30 - All At Once

JUNE’S POV

I was halfway through revising when my phone rang.

Mum?

She rarely calls during her working hours, except when something is wrong.

Something twisted inside my stomach before I even answered.

“Hello?” I spoke.

“Hi sweetheart,” I heard her say. She didn’t sound bubbly like she used to, she sounded tired.

“Your dad,” she began and took a breath. I felt panic rising in my chest even though I didn’t know what she was about to say.

“Is everything alright?” I asked her, trying to calm down.

“He collapsed, they’re taking him to a hospital.” She explained.

My chest felt tight.

The words registered individually before they made sense together.

“I’ll be right there,” I managed to say before ending the call.

I rushed to the train after my mum sent her location.

A woman beside me eyed me, she was concerned. I was sweating and breathing loudly.

“Are you okay?” She asked and I passed her a small smile, appreciative of her concern.

Hospitals always felt tight, I felt transported into the last time I walked in here.

Everyone around me spoke quietly, somehow the silence was louder.

“Mum!” I said as I reached her. She hugged me, tight. Like she was trying to draw some energy.

“Mum, what happened? What’s wrong with him?” I started panicking.

“The doctors haven’t said anything yet, they’re still with him.” She sobbed on my shoulders.

“I can’t-” It broke my heart to hear my mum break in front of me. She was always so strong, so unfazed and brave.

“It’s okay, he’s going to be okay.” I rubbed her back in slow circles, trying to be positive for her.

After a while, she stopped crying and we both sat in silence before the doctors called her and asked to speak with her privately.

I hated not knowing.

I hated waiting even more.

And I hated how little I could do about it either.

I sat down by myself, feeling the weight of what the next months could be like.

Everything just started getting good, I had hope that things were going to get better.

My thoughts raced faster than my heartbeat.

I started walking till I reached the parking lot and sat on the curb.

I let my tears fall as I was all alone in the parking lot.

“Everything was starting to get better.” I muttered to myself as I cried.

I held my knees close to my chest.

Every sob broke out, more painful that the last.

My chest started to hurt, I was struggling to breathe. No, no, it couldn’t happen again.

I picked up my phone and dialed the first person that came to mind.

“June?” I heard him say, it felt a bit easier to breathe.

“Yeah?” I croaked out.

“Just stay where you are, okay?” That was the last thing I heard before the call got disconnected.

I tried to be more positive but my thoughts had other plans.

I picked up a leaf from the floor and started cutting it into small pieces, letting it distract me from my growing anxiousness.

I closed my eyes for a second and the next time I opened them was when I heard someone yelling my name.

Someone in a navy blue polo and cream colored khakis.

He came.

“June,” I could tell he was out of breath and could see the relief wash over him.

“What happened? Why are you here? Are you alright Jay?” His eyes scanned all over me, making sure I was physically okay.

He pulled me into his arms and pressed a soft kiss on the top of my head.

“Whatever it is, I’m here for you okay? Everything is going to be okay.” He quietly reassured me repeatedly.

“My dad fainted and was rushed down here.” I explained to him as we walked into the building together and waited.

“Shit, I’m sorry but I’m certain he’ll be fine.” He said with a small smile.

Time seemed to slow down.

When I opened my eyes, Adrien was still there.

And I was resting on his lap.

“Hey, be careful.” He told me and gently helped me up.

“Mum.” I muttered.

“She just went to use the restroom. You’ve been asleep for a while.” He told me.

“What time is it?” I asked, mindlessly rubbing my eyes.

“Past eight.” He responded.

Wait, what?

“You should go home,” I told him.

“No.”

“I’m serious Adrien.” I said firmly.

“No, I’m not leaving you,” he said softly. “Definitely not when you need someone.”

I wanted to argue but I was too tired.

“Hi honey.” My mum said as she sat down beside me. I noticed her red eyes and swollen face.

“How is he?” I asked immediately.

My mind was filled with worry, anticipation and fear.

“He’s stable, you can come see him.” She told me and led me towards his room.

“Dad.” I said softly as I stepped into the room.

“What happened?” I asked him.

“The doctor said he’s been overworking himself. His body couldn’t handle it anymore.” My mum explained.

“I’m sorry for scaring you and your mother like that.” He apologized, his voice rough."Dad-"

Tears gathered in his eyes before he could finish.

I moved closer and wrapped my arms around him before mum joined in.

For a moment, he held on tighter than usual. I rested my head against his shoulder, suddenly feeling younger than I had in years.

"You know mum is never going to let you hear the end of this." I murmured.

"I know." He replied.

"She's probably planning your new diet."

"That's what I'm afraid of." He said.

"You better be." My mum responded and we all laughed.

At that moment, it felt like everything might just be okay.

The door opened behind us, Adrien stepped into the room carrying two cups of coffee.

He paused when he realized dad was awake.

"Mr Carter." Dad looked from him to me.

"You've been around this whole time?" Dad asked.

"Yes, I have." He replied. He sounded so formal, I had to stop myself from snickering.

"You didn't have to." Dad smiled at him.

Adrien looked at me before answering.

"I know." Adrien said in response. Dad smiled at that.

So did I.