+chapter.ten+

"That was Noelle's mom," Diana replied.

Ike's heart sunk. He could tell by his mother's tone that something was wrong. Something was very wrong. He sat down on a kitchen chair. "How is she?"

"She's in the hospital. She was poisoned last night," Diana informed.

"Ohmigod," he whispered. "What room number?"

"117B," Diana replied.

"I'm going to see her…if you want, bring Tay and Zac when you come," Isaac said, grabbing the keys to the car and heading for the door.

"Ike, visiting hours don't start until ten-thirty!"

Isaac glanced at his watch. It was ten o'clock. "I'll hang in the gift shop until I can go see her," he called over his shoulder. He got in the '94 accord and pulled out of the driveway. It was only a five-minute drive to the hospital. 'I knew something was wrong. Why don't I ever trust my gut feeling? Arg, I'm so stupid!' he thought.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

John was up and getting dressed and Carol was stepping out of the shower. She began to get dressed and looked at her watch. Ten o-five. 'Why is time going so slow?' she thought. 'I just want to see my baby!'

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Isaac had just arrived at the hospital. He walked into the gift shop. He went straight to the stuffed animals. He saw an adorable brown teddy bear. 'She'd love it,' Ike thought. He picked it up and purchased it. He exited the shop and headed for the elevator. 'I wonder if I can get in early.' Isaac found the elevators and pushed the button for Noelle's floor. 'I sure hope so.'

The elevator bell went off and Isaac stepped out. He headed for the nurses' station. "Hi," he said sweetly. "May I borrow a pen?"

The young nurse smiled at him and handed him a pen.

"Thanks," he said.

"Sure," she replied.

Isaac opened the card on the bear and wrote a little note on it. He wrote: Noelle, Get better super soon! I'm gonna miss you at home until you do! <3, Isaac

He folded the tag and handed the pen back to the nurse. "Can I ask you one more great favor?"

"Sure," the nurse replied.

"May I please go see my friend in room 117B? Please?" Ike asked, or shall we say begged.

The nurse looked at him hesitantly. Ike gave her a pleading look. "I suppose," she gave in. "Not to loud though."

"Thank you so much!" Isaac exclaimed.

"Sure," the nurse sighed.

Ike didn't hear her. He was already speed walking to Noelle's room. He found it and ducked in. Noelle was lying on her hospital bed, asleep. Isaac put the teddy bear on the night table and pulled a chair next to Noelle's bed. "Noelle, I swear, you're going to kill me. Of worry that is," Isaac spoke softly to her. She stirred a bit, but didn't wake up. "You had me super worried last night. Not to mention somewhat scared. You have to get better, you hear? You have to get better before we start running again. That gives you about a week. I need you to be your old self again before we leave so I know you're okay. Alright?"

Noelle just turned a bit in her sleep. Isaac took that as a yes.

She took in a deep breath and began mumbling his name in her sleep. "Ike? Ike, I love you."

"I love you too, Noelle," Isaac whispered, smiling.

Noelle began to stir slightly. Isaac looked at her and brushed some hair wisps from her face.

Noelle turned her head inhaling Ike's cologne. "Isaac?" she asked, confused, slowly opening her eyes.

"Hey," he smiled gently.

Noelle smiled back. Isaac looked so dreamy to her. It seemed as though his face was almost surrounded by clouds. She opened her eyes a bit more. "What happened? Why are you in my room?" Noelle asked. She still wasn't conscious of the fact that she was in the hospital.

"I don't know. Your mom called mine and told her that you were poisoned at the dance last night. I'm not in your room either. We're in the hospital."

"Oh," Noelle spoke. "I remember being really sick, but nothing else."

"How do you feel now?" Ike asked.

"My stomache still hurts. Not as much though," Noelle replied.

"That's good…oh, here. I almost forgot. I bought this for you," Isaac said handing her the brown teddy.

"Aw, Ike! You didn't have to! Thank you!" Noelle cooed, hugging him.

"You're welcome," he replied and gave a soft smile. Isaac looked away uneasily.

"Ike, what's wrong?" Noelle asked.

"I dunno. I was worried about you I guess…" Isaac trailed off.

"Why?" Noelle stammered.

"What do you mean why?" Ike asked softly.

"I mean, like, why were you so worried?" Noelle began to play with the brown bear's ear between her index and middle fingers.

"Well, you looked really sick when I dropped you off. Then you're like, my newest best friend…" Ike trailed. "Noelle?"

"Yes?" Noelle replied.

"Will you…" Ike began. "Will you be my girlfriend?"

Noelle looked at him, astonished. She couldn't believe he'd just asked that question. Her dream was finally coming true. "I knew I shouldn't have asked. Why would someone like you want to go out with me? I should have just kept my mouth shut-"

"Ike."

Isaac looked up at Noe. "Yea."

"Shut up and kiss your girlfriend."