt. At least the weather was really nice today it was cloudy the entire day! It helped me to get into the writing zone and I just cuddled up with my laptop and some hot chocolate and got to writing! Please remember to comment, I love reading them, they make me happy. So if you want to make me happy drop a comment because I promise it will make me smile!


Love,


Husna!


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