Chapter 20

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Colette's POV

"I-I'm... okay" Lizzie mumbled before collapsing onto the floor.

Panic struck and everyone stopped working to approach Lizzie.

"Everyone! Back to your positions! Hope, control the kitchen please" I instructed, kneeling down. Hope took control of the kitchen and everyone went back to their positions, stealing some glances at Lizzie.

I checked her breathing but I couldn't feel any air. She wasn't breathing...

"Hope!" I desperately called "Call 911 NOW!"

I lifted her chin to open the airway and started the chest compressions. Her face remained neutral as if she couldn't think or react to anything as if she was...

"Yeah. We're at the restaurant 'Goût du ciel' at xxxx street" Hope said into the phone. She went silent for a second listening to the person at the other side of the line.

"My boss is giving her chest compressions right now. Okay. Thank you" she hung up.

"They're on their way. They told me that you need to continue giving her CPR until they arrive"

"Okay, thank you. Please take the lead in the kitchen and keep on cooking. Our customers are hungry" I said, finishing the 30th compression.

Everyone went back to work and I lifted Lizzie's chin a bit more and closed her nose to give her mouth to mouth as a help on breathing.

"Come on" I said while repeating the compressions "hang in there"

I heard the sirens of the ambulance and sighed. I sealed her lips with mine and blew air into her lungs one last time before going back to the final compressions. Some doctors came in from the back door with an ambulance cot. They carefully lifted Lizzie onto the cot and carried her outside.

"Can I come?" I asked a doctor.

"Are you a member of her family?"

"I'm a very close friend of hers" I said.

"Okay. Come in" he opened the back door of the ambulance for me and I got in to sit next to Lizzie right away.

I held her hand as the ambulance sped through the streets to the nearest hospital. They took her to a room I wasn't allowed in as the code blue alarm blared. Lizzie's heart wasn't beating. I sat at a chair outside that room and tears streamed down my face. I sniffled as I heard the doctors doing chest compressions and yelling "Clear" before shocking her with the paddles.

After some time, they got her out of the room and put her in a normal hospital room.

"You're allowed in now. I'm going to call her parents" the nurse said.

"Thank you" I answered, rushing towards Lizzie. She was breathing and the heart rate monitor showed slow but regular heartbeats.

"Miss Tatou, I'm Miss Barnes's doctor, Dr Hartzler" the doctor introduced himself. He seemed to be my age and had a slight accent from around southern California besides golden tan skin. He was handsome and he must have been a brilliant student to be a doctor that young.

"Could you tell me what happened to her?" I asked.

"After you tell me exactly what you saw, I can tell you. I need information for the records" he said.

"Well, She's a chef in my restaurant, Goût de Ciel. I was checking up on everyone and I saw that she was very pale and when she started saying that she was fine, she fainted. The sous chef told me that she went to the storage room for a bit before that because she wasn't feeling well" I explained everything I knew.

He wrote everything down and looked back at me with those brown eyes. I looked down and turned my gaze back to the unconscious Lizzie.

He noticed my stare and walked to her bedside.

"It seems that she was starving herself and the nutrients in her body weren't enough for her body to function correctly. Today she must have had a higher level of stress than usual. Stress burns a lot of calories" he explained, looking at the inexpressive Lizzie and then back at me.

"I never knew about this..." I mumbled.

"Usually, when this happens nobody knows" he comforted me, putting a hand on my shoulder.

"Thank you" I whispered.

"I'll leave you two alone" he said, leaving the room, closing the door behind him.

I sat on the chair next to the bed and held Lizzie's hand before falling asleep.

I stirred awake when I felt Lizzie lightly squeeze my hand.

"Hey" she softly said.

"Oh my god you're okay" I leaned over to hug her and she weakly raised an arm to give it back.

"I'll admit it" she said "I feel like absolute shit"

I softly laughed, a tear escaping my eye. Lizzie slowly raised a hand and wiped it with her thumb.

I remembered what the doctor told me about her health and I sat back on my chair.

"I know you weren't eating, Lizzie" I stated.

Her smile faded, turning into a frown.

"Why?" I asked.

"Because I don't deserve it. I don't deserve a meal everyday. I'm not good enough for anything or anyone... I miss Robbie like hell and he wants me back, I know it. But I cheated on him. I don't deserve him and he deserves a lot more than a cheater. I-" she said before being interrupted by a cough.

I handed her a glass of water and she quickly drank it.

"I was okay. I'll just eat a bit more from now on. Do you know when I will be able to get out of this hospital?" she said, changing the topic.

"Lizzie... This is important" I told her "You need to eat three whole meals a day. Please"

"I- I'll think about it" she looked away.

There was a knock at the door and Ms Barnes, Lizzie's mom, came in.

"Colette! Lizzie! What happened?!"

"Um..." Lizzie was clearly thinking about a different answer.

"It was just a workplace accident" I lied "Sorry Ms Barnes"

She gave me a look but her expression softened when she saw that Lizzie was physically unharmed.

She stayed with us for some time but had to say goodbye to go back to work and I gave Lizzie the hospital meal Doctor Hartzler gave me.

"Hospital food is horrible" Lizzie said after forcing a spoonful of jelly down her throat.

"I know... But you need to eat. Maybe they'll release you tonight if you finish your dinner" I said, taking more jelly from the container and putting it in her mouth. She swallowed with a disgusted face.

"Come on, you're only a spoonful away from freedom" I said, scooping all the jelly that was left into the spoon. She ate it and swallowed it to then smile.

"Tell the doctor I'm leaving. I hate hospitals" she said.

I laughed and nodded before going out the door to look for Doctor Hartzler.

I almost bumped into him when going around a corner.

"Oh, hey!" I said "Um, my friend ate her whole meal now and we were wondering when will she be able to go home"

"Well" he said flipping back the hair in front of his eyes "She could go home right now if she eats all three meals a day from now on"

"I can make sure of that" I assured.

"Then tell your friend that she's free to go" he said with a wide smile "I'll escort you to her room" he added.

I nodded and we both walked back to Lizzie's room and found her already dressed and sitting on the side of the bed.

"Well, you two are allowed to leave the hospital now" the doctor said "Make sure you eat all three daily meals. You'll be a bit anemic at first but lots of food with iron will do you well. You had very low iron in your blood when you came in" he told Lizzie before scribbling something on his notes.

"Thanks Doctor Hartzler." I said before he waved us goodbye and left.

"Finally" Lizzie said, standing up.

"Lizzie. Please don't scare me like that ever again. You were in a room full of doctors trying to reanimate you for the longest time. Your heart stopped beating!" I started to raise my voice "You scared the life out of me! You almost died! Wait, you actually died before the doctors brought you back!" I was yelling at her and tears were threatening to fall out of my eyes but I pushed them back with all my strength.

Lizzie had taken a few steps back and she looked so scared.

"I-... Sorry" I looked down and tears started escaping my eyes.

"No. I'm sorry" Lizzie said "It's my fault that you are here with me and that this happened. You've done nothing wrong and it's right that you just screamed at me. I need to learn my lesson" she said before pulling me into a hug.

"Come on, I'll help you home" I said, pulling away and walking her out.

We got in a cab since we both came in the ambulance. When we stopped in front of her house I told the cab driver to keep the counter running so I could use that same cab to get to my home. I helped Lizzie to her house and her mom answered when we knocked.

"Oh, Lizzie! I'm so glad you're okay" she said, pulling her into a big hug.

"She is a bit weak and she has to eat a lot of iron-rich meals" I said. Ms Barnes nodded and I heard a scream from inside the house.

"LIZZIE! YOU'RE BACK!" MK and Ashley ran towards us and joined the group hug while I just stood there.

"I think I'll go home now" I said, turning back to my cab.

"Wait! Stay for dinner please" Ms Barnes said "You practically saved her life. The doctor said that were it not for the CPR you gave her, she would have been far gone when they reached the hospital"

I could use this moment to make sure Lizzie ate a big meal of iron and proteins...

"I'll accept if I can cook dinner" I said.

"Sure" Ms Barnes smiled.

I paid for the cab and we all got into the house. Lizzie and I went straight to the kitchen. We made the meals with the highest level of iron that we could make with what we had. We made a bit of iron rich pasta with some steak, spinach and peas separately. We made iron rich chocolate protein balls for dessert. Lizzie would feel a lot better soon if she kept eating like that. Everyone really enjoyed the dinner and we engaged in lively conversation before I had to head home.

I went outside and pulled out my phone to call a cab but before I could even unlock it, the battery ran out an my phone died.

"Shit" I tried to reanimate my phone.

"Shit shit shit"

"You okay?" Lizzie asked from behind me.

"Nope. Everything is fine" I smiled.

"You need a ride don't you" she giggled.

"Maybe" I gave up.

"I'll drive you. Don't worry. I feel so strong and healthy after that meal"

"Okay" I sighed.

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Lizzie's POV

We got into my car and I started the engine. She told me her address. That's weird. I have never been to that part of New York. The streets started to get darker and dirtier as we entered her neighborhood. I looked around at the graffitied signs to see if it was in the correct street. This can't be where the owner of a gourmet restaurant lives.

"This is me" she said as we passed the number 27. It was a tall but small building of a lot of mini apartments.

"Thanks" she said, giving me a quick hug before getting out of the car and getting inside the building. I was still paralyzed by the scenery. It was the worst possible neighborhood to live in!

I blinked and rubbed my eyes before looking around for one last time and driving back home. I have school tomorrow. I should tell Ms Callis what happened. I've trusted her with literally everything. She's even up to date on Robbie and I and she's rooting for us. It's nice to have someone who cares.

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Next morning, I checked the group chat for messages from the gang and most of them were just answers for homework. No one in the gang knew what happened yesterday and I should keep it that way. I ate scrambled eggs and drank some coffee with almond milk to boost my iron before grabbing my backpack and getting into my car to drive to school.

I arrived early so I could go through the nurse's office before going to class. I knocked on the door and Ms Callis answered.

"Hey Lizzie. How are you doing now?" she asked, ushering me inside and sitting on her chair.

"I'm fine. Well, not really" I recognized.

"Wait, what happened?" she leaned forward, placing her elbows on her legs and propping her head up with both her hands.

"What I tell you cannot leave this room, as always" I told her, she nodded.

"I blacked out at work yesterday and I got sent to the hospital for high levels of anemia" I said.

"Anemia! I should have guessed that" she mumbled "That's terrible. Are you eating iron and protein rich meals?" she asked.

"Yeah. I even brought protein bars and iron rich chocolate balls" I mockingly smiled, showing her my lunchbox.

She laughed but then we heard the bell.

"I should go" I got out of there and met the gang and Amy at the door. No one seemed to notice anything different. That's good. But Amy looked at me weirdly. Does she know?

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Amy's POV

Everyone was too busy talking about their life to notice but Lizzie was more pale than normal and her movements were a bit heavy. Is she okay? I don't think yesterday was a good day for her. I'll ask her in English.

We all went to the English classroom and I sat between Lizzie and y/n. I really can't deny that both of them are so attractive they make me feel a bit insecure. I wonder if y/n is single. I've heard something around about a boyfriend Lizzie had so she's probably straight but y/n... I have the feeling that I have a chance with her.

But first.

"Did something happen yesterday after school?" I leaned over and whispered to Lizzie.

"Uhm... No. I just went home and got some rest" she said. I have the feeling she's lying but if she doesn't wanna tell me, I can't force her.

"Okay" I sat upright again.

I subtly looked at my left and saw y/n stealing little glances. Maybe she's into me. I'll be brave and ask her on a date. I need to or I'll lose my chance like I did last time I really liked someone... I spent most of the class writing my number in little papers to give the best looking one to y/n.

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After playing some games and studying the script for the next play, 'Hamilton' another musical, it was lunch break.

"So why New York? Why did you leave LA to come here?" Kate asked.

"My brother finished his studies and found a job at a hospital here so we all came here with him. But a change of scenery is good too so I'm not complaining" I answered with a smile.

Ava had finished her performance and I felt like I should do it now. I had spent the whole performance rehearsing how to ask her out in my mind.

"Y/n, can I talk to you for a second?" I asked.

"Sure" she followed me outside of the glass wall of the cafeteria.

"What do you need?" Y/n asked, looking me up and down with slightly flushed cheeks.

"I've been thinking of doing this for the longest time and I really don't want to miss my chance. I usually never do anything like this but I need to ask you this. I like you so much. Would you like to go on a date with me somewhere sometime?" I closed my eyes in fear of the answer.

I felt a soft hand tilting up my head.

"Of course I will" she said.

I opened my eyes and saw that her face was impossibly close. I took a step back and reached into my pocket.

"Here's my phone number. So we can decide when and where" I smiled. The knot in my stomach slowly untied itself.

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Ava's POV

I saw that Amy had zoned out during lunch but I couldn't think about that for too long, I was in the middle of the performance. I looked at y/n and she was alternating her stare from me to Amy. I felt a wave of jealousy rushing over me. I wanted all her attention on me. Not just half of it. I played the rest of the songs at a slightly faster tempo so I could sit with them. Y/n complimented my performance as always but then she turned to the rest of the gang and stole glances at Amy.

It was so annoying that I couldn't do anything about it. Amy asked y/n to come out with her and my blood boiled when I saw both of them through the glass wall. When y/n leaned closer, incredibly close, I tightened the grip on my fork until I almost bent it. Luckily for her, Amy took a step back to give y/n something. Not the best thing ever but at least they weren't standing that close again.

They came back as if nothing had just happened and Kate, who read the tension in the room, changed the topic.

"Well, as you know, We have no school tomorrow or the next few days because of Christmas holidays and Marley is throwing a party at her house, I think we should show up" she said.

"At what time is it?" I asked.

"At six"

"I don't know if I'll get there in time but I think I'll show up. I finish my session tomorrow at nine thirty so I'll get there a bit late"

They told me Marley's address and I would arrive around ten if I took a cab.

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When classes were over, I invited y/n to Starbucks to hang out. I needed to keep her from spending too much time with Amy. I can feel that they're warming up to each other and that hurts me so much.

"So, what is your next play going to be?" I asked, taking a sip from my iced oat latte.

"Hamilton" she said, chewing on her chocolate cake pop.

"Who is going to play who? Tell me everything!" I rested my elbow on the table.

"Well, Kate got the role of the oldest Schuyler sister, Angelica. Lizzie is gonna be her sister Eliza and Beca is the third sister, Peggy. Amy got the main role of Alexander Hamilton and I got a secondary role. I'll be Alexander's lover and I'll have a chance to finally kiss Amy" she said, dreamingly.

I rolled my eyes while she wasn't looking.

"Also, it's a musical so maybe we could use someone to help us harmonize" she turned back at me.

"Well, I could try to help. Probably Amy doesn't have a lot of practice and will probably break her voice" I said with a slight grin. If Amy failed to deliver the high notes while I could, I probably would win y/n's attention back...

__________________________

Hii! It's Avamax_blackstar :)

I hope you liked this chapter. I'm already starting to write the next chapter to give it you soon hehehe

Do you like jelly Ava?

I bet you can't wait for the christmas party hehehe...

Inspiration has struck and I have a lot of new ideas :)

Votes are appreciated and comments are the absolute best :)

Stay happy and healthy!

Love youuuu <3