Present-day (2018)

"The movie was so damn good! I was shocked. Never saw the end coming. It hit me in the face like a train wreck.", says my boyfriend of 1 year, Steve (why are you so surprised? I ended up going on another date and another and so on) who is driving his dad's old '69 Chevy mustang (We are 17 and a half so yes, we can drive).

I grin at him and said, "Me too. I mean, come on. The avengers had never lost a battle before. In both movies, they managed to win against all odds. (FYI: If you don't know, I am talking about Avengers: Infinity war) I mean I can't even think. I was almost crying."

Our midterms had just finished so we thought that going on a date to the movies was a good idea. I and Steve are huge fans of the MCU so, what better than to watch infinity war which was coming out this month? 

"But the post-credits was something, wasn't it?", I say to Steve.

"That's the cue for Captain Marvel. It was sort of rumoured too."

"Makes sense. You know, I never really had anyone to talk about all of this. My mum and dad are a bit old school and Lizzie isn't as interested in this stuff.

We were sitting together in comfortable silence. I just put my hand on his which was on the gear shift and smiled at him. He smiled back at me and looked ahead. A year ago, I was against the idea of going on a date with this guy but now, I wouldn't give up us for even the most precious thing in the entire universe. We fit together perfectly like two pieces of a jigsaw.

I was interrupted from my stream of thoughts by-, "We are at home, darling."

I playfully smacked him and said, "Shut up, Wayland." and grinned at him. I opened the door and step out of the car. He looked at the car clock and said, "Before time. It's 9:12 and I promised to get you home by 9:30 latest. I think I deserve a little something."

I walk over to his window and roll my eyes at him but anyhow go-ahead and kiss him on lips. His soft lips taste like caramel popcorn and chocolate. I break away and ask, "You don't wanna come in and say hi to mum and dad?"

"No, I promised my mom that I will be back home by 9:30 too. So yes, I gotta go."

"Are you sure?"

"Totally. I love you." At this comment, I blush like a red tomato because that's the first time he ever said it to me casually as if it was obvious. He smiles at me. I love his smile a lot because it reminds me of a child opening up his favorite present on Christmas morning. I give him a final peck on the cheek and say, "I love you too sweetheart, forever."

"Forever sounds a bit cliche," He frowns (wrinkling his nose cutely. What can you say? I love my man) and says, " How about forever and a day?"

I giggle and say, "I love you, Steve. Forever and a day."

"I love you too, Tess. Forever and a day."

"Bye, babe." I wave at him and ring the doorbell. He revs his car and is on his way. My mum opened the door and says, "This is a surprise."

"Hi to you too, mom."

I hang my jacket on the rack and take off my sneakers. My mom asks, "How was the movie?" 

"Pretty awesome. The end was shocking, though."

"And you did not go out at any diner with Steve?"

"I thought that you wanted me to come back before 9:30?"

"Just kidding." She gave me a peck on the cheek and asked, "Steve didn't come in?"

"He promised his mom to be back at home by 9:30 so he couldn't. I asked him but he refused."

"You know sweetie," hugging me, she says, "I am so happy for you. I have never seen you so happy." Looking at my lips, she says, "Did you kiss him?"

I was shocked and said, "Was it a guess?"

"Nope. Your face is flushed. Honey, I am your mom so I know you. Pretty well."

I just grin at her. I go to my room and change out of my jeans and Avengers T-shirt. I changed into a loose t-shirt and soft cotton Capri pants. My phone buzzes and it's Liz. 

Liz: So?

Me: So what?

Liz: the movie date?

Me: Pretty good. The end was quite unexpected.

Liz: Did you guys make out at the theatre?

Me: *makes gagging noises* First of all, it's disgusting and second, no, we did not.

Liz: Alright. Don't make a big deal out of it.
My phone is ringing and surprisingly, it's Steve who's calling me(?).
Me: Steve's calling me. Gotta go. Ttyl

Liz: Sure. You two are lovebirds and can't even stay without talking to each other for 10 minutes. Adorable ;)

Me: *rolls eyes* Bye Lizzie.

I pick up the call and it isn't Steve's voice.

Me: Hello steve?

Stranger: Ma'am, I am not Steve. I found his phone here. There has been an accident.

Me: You are pranking me, aren't you?

Stranger: No.

My stomach is in a knot and there was a lump in my throat. I wasn't even able to think about what I was doing. I opened the bedroom door and almost stumbled down the steps and collapsed. My mum, hearing the noise came running from the kitchen. Looking at my pale face, She took the phone from my hand and spoke to the stranger. She was relatively (slightly) calmer than me. After talking to him, she asked him as to whether or not had he called 911. He replied in affirmative. My mum hung up on the phone after saying something which I couldn't even understand. My mind was just reeling from the initial shock. My mum helped me to get up and shook me by the shoulders. She ordered me to get to the car and that daddy and she will be coming after. 

I opened the door and stepped out wearing nothing but my nightclothes, a pair of normal sandals. I went to the garage. Daddy came behind me and he took the car out of the garage. I felt as if I was in a nightmare and that I will wake up anytime now. I get into the front seat beside Dad. He looks at me and said, "Sweetheart, everything's gonna be alright. We have already called Mr.Wayland and Mrs.Wayland. The ambulance is already on its way."

 I looked at him with a lost expression and said, "Daddy, is this a bad dream?"

He looked at me and said, "Yes, sweetie. It is. He hugged me and ran his hand through my  hair. Mom got into the car and said, "The Waylands were on their way as I spoke to them on the phone. John, they are taking him to Beth Israel. Go! Go!"

My dad stepped on the accelerator hard and we rushed to the hospital. The entire ride went by in a blur for me. I wasn't able to believe the fact that Steve whom I had just kissed 15 minutes ago and said I love you, was now going to hospital. 

The moment we came up to the hospital's main entrance, dad stopped the car and asked us to go. I and mom got out of the car and rushed to the front desk. My mum asked for the emergency ward and the receptionist pointed to the corridor on the right. I was barely even aware of their conversation. We walked (insert: dashed) down the corridor. I was able to get a glimpse of Steve's bloody foot before they wheeled him inside the OT. I asked one of the medics whether he was the teenager who had been in the accident. He nodded. 

I sat on the bench as my heart sank. My mum sat beside me and put a hand around me. I saw the Waylands coming towards us along with my dad. My mum stood up and did all the talking with them. 

I love you, Tess. forever and a day. These words were being repeated over and over. 

We didn't have forever now, Steve, I thought.  

A/N - Hope you like this part. I am so sorry if it seems too angsty. Please vote and comment!