Chapter 15
Ali’s POV:
As soon as Ashlyn walked out Kate turned towards me. I didn’t know what to say, so I just sat there. This was unbelievable. I’m laid up in the hospital. My girlfriend walked in on the woman I love visiting me in the hospital, and then the shit hit the fan. I thought this was the kind of shit that only happened in Hollywood.
“Uh, I think we should hold off on any more visitation for today”, Dr. Stroger said.
“We need to talk”, Kate said to him.
Dr. Stroger looked at Kate and then at me.
“I’ll be fine”, I said and nodded a bit.
Dr Stroger stared at me for a moment and then said, “Very well, but keep it calm”, he said to both Kate and me. We both nodded, and Dr. Stroger left the room.
“Kate – I am so sorry”, I said.
Kate looked at me for a moment, then exhaled a deep breath. “Look, Ali. I really don’t know what to say right now. I know you are not a hundred percent, and you probably don’t want to hear anything but “Sweetie, I hope you’re feeling okay, but, well, after walking in on what I just walked on…well, I guess I just need to know one thing.” She paused for a moment and then said, “Are you in love with her?”
“I-I-I” I started stammering out, but Kate interrupted me.
“Let me put it another way, Ali. I want to support you, and I want to be the one supporting you, but…well…I guess this is the question I have for you: do you want me to be the one supporting you?”
“Of course”, I said.
“No – that’s not what I’m asking you. The question is, do you want me to be the one supporting you the most? I mean, if you could have one person here to see you, would it be me?”
“I-I-I don’t understand…”
“Ali, I think you do. I think you understand the question.” She paused and then said, “I need to know. I need to know the answer, so I can make a decision. Tell me the truth, even if you don’t think I want to hear it.”
Part of me wanted to tell her that I wanted her to be the one. She’s a good person, and none of this is her fault. But something changed in me. Thinking about the accident made me realize that I could have been lost right then and there, and then seeing Ashlyn spring up to defend me cemented what I’ve always wanted all along. Life is too short to not live it true. I hated to disappoint Kate, but I could no longer live a lie, or lie to Ashlyn, or to this woman standing before me. I could no longer be unfair to anyone.
“Yes”, I whispered.
“Yes, what?” Kate asked.
“Yes. I’m still in love with her”, I said, and then closed my eyes.
Kate stood there and stared at me, silent. I saw a tear form in her eye. She wiped it away with her finger and then said, “I understand. I can’t help the way you feel, much as I wish I could. But, there’s no future with us.” She paused for a moment and then said, “We’re done, Ali.”
I stared down. I couldn’t meet her eyes. “I’m sorry”, I squeaked out. I really was. Not that I was in love with Ashlyn, but that I had cheated on Kate, and then she had walked in to see Ashlyn with me.
Kate came over to me. I was still looking down. She leaned down and kiss me on the forehead. “Goodbye, Ali.” I looked up as she started walking towards the door, and then she turned around. She smiled faintly and said, “I hope you feel better soon.” I smiled slightly in appreciation, and we looked at each other for another moment. Then she turned around and walked out of the room, and I closed my eyes and exhaled a deep breath.