Chapter 30
Andrea’s POV.
I opened my eyes, and the world around me seemed hazy and strange. I couldn't remember how I got here or what had happened to me. My head ache and my thoughts were jumbled and confusing. I struggled to sit up, and everything felt heavy and slow. I tried to remember my name, my identity, and my past, but everything was a blur. The world felt unfamiliar and alien, and I felt lost. As I opened my eyes, I could tell I was lying down, but I couldn't remember why. I tried to move, but everything felt sluggish and heavy. I turned my head, and my eyes landed on someone sitting next to me. It was Nancy.
“Andrea!!! You are awake! Let me get the doctor.
“Andrea!! I am happy you are awake. How are you feeling now?
I turned and saw that it was Ami. My eyes were still adjusting to the lighting in the room, and I couldn't talk because of the endotracheal tube connected to my mouth. I was just blinking my eyes and tears rolled down my face.
"It's ok, Andrea; you’ll be alright.
Ami rubbed my hair with her palms in a bid to keep me calm. The doctor and nurse came into the room and ran a check on me. They were writing their report but I couldn't see what they were writing.
“She will be alright, but she cannot eat solid food for now; she should feed on only liquid for now. She will be here for a while so we can monitor her recovery.
“Thank you, doctor; we will keep watch over her.
The doctor left the ward and I was left with Ami and Nancy. They were both smiling at me but I couldn't smile back. I wanted to ask about Alice but Ami was there and I couldn't even talk because of the ET tube connected to my mouth.
**TYLER’S POV. **
I didn't regret walking out on my mom; she was doing too much and she was going to get me bent out of shape.
“You shouldn't have walked out of your mom like that, Tyler; that was so rude of you.
"Can you see what she is doing to me? The pressure is too much on me; she is forcing me to be with someone I do not love.
“Go back to apologize to her and try to talk things out with her.
“Talking things out with my mom is like pouring water in a basket; that is the least of my problems now. Andrea is awake; I need to go see her.
“Wow!! That's awesome; let's go there then. I'm sure you're so excited.
"Yes, I am buddy but my mom is trying to steal that joy away from me.
We drove off from my parents house and headed to the hospital. It was already dark at this point; my heart was filled with joy; my palms were sweaty because I was nervous; and I couldn't wait to kiss her and tell her how much I loved and missed her. I wish I had superpowers at that point, maybe like Flash or something that could teleport me to her hospital ward.
"Relax, Tyler; you are going to see her soon.
“How did you know I was Nervous? Is it really obvious?
“I know when things get tough, you get worked up and when you are tense, you fold your left arm and that was how I knew.
Jackson and I have been friends for decades and that is why he knows so much about me. I am so happy and grateful that I have someone who can relate to everything I say or do. I connected with Jackson both mentally and intellectually.
“Have you ever loved someone this much, Jackson? I do not understand how I fell for Andrea; she takes my breath away, and each time I think about her, my heart skips a beat.
“Love is a beautiful thing, my dear friend, but it can also consume you. You already know the story about me and my Ex. She cheated on me and it broke me badly. I was messed up, but that experience will not stop me from finding love again. I'm just being careful so I don't get hurt again. So yes, I understand how you feel—the excitement, the tingling sensation in your Tummy, and all of that. I am so happy for you, bro. I hope this is for marriage, though.
"Yes, it is. I have plans to marry Andrea, but I first need to fix the issue on the ground—my family issue. I do not want it to consume Andrea. I need to make sure the coast is clear before I ask the big question.
“But do you think Andrea loves you as much as you love her?
"Yes, she does. I see the look in her eyes when she is with me, the way she talks softly to me and how she touches me. She was scared of going completely into our relationship but we passed that phase already and she is ready to be with me and put in the work.
“So how do you intend to convince your mom that you want to marry a photographer?
“I know my mother is a handful and she will give Andrea problems but my dad is in support of everything I do. He said he doesn't have an issue with whoever I decides to marry; the most important thing is my happiness, but my mom doesn't understand that; she is just trying to maintain our social standard. I know my mom raised me right but her ideology of family wealth and marriage doesn't sit well with me, and I will not allow her to coerce me into marrying a rude and abusive billionaire daughter. Is your parent different? Do they disturb you about marriage and relationships? Do they try to match you with their friend’s daughters?
“My parents can be a handful sometimes, but not in that aspect. My mom will never force me into marrying someone I do not love; she cares so much for my happiness and that is all that matters to her.
“You don't know how lucky you are.
Jackson gave me a light smile as he continued driving. I looked out of the window and I was lost in my thoughts. I wish I was as free as the beds of the air.