It's Not That Kind of Thing – Chapter 5

By MyNameIsCAL

-Fang's POV-

I saw Iggy every now and then, but since being brought to the hospital, he had only spoken to me twice. I told him I was sorry, but he said it didn't matter and that he was glad I was okay. Or maybe I guess it was more so that I was comforting myself.

Then there was Max. She was here every day. I didn't want to admit it, but I needed her. If it weren't for her, I'd probably stay here forever and waste away. Max was here because…of Dylan. No. Because of you.

Iggy told me that the other time he talked to me. She still loves you. I guess I knew that though. It was the reason things never really took off with Dylan. It was also the reason she was so quick to volunteer to look after me. That was the only reason the doctor agreed to release me.

I would be out of here tomorrow. In a wheelchair, but nevertheless out of the hospital. Two days a week I was supposed to be in therapy. Max had talked me into it and I guess it was better than staying here.

"Go to sleep, Fang."

I looked up to see Iggy sitting on the couch.

"Will you stay until I fall asleep?" I pleaded.

He nodded.

But being here in the hospital reminded me too much of our last day. I had been lying in bed with Iggy. He was barely coherent because of the pain.

"I love you," he had said.

"I love you too."

He gripped my hand weakly. "Don't cry, Fang."

"Please don't go," I had begged. "Don't leave me I- I love you so much..."

Iggy turned his head to face me. "I have to, Fang. You h-have to go on without me. I know you can. I believe in you, Fang."

"Iggy…" Tears streamed down my face. I put my hand on his cheek and pulled him into a kiss. He was smiling when I pulled away. Those pale eyes met mine for the last time.

"I love you, Fang," he repeated.

"I love you too, Iggy…Iggy…"

He squeezed my hand and then closed his eyes. A few seconds later, the smile faded from his face and his hand went limp in mine. Max had to pull me away from him. She was the one who brought me home in my mess of tears. I was biting my lip, trying to force the tears away.

"Fang…" Iggy's voice snapped me back to the present. "Please, don't torture yourself."

And so I closed my eyes and tried to find sleep. When I woke in the morning, Max sat on the couch where Iggy had been.

I spent two more weeks in the hospital before they agreed to discharge me, and only because Max said she would be staying with me. Although I was reluctant, I knew I wouldn't have lasted a day in one of those programs where I had to live in some kind of mental ward. Having to see a therapist? I could deal with that.

Today was the day though. I was finally going home. Max was outside speaking to the doctor about my medication and also my therapist. I felt like a kid needing to be watched, but in the back of my mind I also knew I needed it.

"Today's the day you get back on your feet."

I looked up to see Iggy standing at the end of my bed.

"Are you trying to be funny?" I muttered.

He smiled a little. "Maybe. But seriously, Fang. Max has always been your best friend. You can't forget that she cares about you as much as me."

"I know."

"Then don't be so anxious."

The door opened and Iggy disappeared. Max came and stood right where he was before.

"You ready to go?" she asked me.

"I guess so."

A couple of nurses came in and helped me into a wheelchair. Max told them she'd push me out. They seemed reluctant, but they left us.

"Are you sure about this, Max?" I questioned. "I mean, what about Dylan? I know there's plenty wrong with me, but I know something's been bothering you too."

"Fang…"

"Max, this isn't going to work if we keep things from each other."

She let out a breath. "You're right…"

"Let's get out of here first. We can talk at home."

Our first stop was the pharmacy to get my prescriptions filled. Then we picked up pizza for dinner. I was sitting on the couch now with my legs up on the couch and Max was in the other armchair.

"Dylan and I have been fighting about you," Max finally said. "But you knew that already. I just didn't want you to worry about it. It's not a big deal, really. You know how he is."

I took another bite of my pizza to give me a chance to think. Dylan had rightfully won Max over. I took that chance when I left all those years ago. "I don't want to drive you two apart."

"Maybe a little space is good." She tried to give me a smile.

"I can talk to him if you want."

Max shook her head. "He's just stubborn."

"Well you tell him he's welcome here anytime he wants."

"That's nice of you…"

"I'll knock some sense into him," I added.

She smiled a little.