I spent the next couple days in the hospital, determined to stay true to my promise that I wouldn't leave until she woke up.

   Eve eventually left, but her and Diana were coming to visit today.

   I sat in my moms room, playing on my phone, when I heard the door open.

   I turned to see Eve and Diana walking in.

   "Good morning." I greeted.

   "Have you left yet?" Diana asked as Eve walked over and planted a quick kiss on the top of my head.

   "No... and I won't until she wakes up."

   "Belle, she might be like this for months, you can't stay here that long." Diana said.

   "I can and I will. I promised her I wouldn't leave until she woke up." I replied.

   "She's right, Belle." Eve said, placing a hand on my shoulder.

   I looked up at her and sighed. "I'm fine."

   Diana shook her head.

   "At least come get some lunch with us." Eve said.

   I lowered my head and thought about her offer. 'I haven't eaten much in the past few days, I guess lunch wouldn't hurt.'

   I looked up again and nodded. "Fine, but then I'm coming right back."

   She nodded back. "Fine."

   I stood over my moms bed, holding her hand in mine. "I'll be back."

   Then, I turned to the others and followed them out.

   "Shotgun!" Eve called out as she ran for Diana's car.

   We laughed as we followed behind her.

   After getting in the back seat, Diana started the car and headed out.

   We pulled into the restaurant parking lot a few minutes later, Violet greeting us at the door.

   "What're you doing here?" I asked.

   She smiled at me. "What? I can't get lunch with my best friend?"

   I smiled back. "C'mon, you're blocking the door."

   We all filed in, looking for an empty table.

   Eve took my hand in hers as we walked.

   She smiled at me. "How're you holding up?"

   I sighed. "So far, so good. Those chairs are super uncomfortable though."

   She laughed a little as we passed an older couple, they gave us a dirty look.

   I scoffed. "Conservatives."

   Eve chuckled as we sat at our table.

   Normally I didn't get into politics because, well, I didn't give a shit. But, if I had to choose, I guess I'd lean more left. Violet, on the other hand, wore her conservative heart on her sleeve and she didn't seem to happy about my comment.

   "And what's wrong with conservatives?" Violet asked.

   I laughed a little. "Other than that?" I asked, pointing my thumb back at the older couple.

   She rolled her eyes. "You can't let a couple bad eggs ruin the pack. Right or left, it doesn't matter. We're all just people and people can be assholes sometimes."

   I raised my hands in fake surrender. "Hey, fair enough."

   Diana laughed.

   "Are they always like this?" Eve asked.

   "I'm afraid so." Diana replied.

   I rolled my eyes this time. "Let's just order."

   After ordering our food, Diana started up another conversation I didn't wanna have.

   "Belle, you should really take a break from the hospital for a few days."

   I rested my head in my hands. "I already told you I'm not leaving. Not until she wakes up."

   Eve took my hand in hers, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Belle, shes right. I'm sure your mom would understand."

   I lowered my head with a sigh. "I won't leave her again, Eve. I did that once already and look what happened."

   Diana gave me a serious look. "This isn't your fault, Belle."

   I looked up, meeting her gaze. "All of it's my fault. Mom's in the hospital because I left her hanging... and dad's in the ground because I don't like sleepovers."

   I could see a few tears start to well in Diana's eyes. "Dammit, Belle, don't do this to yourself."

   I felt a few tears in my eyes as I stood up. "You weren't there, so you could never understand how I feel."

   Diana stood up now. "You weren't the only one who lost a father, Belle."

   I shook my head. "Yeah, well, now we're gonna lose a mother and it's all because of my selfishness."

   Then, I stormed out of the restaurant, ignoring their calls and all the looks I was getting.

   I just made it to the sidewalk when Eve walked up next to me.

   "Where are you going?" She asked.

   I just shrugged and continued to walk.

   "Fine, then I hope you don't mind some company." She replied as she continued walking next to me.

   I stopped walking and sighed. "Just, go enjoy your lunch, I'll be fine."

   "You can't fight every battle by yourself." She said with a sigh, scanning my eyes.

   "I said I'll be fine."

   She took my hand in hers. "Not if you keep running away from the people who are trying to help you. I'll never understand what you're going through, but you don't have to go through it alone. Diana and Violet care about you... I care about you. We're just trying to help."

   I lowered my head, a feeling of guilt settling in my gut. "I care about you guys to."

   She put her finger under my chin, lifting my head. "Then stop running."

   I exhaled slowly before nodding. "Ok... Let's go back."

   She gave me a small smile and kiss before taking my hand and leading me back to the restaurant.

   We sat down across from Diana and Violet. They stared at me, seemingly waiting for me to say something.

   I sighed. "I'll leave the hospital for a couple days."

   They smiled.

   "I'll clean off the couch for you." Violet said.

   I was about to thank her, but Eve cut in. "Actually, I was thinking she could stay with me."

   I faced her. "You don't have to do that."

   She smiled. "I insist."

   "Are you sure?"

   She nodded.

   I gave her a quick kiss. "Never mind then, Violet."

   She shrugged. "Hey, the less chores I have to do, the better."

   We all laughed as we enjoyed the rest of our lunch...

   I walked into my moms hospital room and knelt next to her bed, taking her hand in mine. "I know I said I wouldn't leave you again, but I can't seem to say no to Eve."

   I smiled slightly. "I can't wait for you to meet her, mom... I think I might be falling for her."

   I sighed before kissing my moms forehead. "Love you, mom, I'll see you in a few days."

   I gave her hand one last squeeze before standing up and walking out of the room, where Eve was waiting for me.

   "Ready to go?"

   I nodded and took her hand in mine, letting her lead me out of the hospital...