Tangled Love

“I should probably wait out here," I murmur under my breath, signalling at the chairs outside of Emily's hospital room. Ivory frowns, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Why? What's the problem now T?"

"Jake."

I respond bluntly, looking at her as if it was obvious. She nods slowly before responding, choosing her words carefully.

"He's getting better Tobias. It's not as awkward anymore around you two. He needs us. . . both of us." Ivory gives me a reassuring look and I sigh dramatically —

"Fine but if this goes wrong, I'm blaming you." I joke, poking her in her ribs. She grabs my finger, twisting it forcefully until I yell out, pulling it back towards me.

"Ivory!"

She laughs loudly and I signal her to be quiet, looking around at the disapproving looks we're getting from the other doctors and nurses.

"Ivory, tone it down! This is a hospital, death surrounds us." I whisper loudly, my eyes widening at her playfully. She slaps her hand over her mouth, still giggling behind it and I smile at her —

"Come on, let's go in."

Ivory nods before she knocks on the door and opens it slowly, peeking her head round. I hear Jake's voice and Ivory opens it wider, stepping inside.

same spot he was in last week. His eyes are bloodshot, heavy from lack of sleep. To be honest, he

for. Jake is clutching Emily's hand in his, circling his thumb over the top of

voice completely disappearing. Jake swallows the lump in his throat, giving her a small smile that

"Sometimes I feel her squeeze my hand. The doctor says it's nothing to be excited about because of

and about before you know it." Ivory replies softly, leaning over to squeeze his arm. I nod, agreeing

be fine, she's tough as

Jake's eyes snap towards mine and I hold my gaze with him, never looking away. I want him to see I'm for him, his eyes looked broken and lifeless. There's only one other time I've seen him like this and it pains me to

nods before turning his attention back to Emily. It's not exactly anything to celebrate but I'm hopeful we

and get something to eat? You look shattered,"

her." I add quietly.

and I and I can tell he's pondering his decision. He finally

coffee, are you coming Ivory?" Jake asks and Ivory nods, grabbing her bag from the floor before swinging it over her shoulder.

places a kiss on Emily's forehead before he turns and heads for the door. My stomach flips from his

What the hell was

build up inside my

bring you back a coffee," Ivory says before shutting the door softly behind her. My eyes float towards Emily and I stand up, taking the seat closer to her.

out for hers and I squeeze it lightly. I've never held her hand before and I notice

coming out timid and quiet. The beeps of the

but you're all I can think about. How stupid is that? I know you don't feel the same way and yet I'm still acting like this," I breathe out deeply and continue, feeling considerably

its that I care for you like I care for Ivory. . . Like a sister. Or maybe, maybe it's more than that. . . I just don't know,

peacefully, dark eyelashes so long and thick. Her skin looks soft and