"She's stabilized for now but her condition is critical," one of the doctors said to Aislinn. "We have done everything we can, but she's slipped into a coma."
Aislinn's legs buckled, and she leaned against the wall for support. "A coma?" she repeated, the word sounding surreal.
"Yes. We'll monitor her closely and update you with any changes," the doctor assured her before heading back into the room.
Aislinn stood there, staring at Bell through the glass. "I'm so sorry, Bell," she whispered. "Please, come back to us. Come back to me."
Aislinn stood outside the ICU, her heart heavy with worry. The rhythmic beeping of the machines inside was a constant reminder of Bell's fragile state. A doctor approached her, holding a clipboard.
"Miss, we need someone to fill out this form for Bell's medical records," he said, offering the clipboard to Aislinn. "It includes her personal information and details about her next of kin."
Aislinn took the clipboard hesitantly. "I'm not her family," she said softly, glancing at the form. "Bell doesn't have anyone."
The doctor looked sympathetic. "Is there no one else we can contact? Any relatives or close friends?"
Aislinn shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes. "No, it's just her. She's been alone for a long time."
The doctor sighed, taking back the clipboard. "In that case, we'll need you to fill out as much information as you can. It's important for her care."
Aislinn nodded, taking a deep breath. "I'll do my best."
Just as she was about to start filling out the form, the hospital door was flung open.
A tall man with a stern expression stormed in, followed closely by a young man with a concerned look. It was Aislinn's father and her boyfriend .
"Aislinn!" her father barked, striding over to her. "What are you doing here? This is no place for you."
"Dad please , I'm trying to help," Aislinn replied.
"Help?" Her father scoffed. "That girl is not your concern. We need to leave now."
"Aislinn, listen to your dad," her boyfriend added, trying to gently pull her out of the hospital. "This isn't your responsibility."
Aislinn yanked her arm free, her eyes blazing with anger. "You don't touch me. I have had enough of this. I have not been a good friend to Bell because I have been jealous of her and brainwashed by you both to hate her. But if there's anything left for me to redeem myself, at least let me pay for her bills. Even though I don't still like her, I want to beat her in different battles and will happen only when she's alive. She is my rival. "
Her father's face turned red with fury. "Aislinn, you're making a scene!"
"I don't care!" She shouted back. "I can't keep living like this, controlled and manipulated.
As she sat down in the waiting area, she began filling out the form, her hands trembling slightly. Each question felt like a reminder of how much she didn't know about Bell's current life. Yet, she filled out what she could, determined to help in any way possible. "Bell deserves better and so do I."
Her boyfriend looked shocked unsure of what to say. Aislinn turned back to the nurse, her resolve firm.
"Let me do this. Let me help her."
The nurse nodded, understanding the gravity of the moment. "Of course, Miss. We'll ensure she is well taken care of"
Aislinn father and boyfriend stood in stunned silence as she finished filling out the form.
Once she finished, she handed the clipboard back to the nurse. "Thank you," the nurse said kindly. "If there are any updates, we'll let you know immediately."
Aislinn nodded, feeling a mix of helplessness and resolve. She returned to her seat, her eyes fixed on the ICU door. "Please, Bell," she whispered. "You have to come back."
Her father shook his head in disbelief. "Aislinn, this is madness. Think about your future."
"I am thinking about my future. I don'teven know how this is connected or concerns my future, whatever you mean," Aislinn replied, her voice steady. " I'm going to help my future by doing what's right."
Her boyfriend stepped forward, his eyes pleading. "Aislinn, we just want what's best for you."
Aislinn met his gaze,with her annoyed expression for a moment. "You have no say in this so please don't annoy me even more with your words. Anyways this is something I have to do."
With that, she turned her back on them and walked over to a chair near the ICU, her determination unwavering. She watched through the window as the doctors continued to work on Bell, praying silently for her recovery.
As the hours passed, Aislinn made a decision. She approached the hospital's finance department, her mind made up.
"How much are Bell's medical bills?" she asked the clerk at the desk.
The clerk, surprised by the sudden inquiry, quickly pulled up the information. "The current bill stands at $25,000, and it might increase depending on her treatment."
Aislinn nodded, taking out her credit card. "I want to pay for all of it. Please make sure she never finds out who paid the bills."
The clerk looked at her with admiration. "That's very generous of you. We'll make sure to keep your identity confidential."
After completing the payment, Aislinn felt a weight lift off her shoulders. She then made her way to the ICU, where Bell had just been moved to a regular room. As she approached Bell's bed, she took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves.
Bell lay there, her face pale but peaceful. Machines beeped softly, monitoring her vital signs. Aislinn sat down beside her, reaching out to gently hold Bell's hand.
"Bell," she began, her voice trembling. "I don't know if you can hear me, but I need to say this. I've been a terrible friend. I let jealousy and other people's opinions cloud my judgment. I hated you because it was easier than admitting I was wrong."
Tears streamed down Aislinn's face as she continued. "But I realize now that you were my best friend, and I should have fought for that. I'm so sorry for everything I've done. I know I don't deserve your forgiveness, but I want you to know that I've paid your medical bills. It's the least I can do."
She squeezed Bell's hand gently. "You need to wake up and get better. You deserve to live and dance and be amazing, just like you've always been. I won't be around when you wake up, and that's for the best. I hope you find happiness and everything you deserve."
Aislinn leaned forward, placing a soft kiss on Bell's forehead. "Goodbye, Bell. I hope one day you can forgive me."
With one last look at her friend, Aislinn stood up and quietly left the room. As she walked down the hospital corridor, she felt a mix of sadness and a strange sense of peace. She had done what she could to make amends, and now it was time to move forward, carrying the lessons she had learned.
Outside the hospital, Aislinn's father and boyfriend were waiting, their faces full of concern.
"I'm ready to go," she said softly, meeting their eyes. "But things are going to be different from now on. I need to find my own path."
Her father nodded, a look of understanding in his eyes. "We'll support you, Aislinn. Whatever you need."
As they walked away from the hospital together, Aislinn felt a glimmer of hope for the future, determined to rebuild her life with integrity and compassion.