Split Lives

Chapter 25

~Tobias~

Azura didn't move after I asked her if she had just gripped my hand I got no response, I go near her ear again "AJ, if you can hear me give me grab my hand again" I wait but still no answer "please AJ, I know you grabbed my hand" I begged stroking her hand and face, then I felt it again, she gripped my hand and let go.

I started getting lost in my thoughts 'did I just imagine that? I'm so desperate not to lose her, was it just my imagination? No, it couldn't be, it felt so real' I shake myself out of my thoughts and text my mom, it doesn't take her long to walk in "what's up son? Have you said goodbye?" I look at Azura, holding her hand I shake my head "yes I have, but that's not why I texted you" I say to my mom who now looks very confused "so why did you text me? Do you need support? You know I'm here son when needed" my mom says really gently, after feeling Azura grab my hand slightly I was hopeful "I know you are mom, but look at AJ's hand" my mom has a look of sorrow on her face "son, I can see her hand. She's limp, she's not with us" I'm still hopeful though "no mom, she grabbed my hand, watch. AJ, if you can hear me grab my hand again, just like you did" I say hoping she'd move again, but had no such luck as she remained still 'gee thanks AJ, now I look like a right lying twonk' I thought to myself mentally facepalming myself.

My mom walks over to me and puts her hand on my shoulder as I look at Azura then back to my mom "I swear mom, she grabbed my hand when I went to walk out" I tried to convince my mom only to be met with a faulted smile "maybe you just imagined it son, she's not moved" but I refuse to seem 'crazy' and 'delusional' I know I'm right, I shake my head "no, I didn't imagine it, please mom you have to believe me. It's happened twice now, I stroked her face and went to walk away....wait! She struggles with her hearing, maybe I wasn't close enough" I say remembering she has hearing problems, so again I go right by her ear "AJ, please, please grab my hand again" nothing.....I got nothing but I know I didn't imagine it "son, it's time to let her go, you have to let her go now" my mom say with sadness in her voice, but I refuse to let her go when I know she's still there "no mom, just please believe me and watch" I beg my mom.

My mom runs a hand through her hair and sighs "ok, go ahead then son" I hold Azura's hand and lean as close as I possibly could to Azura "hey AJ, I know you struggle to hear, even if you won't admit it, but I'm right here with you" but still nothing from her, I slowly start stroking Azura's hand with my thumb "I know you grabbed my hand, I know there's still life in you. Please Azura, let's show my mom she's wrong, I know you like to prove people wrong. So please AJ, even if it's only light" I begin to stroke Azura's head and face "I know you're tired, I know it's hard to fight like you have, you have done amazing so far, don't give in now" I kiss her head and start running my fingers through her long, black, messy hair "please just 1 more time, squeeze my hand again" I stay like that stroking her hand and running my fingers through her hair, I kiss her head and start stroking her face, and then she grabs my hand again lightly. 

I can't help but smile and my mom well...she was shocked beyond belief, I turn my gaze to my mom "see?" I ask sounding more like a statement "oh wow I'll get the others in here" my mom begins sounding shocked, but I keep smiling "there's still life in her, so we'll get her sorted, she seems to react to physical sensory stimuli" then my mom looks at me with much regret "I'm so sorry I didn't believe you son" still I keep smiling lie the cheasire cat "it's ok mom" just then my mom leaves the room and I turn my attention back to Azura. A tear rolls down my face as I smile, I get as close as I can to Azura while stroking her hand and head "atta girl, there's the AJ I know" Azura releases her light grip and I kiss her on her head, then continue stroking her face "it's ok, I know you're tired" I say happy that my friend is still fighting.

My mom and a lot of other doctors and specialist enter the room "you'll have to leave now son, just while we sort Crystal" I give a nod "ok mom" I then hug Azura "well done, keep going, keep fighting, I'm proud of you" I say then leave the room so my mom and her team can help Azura.

I'm in the relatives room pacing back and forth thoughts rushing my mind 'I knew it, I knew she wouldn't go without a fight. Azura has life in her, she's got fight. She'll pull through, I know she'll be ok' I'm broken out of my thoughts when my phone rings, I stop mid pace and answer my phone. It's Oliver on the phone "hello? Oh hey man, has your performance finished?....A miracle has happened...see you soon" and with that I end the phone call. I walk over to the chairs and pause, a smile creeping on my face I sit on a chair, the first time I've been able to sit feeling hopeful since this all began 6 months ago.