Effie's destiny

“I lied to you Liam. It’s not from time to time I have numbness… it’s all the time. I… I shouldn’t even practise any sport. I’m so sorry Liam. I’m such a disappointment for you” her voice croaked, tears clearly there.

[…]

“Liam… I’m begging you go. I can’t have you here now” tears were now falling on her cheeks. She was heartbroken.

Eventually Liam started standing up but kneeled down once more. He put his hands on Effie’s cheeks and softly kissed her lips tasting her tears.

“At least I know what your lips taste like” he said sweetly before standing up and moving on the side as a nurse pushed her to the scan.

“I’m not giving up” he finally said looking at her being taken away.

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2nd October 2011
The Princess Grace’s Hospital, London
Effie’s room

“Come on girl, you need to eat something” said Perrie to Effie.

“I’m not hungry.”

“You’re never hungry. You need to get better and you need energy for that” added Perrie. She was on her shift and had asked to be in charge of Effie. It had been almost 2 weeks since the meltdown and there was no improvement, if not she was getting worse. She was refusing visits from everybody and Perrie was the only one able to see her as she worked at the hospital.

“Please go” begged Effie looking at the window. That was all she did, sitting in the wheelchair facing the window, being awfully quiet only giving brief answers to the doctors. She had shut herself down and even the doctors were starting to worry.

“The doctor will be here in a minute love” said Perrie before pressing a kiss on her friend’s head. She left with a sad smile. It was breaking her heart to see her friend in such a state and she felt hopeless despite the fact that she was a qualified nurse.

“Miss Parks, how are you today?” asked the doctor as he came in Effie’s room holding her medical file. She didn’t reply still looking at the window so the doctor took a chair and sat next to her. “I have news for you. When examining your medical record it is clear that a mistake has been made.” That got Effie’s attention but she never stopped looking at the window. “They never operated to remove the remaining piece but they could and should have down it. We want to operate Miss Parks.” Finally realising what he was telling her Effie turned her head disbelief written all over her face.

“How?” was all she asked.

“We will remove the piece of steel using a camera that will enable us to be as precise as possible. I’m not going to hide that this operation has 92% chances of success but if we do success you will be able to walk very soon” replied the doctor. He was keeping his language patient friendly to make sure the young girl understood everything. “Do you want us to contact someone?” asked the doctor but the young girl moved her head saying no. She once again was shutting down despite what the doctor just told her. “Your brothers and friends are worried about you Miss Parks.”

“I… I just need to be alone.”

“Your recovery will depend a lot on your emotions too. Your friend has been here every single day since you arrived, just give it a try Miss Parks…” As he put the chair back ready to leave she whispered something, but it was loud enough for him to hear. “Let him in.” The doctor nodded, that was progress.

“She’s very tired, you should stay 5 minutes, no more. She needs rest and your visit will certainly upset her. I’m only letting you in because she allowed it and it shows progress” said the doctor to the young man who stood up as soon as he left the room. He nodded and taking a deep breath he opened the door that was separating him from Effie. He was stressed and worried she might shut him down once more.

What he saw wasn’t anywhere near the girl he knew. She had always been bubbly, energetic, smiling, determined and now she was here, sitting in this damn chair, her face pale with dark circles under her eyes. What shocked him the most was her frail body. How could such a gorgeous girl look like that in less than 2 weeks? It was heart breaking. He walked closer to her and delicately pressed a sweet kiss on her temple. She didn’t seem to react so he sat next to her.

“I’m scared…” she whispered after a couple of minutes still looking at the window proving she had acknowledged the young man.

“Of what princess?” he asked now looking at her.

“To never walk again Liam.” She still wasn’t looking at him but her eyes blinked twice showing some kind of feelings. Liam instantly stood up and went in front of her kneeling to be at her level. Softly putting his hands on her thighs he felt her tense but did not let it go.

“You will walk again Effie. This doctor is the best in England. I promise you, you will walk again” he slowly but clearly said trying to catch her eyes but she kept avoiding him. “Look at me Effie.” When she didn’t he took her chin forcing her to look at him. “I promise you Effie. I promise you the day you can walk and train again I will do a fight with you. You will probably kick my ass so you need to get well soon to prove me you can.” Liam was smiling trying to get the girl he cared about to react.

And it worked. She locked eyes with him but she said nothing. She slowly took his face between her hands and brought it closer to hers. She leaned her forehead on his and took a deep breath.

“How?”

“How what baby?” he asked not understanding her question.

“How do you do this to me?”

“Just like you do it to me. You made me want to box again when nobody could even make me talk about it for the past 2 years.” Liam needed to be honest with her. She had reacted to his words and that was the only thing that now mattered. Gently stroking her hair he pressed a light kiss in the corner of her mouth. She was tired and needed some rest. He reluctantly stood up and let his fingers slips on her face.

“I’ll do it” simple said Effie. “I’ll do the operation” she added to clarify. A huge smile appeared on Liam’s face and he kissed her on the cheek before exiting the room.

“I’ll be back tomorrow. We need to plan this fight” he said just before leaving. When he stood against the door outside he was face to face with Perrie.

“So?” she asked impatiently.

“So she will do the operation. I can’t believe she agreed. She’ll get through this, she’ll get better” he said a childish grin plastered on his ace.

“You have it really bad don’t you?” Perrie teased with a wink before hugging her friend.

“She’s worth it Perrie. I’ll go back to the studio now to let the others know. Look after her will you?!” Liam kissed Perrie’s cheek then left the hospital.

Today was a good day and for the first time in almost two weeks he would have some good news for the others who were always waiting impatiently when he was going to the hospital instead of working at the studio.

Notes