Jasen

            Chase was not at all pleased with what I had said. His hands clenched into fists before he stood up and stalked away. I felt like an asshole for letting that slip out of my mouth. But Chase was acting like he could sit back and make choices for Ari. And that just was not the case. I hadn't even concluded in my mind if I was ever going to say anything to Ariana. I hurt her so much. . .

             "Where is Chase?"

             I looked up to see Elizabeth standing in front of me. She was holding a plate of food. I wanted to roll my eyes because I'd specifically said I wasn't hungry, but of course she did not listen. I took it from her without a word. There was no arguing with her.

            "He left." I used my fork to push around the food on my plate. "Upset at what came out of my mouth."

            Elizabeth sighed. "Jasen...what you mentioned earlier. . ."

            "Yes." I nodded my head. "That's really why Cel left. She said she could see what I wasn't ready to."

            My sister looked flabbergasted. I didn't blame her. So much hand unfolded, and all so fast. One minute Celestial and I were doing fine. I was basically ignoring Ari's existence the whole trip. Then all of a sudden, she was in the hospital. Cel and I were broken up, and here I was confessing love for Ariana.

           "What are you going to do?" Was all she asked me.

             I just shook my head.

            "You and Celestial have been together for years." Elizabeth sat down next to me. "It took all this for you to realize it wasn't what you thought?"

           I didn't know how to respond. I could barely understand all of it myself. But the thought of losing Ariana. That kind of pain stabbed at my heart till the point I nearly couldn't breathe. In light of those facts, I knew it was not something I could ignore or deny.

           "You still love Cel." My sister stated this. She didn't phrase her words in a way of asking.

            "Yes, I love her, but I don't think she and I are in love any longer."

            Her eyes widened in surprise. When Celestial kissed me goodbye, I could admit to myself that the spark I used to feel didn't seem to be there any longer. I couldn't fully place if it was due to my emotions constantly being all over the place or if it just was truly gone.

            "Jasen..."

            I looked up and saw Ariana's mom. I stood in respect and nodded my head.

            "Would you like to go in and see Ari?"

             I could feel my jaw drop slightly. I didn't think she would let me anywhere near her daughter after everything, but here I was being caught off guard once again. All I could do was quickly nod my head.

           "I know you are apprehensive considering everything that happened, but just know I don't blame you for what happened."

            I could feel tears filling my eyes. I walked up to Jessica and threw my arms around her. Hearing those words come from her lips was so meaningful. Especially considering there wasn't a moment that either Chase or I wasn't blaming myself. She wrapped her arms around me in return. I pulled away from her after a few moments and smiled for once in a long while.

            "Thank you so much," I whispered.

            She nodded her back at me, returning my smile as best as she could. Given everything, I knew it wasn't personal.

              I wasted no time in running down the hall. I hadn't seen Ariana since all this had happened. I was surprised at my willpower and strength, keeping my distance until things settled down. I stood outside her door in no time. I hesitated before going in. Was I really prepared to see a lifeless Ari? The thought of it caused more tears to spill down my face. I took a deep breath and willed myself to walk through the door.

            When I walked through the door, I nearly collapsed onto the floor. Ariana was hooked up to many machines. It almost looked like she could be on life support. I let out a broken sob. Her hair was spired out all along the pillow. She was paler than ever, and her pretty eyes closed for now were sunken in.

             "Ariana," I breathed out, moving closer to her. "I am so sorry."

               I broke down and just cried. Seeing Ariana like this, it was almost more than I could take. I tried taking her hand. It was cool. I remembered back to our childhood, grabbing onto her hand as we used to run up to the tree house in her backyard. How beautiful she was even when she was younger. . .so full of life and ready for anything. . .And now looking on the brink of death. I could barely recognize the woman before me. Whenever I had needed advice, Ariana had too been there ready and willing to lend a hand or an ear. She was attentive and so caring. And as each summer went by, I fell more and more in love with her secretly.

            "I love you too, Ariana," I admitted finally, tears streaming down my face. "I am sorry for everything that I said. It was a lie. I ran away because I was afraid. I never believed myself good enough for you. I'm still not."

             Of course there was no response. I leaned forward. Though I knew not the best Idea, I pressed my lips to her forehead. I lingered there for a moment, and much to my astonishment, Ariana began to move. . .