E.R.

A Chapter by Rae

Inside the doors of frosted glass, it was nearly sixty-five degrees. I was shivering for two reasons, the first being my lack of a jacket, the second being my incredible fear.

"Haley?" The voice was familiar and husky. I knew it well enough to pick it out of a crowd. But why would he be here...

"Nate!" I couldn't help myself. I needed a hug desperately, and a friend nearly as bad. Oh, why I am saying nearly, I needed a friend almost even more. I whipped around and ran to embrace him. My heart was breaking... I knew what had happened without anyone telling me. I wrapped my arms around him and the tears just flowed and flowed. It was like a busted dam, but all the supplies needed to repair it were nowhere to be found. I felt myself shaking and shaking with each sob. I suddenly felt his arms wrapping around my back and pulling me in as they closed in on me. I didn't care if he squished the life out of me... I never wanted the moment to end. Then the clerk returned and saw me shaking. She came from behind the desk and asked who I was here for. I was too busy crying to answer her. It simply wouldn't work. I was an inconsolable wreck. Then I showed her my face and she could tell. I looked exactly like the patient I was here to see.

"Oh... I bet I know who it is. Come on, sweetie." Even though she was extremely kind, I refused to leave without Nate. I had only known him for a short time, but we had hung out every chance we got. We were really, really close... Nate was like my brother.

"Miss, I think she would do better if I came with. I'm a close family friend. She's helped me through the same situation.

"Well... I guess so. But only because you're a family friend and extremely polite."

"Thank you."

We rode the elevator for three floors and then it stopped. We stepped out and my legs went weak and numb. I felt as if my knees would give out any second, but they were instead just chunks of lead attached to my torso. We were walking for what seemed like eternity upon eternity. Every step killed me. I knew what was coming. I didn't want to have to see it. I expected to see a body, pale from lack of blood circulation. I expected shut eyes, a still chest. My expectations were far from what awaited me.

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