Falling like the Stars

15

Jemma’s Point of View

I could feel every part of my body losing function. Leukemia? That just can’t be possible. I let out a small laugh because she had to be joking. “No. No, You—you’re seventeen. You’re perfect.”

Skye began to tense and I could see tears forming in her eyes. “No. I found out two years ago and I stopped responding to treatments.” She paused, but let her mouth hang open like she wanted to say more, but ended up shaking her head instead.

It was then that I knew she was not kidding. I also tensed up some and looked up past her so she would not see the anger in my eyes. “So, why didn’t you tell me?” I reverted my eyes back to her.

Skye took a deep breath to compose herself from the amount of tears that were now falling onto her face. “The only ones that know are my parents, brothers, and Ward.” She stopped to wipe away the excess tears.  “The doctor told me that I should move on and live life as best as I could. I didn’t—I didn’t want anyone to be weird around me.”

“Including me?” I asked sternly, almost yelling.

“Especially you!” She began crying even more than she already was and I just let out faces of rage. “You know, I was getting along with everything fine, I accepted it and then…I met you. You changed me, Jemma. Even though I knew that I shouldn’t have, I still allowed myself to pursue you.”

I let out a grunt and dropped my gaze to the floor. I don’t think I have ever been angrier at anything in my life. Skye stepped forward to grab my hands, but I stepped back. She let out a sobbing weep which made me gaze right back to her. With everything she had she looked me in the eyes and said, “I do not need a reason to be angry with God.” Before I could even respond, she was running off.

I wanted to call after her, to tell her it was okay and just be there to comfort her. But, I didn’t. I watched as she ran off because I knew if I called her back to me, I would still be angry. Not even with her. How could I be? She did not ask to have cancer. I am angry at the situation. At the fact that she never told me. At the fact that I have no idea how much time I have left with her. At the fact that I don’t know if there is some miracle drug that is out there. More importantly, I am mad at myself for not seeing this sooner.

After a couple minutes of me just standing in the middle of the alley yelling at how angry I am at the world, I ran back to my car. A huge part of me hoped Skye would be there waiting, but she wasn’t. I got in the car and drove. Although I did not plan where I was headed, I found myself pulling up to the house. I had to let my anger out on someone and it was going to be him. I slammed the car door shut, rather loudly, and stomped my way to the front door. It is about midnight, so I would not be surprised if his parents are sleeping. But, oh well.

I rang the doorbell twice, back to back. “Open the door, Ward!” I shouted as I then began to pound on the door. I didn’t hear anything at all so I shouted again. “Open the damn door!”

Once again I heard nothing. I should have assumed no one was home in the first place when I saw that the outside light was not on. It frustrated me to do it, but I walked back to my car. Just then, the light turned on and I heard the door begin to swoosh open. I walked back and found myself face to face with Ward. “Jesus, Jemma. Are you crazy? You are lucky my parents are heavy sleepers. What are you even--“he stopped when he seen the anger on my face. “What’s wrong?”

I walked forward and began hitting his shoulder. “How could you not tell me? Did you not think about my feelings at all? I f*****g hate you! I hate—“

He was finally able to grab a hold of my arms which brought me to a stop. “Jemma. I’m sorry. I would have told you. Believe me I would have, but it was not my secret to tell.” Ward pulled me in for a hug, in which I obliged without hesitation. “I told her for months to tell you. She just…She did not want to lose you.” He guided me to the front steps and we both sat down.

I put my legs up to my chest and rested my chin on my knees. “How bad is it?” I asked after a couple minutes of silence.

Ward let out a sigh and turned to look at me. I could see the tears in his eyes. “Bad.” He said simply.

I shook my head. “No. It can’t just end like this. There has to be something we can do. A drug or something that the doctors can do to—“

Ward placed a hand on my back and shook his head.  “The doctors have done what they can for her. They have run out of options.” He let tears fall on to his face and quickly rushed to wipe them away.

“Ward…I love her. I can’t just sit back and watch her die.” I said softly.

Ward nodded. “I know. I don’t want to see that either.” He stood up and reached out his hand. “Which is why we are going to fix this.”

I looked back at him confused. “But you just said there was nothing more we could do.”

He smiled mischievously. “I said that the doctors said there was nothing more they could do. But, us? We can do something. I have been doing some research and I know who can help us. You just got to keep an open mind.”

I grabbed his hand instantly and allowed him to pull me up. “Whoever…Whatever it is. I don’t care. I am willing to do anything to save her.”

He smiled and we walked to my car. “I just hope he is willing to help.” Ward said out of nowhere. I wanted to ask what he meant by that, but I guess I will be finding out soon enough.

After a half an hour drive, we pulled up to a fancy house. It reminded me of my grandparents place. “Where are we?” I asked as we both unbuckled our seatbelts and proceeded to exit the car.

“My grandparents’ house.” Figures. He walked toward the front porch. “Miles still lives with them. My parents definitely wanted us separated for as long as possible.”

I nodded in understanding, but stopped immediately when I realized what he had just said. “Miles?”

Ward nodded. “I told you to keep an open mind.”

Ward took out his phone, obviously sending a text message. After a couple of seconds of the two of us just staring at the door rather awkwardly, it began to slowly open. Miles walked out and folded his arms over his chest. He rolled his eyes when he looked at me then turned to look at Ward. “This better be good. I just got back here and I want to go to sleep.”

Ward let out a grunt. “Well sorry to disrupt your damn beauty sleep. But, this is important.”

Miles glanced over at me and made a face of disgust. “If it has to do with her, then I am not helping.”

Miles turned to walk back to the front door. “It’s about Skye!” I found myself shouting at him. It worked because he stopped on his heels and turned to face us once again.

“What did you just say?” he asked with wide eyes.

“You heard her.” Ward replied.

Miles walked down from the porch to have a better view of us. “What about her? Is she okay?”

I should have known that he still had a soft spot for her. “She has – she…has cancer.” I said hesitantly.

Miles demeanor began to tense up. “What are you guys talking about? When? How?”

Ward spoke this time. “She found out a couple years back and it has gotten worse. That’s why I need your help.”

Miles nodded and walked a little closer. “Of course. Yeah. What can I do?”

Ward cleared his throat before replying. “I have been talking to a lot of people and I know there are some type of drugs that can help with the specific type of cancer she has. Your name got thrown out a couple of times and I need to know who your dealer is.”

Miles shook his head and began to stroke his neck nervously. “I—I can’t. It is more complicated than you think. I would have to—“

“Are you f*****g kidding me?” Ward interrupted. “This is Skye we are talking about. You have an opportunity to help her and you are saying that you can’t?”

“It’s not that simple. I would need to go and—“

“You know what…” Ward grabbed my arm and began to pull me toward the car. “…just forget it. I knew it.”

Miles began to follow us. “Ward if you just listen to me for one second.” Ward did not turn around and continued to get in the car. “Ward! Just listen to me for a second, please.”

Ward motioned for me to start the car. Even though I knew driving away would mean that I lose an opportunity to save my girlfriend, I still drove off. Once we got back to Ward’s, he let out a sigh before turning to me. “I promise I will figure out something, Jemma.”

I nodded and smiled. “Thank you for trying.”

Ward smiled and got out of the car. I was about to pull away when I saw that he stopped to turn back around. “She loves you, Jemma. Never forget that.” With that, he walked back inside.

On the drive home. I felt my body, mind, and heart taking and absorbing everything I have just learned. The love of my life has cancer and I do not know if I can fix it. For the first time since she told me, I let myself cry.

The next day was more of a train wreck. I was sending message after message to Skye. Nothing. I called and left voicemails multiple times. Nothing. I should expect it though. I did not react the way a comforting girlfriend should have acted.

Fitz had come over for lunch and I had to break the news to him. He looked at me with great concern in his eyes. “Jemma, what’s wrong? You have been distant since I got here.”

“Is it possible for God to hate me because I am gay? Is this why he is punishing me.” I asked, my throat cracking on the last couple of words.

“What do you mean, Jemma? What’s going on?” I shook my head and Fitz placed a hand at the small of my back. “Hey. It’s okay. Tell me.”

I tried my best to hold back my tears. It was rather easy since I used up my tears the night before. “Skye is sick.” I looked at Fitz who was now looking back at me with confusion. “She has leukemia.”

Fitz gasped and embraced me in a hug. “Jemma, I—I” He stopped and I could feel his breathing becoming more heavy against me. It was then that I allowed my body to break down and I cried in his arms. “I’m so sorry.”

We stayed silent like this, me wrapped in his arms and him doing his best to comfort me all the way up until he left. Once again I felt alone. Sure my parents were there, also trying to comfort me, but nothing was helping.

That night I found myself sitting on the front porch, the way I always did when I needed to get away. I looked up at the sky. The stars were shining bright, beautiful. And yet, I am finding that not even this sight can make me feel any better.

I heard a noise approaching on the front steps and looked up to see her. Skye gave a faint smile and a small wave as she proceeded to approach me. I shot up from the chair and walked the rest of the way toward her. I didn’t know what to say and I think Skye could sense that. Which is why she spoke up instead. “Jemma, I’m so…so sorry.”

I leaned forward and took her hands. “No. No. I made you do too many things. I kept you out too long—“

She shook her head and squeezed my hands tightly. “No, if anything you kept me alive longer.”

I nodded and looked down at our hands. I smiled and entwined our fingers before looking up at her once more. “Are you scared?” I asked quietly.

Skye nodded. “To death.” I cringed at that word and Skye giggled. She leaned forward, placing one hand on my cheek. “Hey. Lighten up.” She finished with a smile.

“It’s not funny.” I looked down at the ground sniffling, trying to hold back the tears. I needed to stay strong for her, but joking about this was not making things better.

Skye leaned forward and placed our foreheads together. We both leaned into the touch, more so me since she was gently rubbing my cheek with her thumb. She started crying some and I placed my hand on her cheek too. She leaned back so she could face me better. “I’m scared of not being with you.” She said quietly, with a large amount of tears in her eyes.

I shook my head and gazed her features before embracing her in a tight hug. “Oh baby, that’s never going to happen. Do you hear me?” Skye nodded into my neck and squeezed back tighter. “I’m here. I will always be here.”

She stayed in my arms for a couple more minutes. She was squeezing on to me so tightly and I realized what everything meant. All those hugs and kisses. The ones that felt like Skye was sucking the life out of me. Like in the back of her mind she knew that it could be the last. Well, it was because she thought that. She did think with every fiber of her that that kiss or hug could be the last one. Which is why I squeezed back as well. Hopefully letting her know that no matter what happens, I am always here.

Skye eventually pulled back. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes were extremely puffy, but yet she still looked beautiful. She leaned forward and wiped away a stray tear that was on my cheek and gently placed a kiss there. “Come on, I want to show you something.”

She grabbed my hand and we got into my car. She guided me with directions and we pulled up to the abandoned park. The same place where we first said I love you a couple months back. We got out of the car and she guided me to the other end. As we were approaching I could see what looked like a telescope that was planted finely in the grass. It did not look like any telescope I had ever seen before, so I figured it had to be handmade.

Skye let go of my hand and walked to the telescope looking thing. She smiled up at me and stuck out her hands like she was presenting a gift. “Ta da.”

I smiled at her excitement and walked closer to the figure. “What is this?”

Skye laughed. “This is my telescope.” Okay, I was right. “I built it when I was a kid.”

I nodded and took a closer look at it. “Wow. You really are into all this stuff, babe.”

Skye smiled. “Yeah. When I am not with you, I come here. It helps me to get away.” She stopped and gestured to the telescope. “Go ahead and take a look.”

I did just that and I have to admit that I was thoroughly impressed. The telescope worked amazingly. “This is great.”

Skye nodded and smiled wide before sitting down on the grass and laying her head back to face the stars. I replicated her movements and did the same. While Skye was gazing at the stars, I found myself gazing at her. She smiled multiple times, obviously noticing my staring, but that did not stop me. She finally returned the gaze and leaned forward, placing a kiss to my lips. It was the first kiss we had since I found out and it felt like our first kiss. I felt a new spark light up and I could not wait for more. She pulled away slowly and I could feel my heart racing, and I knew my cheeks were most likely red. “You’re blushing.” Skye said with a smile.

I nodded and placed a lock of her hair behind her ear. “Yeah, well you tend to cause that a lot.”

Skye laughed and bent down once more to place a kiss to my forehead. She got off me and laid back down. She let out a large sigh and let her hand fall gracefully into mine. “I’m planning on building a bigger one.” She stopped to point at the telescope with her free hand. “The comet hyakutake is supposed to come in the next two weeks or so and I always wanted to see it.”

“I could help. If you want. It can be a project we do together.”

Skye nodded. “I was hoping you would say that. I want…” She stopped to let out a breath. “…I need to spend as much time with you as possible.”

I snuggled closer to her and placed a kiss to her cheek. “We will.”

The next couple of days we spent every second together. We switched off between houses to spend the night with each other. We talked about anything and everything. Her sickness was a topic we tried to avoid at all costs. However, we both ended up crying ourselves to sleep each night. No matter how hard we try to avoid it, this is something we are going to have to acknowledge eventually. But for now, we are going to try to live as normally as possible.

Tonight was a little different. Skye’s parents felt like we needed at least one night apart from each other so we had to resort to sleeping without each other. Although, it is not easy sleeping without her. My bed just feels completely empty without the warmth and comfort of Skye. Glancing at the clock that read one in the morning, I knew that I should fight off the emptiness and get some sleep. I repositioned in the bed a couple of times before hearing my phone buzz.

Skye: Meet me at the park.

I should have figured that Skye could not sleep as much as I couldn’t. I did not need any sort of pushing to quickly get out of bed and put on some decent clothes to meet with her. Walking up I could see Skye already attentively looking into her telescope. It made me smile to see her so passionate about this. I tugged at the backpack that I had on my shoulder filled with different items I had brought for tonight. Including the little gift I got for her yesterday, when I managed to slip away while she was taking a nap.

Skye looked up and smiled at me instantly. “Hey babe.” She placed a quick peck on my lips and went back to glaring in the telescope. “I have an awesome view of Saturn, but I can’t seem to get the focus right.” I nodded and walked to the side of the telescope, placing the backpack on the ground. She heard it drop and quickly looked up to stare at it. “What did you bring?”

I smiled wide and kneeled down to take some of the items out. “A thermos, of hot cocoa.” I shook the bottle and Skye smiled back. I took out a blanket and begin to unfold it. “And a blanket.” I smiled wide as I laid it out on the ground and sat on it, staring up at her with a winning smile.

She laughed and squinted her eyes at me. “Did you plan this in the five minutes of you coming here?”

I nodded. “Oh, I hoped for it.”

She propped up her head and pursed her lips. “Are you trying to seduce me?”

I laughed. Although that is not what I was trying to do, I will play along. “Why? Are you seducible?” She shook her head no and I nodded. “That’s what I thought. Ergo…” I got up to grab the bag and pulled out another blanket. “…a second blanket. One for you and one for me.”

Skye smiled and clapped her hands. “Thank you.” I got up and went to hug Skye from behind, placing a kiss to her shoulder.

She went back to adjusting the telescope and I pulled out the folded piece of paper I had in my back pocket. It was a map of the stars that surrounded us. “Babe, can you find…“I stopped to point at a specific star on the paper, as she hovered over me to see as well. “…this star. Right here?”

She nodded and grabbed the paper. She looked up at the sky and began to adjust the telescope to find it. I walked to grab the bag and find the certificate that I had hidden away. “So, why am I looking for this star?” Skye asked me while still thoroughly looking into the telescope to find the star.

I cleared my throat before speaking. “Because I had it named for you.” She stopped to look up at me and glanced at the paper in my hands. I held it up and she began to walk to me. “See? It’s official. I got it at the International Star registry.” I finished with a laugh.

Skye grabbed the certificate to glare at it in full. She shook her head in disbelief. “This is wonderful.” I smiled at her tentativeness in examining the paper. She looked up at me with eyes of passion. “I love you.” She whispered. Then she placed a hand around my neck bringing me into a full kiss. I was shocked at the power of the kiss. Maybe she did want me to seduce her because I mean…damn. She pulled back suddenly, and gasped for air. “Okay. Okay. Okay. Sorry too much. I’ll stop.”

I smiled and placed a quick peck to her and I tugged at her hand so we could sit on the blanket. I nuzzled myself back into her so my body was pressed against her. She wrapped her arms around me and we cuddled into one another. After a couple of moments Skye broke the silence. “So…What’s your number one?”

I glanced up at her and she raised an eyebrow with a grin. The last time she asked that, I said I would have to kill her if she knew. But now, I am more than willing to tell her. I let out a sigh before facing forward once more. “To find a love that will last forever.” I looked back to her and smiled. “But I crossed that off the list awhile back.”

Skye smiled and kissed my cheek before whispering in my ear. “I’m completely and utterly in love with you, Jemma Simmons.”

I grinned and whispered back to her. “Forever.”

We stayed at the park all the way until sunrise. I pulled up back to my house and could see my mum reading the morning paper and nursing a cup of most likely tea on the front porch. I gently closed my car door and walked to sneak up behind her. “Boo!” I said before placing a kiss to her cheek and sitting down next to her.

She smiled and took off her glasses. “Did you just get in?” she asked glaring at my clothes.

I nodded. “Yeah.”

My mum leaned back in her chair and sighed. “Well thank heavens I didn’t know. I would have been panicked.”

“Sorry.” I said with a chuckle.

“Jemma…” she glared at me with wide eyes. “…were you with Skye?” I looked back up at her and nodded. “Jemma. Be careful. If she is as sick as you say she should not be out as much.”

“I know. I know. It’s just… I don’t know mum. When I’m with her, it’s like she is not even sick. Maybe I’m the medicine that she needs. Like no matter what is going on inside of us, with each other, there is no pain.” I finished with a hopeful smile.

My mum simply nodded. “It may feel that way sweetie, but I still need you to be careful.”

I was about to speak again but I looked up to find Ward approaching. “Hey, Ward.”

Ward smiled faintly before looking down at my mum to give her a hug and kiss on the cheek. “Hello, Mrs. Simmons.” He got back up and looked at me. “Sup Simmons? Is it cool if I steal you away for a while?”

I looked at my mum with a little grin. “Can I?”

She nodded and looked at Ward. “Keep her safe, Grant.”

“I will.” Ward said with a smile and gestured for me to follow him. We got into his car and we sped off. It took a couple of minutes of silence before he finally said something. “I got a call from someone that you will never even believe and they said they had something that could help.”

I looked at Ward, wide eyed. “With Skye?”

He nodded and smiled. “We might have some hope here.”

We pulled up to a very unfamiliar house that was just around the corner from the academy. Ward looked at me before unbuckling his seatbelt. “Ready?”

I nodded and got out of the car. “Let’s do this.”

We walked to the front door and Ward took the initiative to ring the doorbell. After only a couple of moments, the door opened and I was shocked to see who was on the other side.

“Welcome.” Principal Coulson said. He moved to the side and motioned for us to head in.

I looked at Grant and he just smiled. “I told you that you wouldn’t believe it.”

Coulson brought us some water before we all sat around the kitchen table. Coulson cleared his throat before speaking. “First off, I am so sorry about Skye. Once I heard about the situation, I can honestly tell you I was shocked and hurt all at the same time. She may get under my skin at times, but that girl will always have a spot in my heart.”

“Believe me. I know what you mean.” I finished with a smile.

We all sat with a smile on our faces for a couple of seconds before Ward spoke up. “So, you said something about a drug?”

Coulson nodded. “Yes. Before I continue this is something that is strictly confidential. It needs to stay between us. Agreed?”

Ward and I nodded. “Agreed!” We shouted in unison.

Coulson smiled and went on to explain. “Okay. The drug is GH-325. It is brand new and is being tested in the shield labs. It is very specific in treating all types of cancers. We used it on five other patients and we are amazed at the results, however—“

“It will cure her? Then yes! I want it. She will want it.” I interrupted.

“It’s not that simple though, Jemma. Yes I can get the drug to you guys easily, but you need to know the effects. The drug works as a long process. Four years to be exact. The first three years will be normal and fine. She will be healthy as usual. On the fourth year though…” he went on to explain.

We stayed there most of the day and we listened to what the fourth year would bring. Also, we listened to what happened with the other five patients that have already tried it.

We all agreed that Coulson would need to talk it out with Skye and her parents and we would all go from there. As we were walking out, I gave him a hug and whispered a thank you in his ear. He nodded with a smile. “Anytime.”

Ward shook his hand and asked, “You said on the phone that someone told you about the situation.” Coulson nodded. “Who?”

Coulson let out a sigh and placed a hand on Ward’s shoulder. “Your brother.”

Ward and I looked at each other in shock before he turned back to face Coulson. “Thank you so much, sir.”

It was without question that we both agreed to go to his grandparents to see Miles before heading back home. Ward was about to knock on the door before I stopped him. “Is it okay if I talk to him first?”

Ward smiled. “Sure, Simmons.”

I rang the doorbell and stood back to stand next to Ward. Miles opened it and closed the door behind him. He gave a faint smile. “Hey.”

I did not plan on doing what I did next, but it just needed to be done. I ran into his arms and hugged him tight. I began to cry not even caring that I was getting his pajama shirt wet. “Thank you. Thank you!”

Miles squeezed back. “You’re welcome.” Once we pulled apart he let out a sigh. “And I’m sorry, Simmons. Skye is definitely very lucky to have you.”

I shook my head once. “No. I’m the lucky one.”

Miles nodded and turned to look at Ward. I hadn’t even noticed that Ward was crying. Miles smiled and walked forward to him slowly. He lifted up his arms and placed them on Ward’s shoulder. Ward did the same, sniffling the whole time. Then they embraced in a large hug. “I’m sorry.” Ward said through his tears. “I’m sorry.”

Miles squeezed his little brother tighter. “It’s okay. It’s okay.” He placed a quick peck to his brothers forehead and said, “I love you, bro.”

Ward nodded and said, “I do too.”

I woke up to the sound of pounding on the door. My parents are obviously heavy sleepers because it didn’t even phase them. I glanced at the clock and saw that it was three in the morning. Why in the world would someone be at the door at this time of night? But then it hit me like a ton of bricks. Skye.

I rushed downstairs and opened the door. Ward and Fitz were on the other side, but standing there frantic.

“Don’t say it.” I said with tears in my eyes.

“Jemma--” Fitz started.

“Don’t say it!” I yelled.

Ward walked forward and tugged at my hand. “She’s in the hospital.”

That gave me small hope. But, the realization of the situation just became more real.

Skye was in a coma for a couple days. Ward and I stayed at the hospital every night. Different family members and friends from school visited throughout this time. I knew this because I practically lived in the chair that was placed next to Skye’s hospital bed. Every night I found myself holding onto her limp hand. Even though she never squeezed mine back, I still felt that warmth. When Skye finally did wake up, it was amazing to know that even if it is just for now, she is okay.

I was sitting at the little desk across the room reading some of Skye’s many comic books. Ward and Skye’s parents left to take showers in the comfort of their homes and it did not take any convincing for me to stay with her. I quickly glanced at Skye to make sure she was still sleeping, but found that she was staring at me with a smile. “Hey, babe. When did you get up?” I walked over to sit by her and took her hand in mine.

Skye entwined our fingers and smiled. “A couple of minutes ago. I would have said something, but I got mesmerized.”

I laughed and kissed each of her knuckles. “How are you feeling?”

Skye sat up a bit and let out a sigh. “Better now that you’re with me.”

“I’m always with you. You know that.” I replied.

“Yeah but you left for about a good hour yesterday. I missed you.” Skye placed a hand on my cheek and rubbed it gently.

I leaned into the touch and smiled. “I’m sure your parents and Ward kept you sane while I went home to shower.”

Skye nodded. “Well, about that. Coulson stopped by…to my surprise.” My eyes went wide and I could not believe I missed that. “He told us about the drug and we decided—“

“Skye…” I interrupted. “…Don’t feel obligated to do this. You don’t—“

Skye leaned forward and placed a soft kiss to my lips. “We decided to do it.” Skye leaned back and grabbed my other hand. “I know the consequences of the fourth year and I don’t care. I want as much time with you as possible. Besides you know what happens if we don’t do it.”

I nodded. “Are you sure.”

Skye smiled. “I have never been surer.”

“When will he inject you with it?”

“Sometime next week. The hospital is clearing me today and until then I am on bed rest.” Skye replied. I smiled and placed a kiss to her cheek. “So much for the comet hyakutake.”

I rubbed her head and apologized to her that she wouldn’t have time to make the telescope. But, little did she know Ward, Fitz and I had been working on it for a while and we are almost finished.

“Jemma! I can’t believe you did this.” Skye said as she hugged me tight. She then walked over to the telescope that was now on her balcony.

I walked forward with her. “Yeah well, I didn’t do it alone. Ward and Fitz were a lot of help.” I stopped and motioned to the telescope. “Go ahead check it out.”

Skye weakly placed her head down to look for the comet. She had the drug injected into her yesterday and Coulson said she would be weak the first couple days before it got better. But Skye is a trooper, despite the weakness, she still wanted to do everything herself. I gazed at the strong girl in front of me and realized I have never been more in love. Which is why what I held in my pocket was more than worth it. I gently patted my pocket to make sure it was still there.

Skye grabbed my hand and tugged me forward. “Look, hurry.” She sat on the chair that was up there and I moved to look at the telescope.

It was definitely a beautiful sight and I could see why she wanted to see it so badly. “It’s definitely beautiful.” I turned back to gaze at Skye who was staring up and mesmerizing the stars. I walked beside her and kneeled down. I grabbed one of her hands and she looked at me and smiled. “Do you love me?” I asked, gazing into her eyes.

Skye smiled bright and said, “Of course.”

I laughed and nodded. “Will you do something for me then?”

Skye shifted her position in the chair and nodded. “Anything.”

I took out the ring that was in my pocket and held it in front of her. “Will you marry me?”

Skye gasped and held her mouth open. Her mouth turned into a smile and she began to tear up. She leaned forward and kissed me softly, and that was answer enough.

Fitz and my parents were standing beside me at the front of the altar. I looked up at the other side to see Ward, Skye’s mom, and her six brothers. And turned to the right to see Mr. Bennet smiling down at me. Seeing Skye approach me in the white dress she was wearing made my heart sink. Our family and friends were in the audience watching as I would finally be able to call Skye mine forever.

We locked hands as Mr. Bennet began the ceremony. Skye mouthed I love you and I smiled, saying the same.

“I, Jemma Simmons, do solemnly swear to take you, Skye Bennet to be my lawfully wedded wife. To have and to hold, to honor and cherish her…All the days of my life.”

“I, Skye Bennet, do solemnly swear to take you, Jemma Simmons to be my lawfully wedded wife. To have and to hold, to honor and cherish her…All the days of my life.”

Skye and I had the perfect three years together. We graduated at the top of our class and I could not be more proud to call her my wife. We shared love with each other that few people get to experience in a life time. But it all came crashing down when the first day of the fourth year came. She collapsed that morning and we all knew it was coming, but it felt like we didn’t.

I remember thinking back to what Coulson said about the fourth year when driving Skye to the shield hospital.  On the fourth year she will go into a coma. At any time during that year she could wake up, and if she does that means her body took well to it. But, if she doesn’t then there is nothing more anyone can do. Four out of the five patients we tested woke up on the three hundred and sixty fifth day, but the other didn’t take it. It will ultimately be up to Skye’s body if she survives. 

Present day

“That’s the story Skye.” I looked back up and smiled. “Today is the three hundred and sixty fifth day. I come here, to the park to talk with you because I know if there is anywhere that your spirit is, it will be where you said you loved me.”

Every day for the past year I spend half the day at the park and half the day at the shield hospital. It doesn’t get easier seeing Skye’s lifeless body hooked up to a whole bunch of wires, but it is something we have to deal with. “Everyone else thinks you’re completely gone. That’s why they set up this memorial sight for you. But little do they know there is still a chance.” I let the tears that I was holding back fall onto my face. “Skye, please tell me there is a chance. This is the last day and I need to know that there is a chance.” Nothing. No wind and the hope I had in my heart was fading.

I felt my phone buzz and saw that I had two text messages. One from Fitz and one from Ward, both said the same thing.

Fitz: Get to the hospital.

Ward: Get to the hospital.

I darted to my car and drove as fast as I could to the hospital. I ran toward Skye’s room and saw Fitz and Ward hanging outside. “What? What’s wrong? Is she okay?”

They both hung their mouths open and pointed at the bed. I looked to see two chocolate brown eyes staring back at me. “Skye?”

Skye smiled and waved. “Hey Jems.”

This was forever going to be a day to remember.

Ten Years later

“Babe, I can hold a box!” Skye said to Jemma as she yanked back the box marked kid’s toys. 

Jemma shook her head. “Yeah, but you are pregnant and I don’t want you to hurt yourself.” Jemma ended in a pout.

Skye laughed and placed a kiss onto Jemma’s lips. “You’re so cute when you’re mad.”

Jemma stuck out her tongue at her wife before letting out a small giggle. Jemma looked over to her twin sons and smiled. “Iain? Brett? Will you please help with getting some of these boxes out of the car? Only if you can though.”

Iain smiled and quickly walked over to grab a box. “We are eight years old mum—“

“Yeah. I think we can handle a few boxes.” Brett chimed in.

Skye laughed as her sons walked off to place the boxes into their new house. “Yeah Jem. Their eight. They can handle it.”

Jemma shook her head. “They get that attitude from you.”

Skye just simply laughed and looked over at the next house. “You guys don’t think I got attitude right?” she asked glaring at Ward and Fitz who were also unpacking their car.

“I definitely think you have attitude.” Ward shouted.

Fitz nodded in agreement. “Ditto.”

Skye stuck her tongue at them and looked at Jemma. “You are all against me.”

“I don’t think that Auntie Skye.” Chloe shouted as she got out of Fitz and Wards car. 

“Me neither!” Elizabeth shouted as she followed her twin sister into the house. 

Skye nodded. “You see guys! You should listen to your daughters.” 

Ward and Fitz laughed and shook their heads. 

Skye looked back at Jemma and pouted. “Remind me why we agreed to move next to those goons.”

Jemma grabbed the box out of Skye’s hands and placed it on the ground, then she wrapped her arms around Skye. “Because they’re our best friends and you love them.”

Skye nodded. “I guess you’re right.” Skye gazed down at her wife and smiled. “Here’s to a happy life, Jemma Simmons. Okay?”

Jemma smiled and nodded. “Okay.”