The Dating Game

Chapter Sixty-Six

Justin

The beeping seemed exceptionally too familiar to me now that I just wanted to forget the sound.

Juliet began stirring and Doctor Klein was silenced at once. Everyone was. We were all here: her Dad, Beth, Michelle and even my mom. She got concerned when I was spending so much time at the hospital that she had to come down for herself. And plus, I'd require a way home afterwards considering I've never learnt to drive on the basis that we were too poor to afford lessons, but Mom could drive Dawson's car.

"Please try not to move much, Juliet. You may experience some palpitations," Doctor Klein informed.

"Can I sit up, please?" Her face contorted into a wince as she attempted to sit up.

"Of course, just take it slowly, please," he instructed, pressing the button so her bed would recline upwards and she could sit up.

Once comfortable with her position, she took a good look around at everyone. I turned my head so she wouldn't notice my weakness that was my bloodshot eyes. I went to the toilet and I made the blunder of glimpsing at my reflection for far too long. My eyes were bloodshot and my cheeks appeared blotchy. Now, the floor seemed to attract my enthrallment.

"Why does everyone have bloodshot eyes?"

Ian sniffed.

"Your condition has gotten worse, Juliet, and by this point, we can't do much to prolong the inevitable. I'm sorry. Would you like something to eat or drink? Or I can leave you alone with your friends and family?"

"Water, please," she requested.

"Of course." He smiled politely as he ambled out. His gait was strong and held authority. His chin was poised high and his arms swung leisurely but somewhat controlled at his sides. His long white coat billowed in the draught. The door shut behind him and the room was plunged into silence.

"You need to tell them everything, Juliet," I blurted out, unable to endure the silence for any longer.

Juliet snapped her head to me and it seemed like she cowered away slightly by bringing the covers further up her body. "I don't know what you mean," she replied, looking at the corner of the covers.

"Please, Juliet," I begged.

"She's got a bucket list, Ian," Michelle spluttered. "She's been working to finish everything. She had ten things."

"I have three things left," Juliet muttered grudgingly. "To pass my exams, get Justin to make it up with his friends and to make a difference at the school," she began, her face contorting into a wince, "rather than for my surname."

Ian speculated what we had said for a moment. He sighed and then settled with, "And I guess this bucket list means a lot to you if you complete it?"

"Yes."

He rubbed his face with his palms and said, "Right. Okay. Let me have a word with Doctor Klein when he comes back with your water."

And in that moment, the door opened and in stepped Doctor Klein holding a plastic cup of water. He placed it on the moveable table for Juliet and she took a sip. This is the point where Ian enquired if he could have a word with Doctor Klein outside. Seemingly overcome with perplexity, he obliged nonetheless and they wandered out of the room together. Ian's gait was the complete opposite to Doctor Klein. He slumped his way outside and his arms were peculiarly immobile by his sides. The news rocked him harder than I thought, especially when I saw him break down in sobs. We all broke down in this room whilst Juliet lay unconscious for several hours.