AllFreeNovel
Share Us
A chill rolls through me, triggering more cold sweat as panic surges through me again.
That’s when Aaron sits down next to me and wraps an arm around me.
“I’m scared, Ace.”
“I know, but you are tough. They know what they’re doing. It’ll be over before you know it. No more pain. And then we’ll be back at your house, hanging out, okay? We can watch that old movie you always watch when you’re sick.”
I smile at him. He’s kinda perfect.
“Now, you have some people who want to wish you luck.”
He pulls out his phone and pushes a button, and I see Joel, Mackie, and Miles on a video call.
“Hey, guys,” I say weakly.
“Hey, Rae Rae. Listen, you’ve got this, okay? You’re gonna be fine. And when it’s all over, you get to come home and we’ll all be ready to cheer you up.”
“Thanks, Joelskies.”
“Seriously, my mom had to have something like this done a couple of different times. She said the recovery is super easy after the first day.Andshe said she’ll make your favorite cookies.” Mackie grins at me.
“The sugar cookie hearts filled with jam?”
She nods.
Miles directs the camera toward him. “You are badass, Rae McKinley. You’re gonna be just fine. Love ya, kid.”
“Love you guys, too.”
They blow kisses and wave before hanging up.
“You also have a little video message from Davey,” Sarah says, holding out my phone.
I take my phone and push play.
“Hey, babe. Gosh, I’m so sorry you gotta have surgery. Listen, you’re so tough. And cute too. Maybe that doesn’t help, but I thought you should know. This will all be over before you know it. Can’t wait to see you. Take a deep breath and relax. Take care, babe.”He makes a kissing face at the camera and the video ends.
I let out a slow breath and text him back.
Me: Thanks for the video. It helps. I can’t wait to see you either. Anyway, I guess it’s about time to do this, so you’ll probably know more than I do for the next hour or so. See you on the other side.
Then I add a kissing face emoji for good measure.
As I send it, the doctor, anesthesiologist, and nurse descend on the room, ready to take me back.
“Okay, it’s time to do this. We’ll take her back right in this bed, and then you’ll go out to the waiting room. I’ll come get you when we’re done and let you know how it went. Try not to worry,” the doctor says, taking in the looks on everyone’s faces.
“You got this, baby,” Sarah says, giving me a hug.
Dad kisses my forehead, squeezes my hand, and gives me a wink. Which makes me smile.
Mom leans down and kisses my head. “You’re gonna do great, honey. Love you.”
“Love you too, Momma.”
Then Aaron leans down and whispers in my ear, “I love you, Beautiful. You got this.” He gives me a quick kiss on the cheek and I mouth the wordsI love youto him.
Then I’m being wheeled out the door.
