Chapter 7

As the years went by, Eileen found it increasingly difficult to maintain her position as the Raven against the Dickinson Brothers. Eileen was not born with a strong heart to begin with, and her lungs are affected as well. The doctors do not know why she has so many problems, and it is a miracle that she is still alive. The doctors believe that she has such a strong will to live, that's why she's still here. There will be points in her life where her body could not keep up with the fiery spirit she owns. As her health was deteriorating, and by the time she reached 10th grade, she required another open-heart surgery. However, despite her struggles, her classmates still held her in high regard. Whenever Eileen was admitted to the hospital, her classmates would visit her, bringing her flowers and offering her help with her homework. They were grateful for her guidance and support, and they wanted to repay her kindness.

Alfred was always there for Eileen, even during her hospital stays. At first, Eileen was a bit annoyed by his constant presence. She didn’t like the idea of a friend seeing her in such a vulnerable state. But Alfred didn’t seem to mind at all. He did everything he could to make her more comfortable, from fluffing her pillows to passing her glass of water. He even snuck in a portable DVD player, so they could watch movies together. Alfred’s endless kindness didn’t stop there. He entertained Eileen with his terrible magic tricks, and he held her hand whenever she felt discomfort. When Eileen’s brother wasn’t able to be there for her, Alfred stepped in. He even missed school to spend the day with Eileen.

It was clear for everyone to see Alfred cared deeply for Eileen and wanted to do whatever he could to help her feel safe and secure, and he proved that on one of those nights. Eileen passed out from exhaustion from a new procedure in the hospital. Alfred was there keeping her company across the room reading a book. At first, Alfred thought it was adorable that Eileen was talking in her sleep. He continued with his reading. The feeling changed when her heart rate was rising on the monitor. It was rising like a roller coaster. Eileen started to scream. Alfred threw his book across the floor and sprinted to Eileen’s side. He grabbed her arms and caressed her cheek in hopes of waking her. Gasping for air, Eileen was disoriented.

“Lee, look at me! Eileen, look at me and listen to my voice. I’m here, breathe.” Alfred grabbed her cheeks and made her focus on his eyes and catch her breath. She grabbed Alfred by the wrist and nodded to him that she was feeling better.

Alfred was confused and shocked as to what was going on and pissed that the doctors have not done anything to help her.

Eileen leaned back. She explained, “I don't know why, but I have been having this nightmare ever since I was twelve years old, around the time when after my first surgery. It's frustrating to not know what it means, it pisses me off that I can't get a good night's sleep. I can't take any medications because of my heart condition. Because of my postural hypotension, the medication can make me worse than I already am, so I have to go through with it. I do go to therapy, but it's usually triggered when I am stressed. Usually, Hollen would be here to hold my hand after, and I would fall asleep. Because of his job, he can't be here often, and that's been putting me on edge I guess."

Alfred placed his hand on Eileen's.

"I know I am not much, but you have me. I don't want to see you like this. I want to be your shield and sea because, to me, you are my sword and light." Alfred kissed Eileen on the hand.

Eileen blushed at his compliment and lowered her gaze, feeling a flutter in her stomach. Alfred had a way of making her feel different.

As Eileen got to know Alfred better, she started to see him in a new light. She had always thought of him as a bit of a dork, but now she found his silly antics endearing. He made her laugh when she felt like crying, and he always knew how to brighten her day.

Alfred would find a way to praise Eileen, telling her how much he admired her strength and resilience.

Before she knew it, Eileen had developed feelings for Alfred.

After many years of being there for each other, Eileen and Alfred's friendship blossomed into something more. Sometimes, Eileen would not acknowledge Alfred because she didn't know what to think or how to feel. It wasn't until their senior prom.

During that night, as they sat across from each other, Alfred couldn't help but relish this moment. She looked stunning in her shimmering baby blue dress that hugged her frame lavishly. Her raven hair had nice waves that framed her face nicely, and her smile lit up the room.

When the slow dance played, Alfred offered her a dance, and she gladly accepted.

"You look beautiful tonight," purred Alfred into her ear, taking Eileen's hand in his own.

Eileen's cheeks turned into a rosy hue and the hair behind her neck rose.

"Eileen, I don't know how much I have told you this, but I am so glad to have met you. You don't know how much it meant to me when you saved me. School and home were so agonizing to go. Every day, I didn't want to get out of bed to live through the hell I was enduring until you showed up. Not a day goes by where I cannot breathe without being in the same room you are in. I feel motivated throughout the day because I know I get to see you. You make my life a little more exciting. Eileen, I just want you to know how much you mean to me. You have become my North Star and you make these waters from this sea of life just a bit more bearable to live in," declared Alfred, his eyes glistening with emotion.

Eileen's heart skipped a beat at Alfred's confession. She had never felt so loved and cherished before by another person. As she looked into his eyes, she saw the depth of his love for her, and it overwhelmed her.

Alfred leaned in and kissed Eileen's hand, causing her to blush even harder. She felt like she was high in the clouds, swept off her feet by this kind and caring man.

"I love you, Lee," cooed Alfred, his voice filled with sincerity.

Eileen looked up at him, tears brimming in her eyes. "I love you too, Al," she said softly.