AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I can’t help the small laugh that escapes my lips.
“Come on.” Abel nudges my hip with his before guiding me out of the bedroom and down the hall to where Claire is carrying various plates and saucers of food into the living room.
Abel helps me onto the couch before going to the kitchen to help Claire with the food. When they reappear moments later, they are both smiling about something and the sight warms me from the inside out.
As crazy as this seems–as much of a whirlwind this whole situation has been, I have to say that nothing has ever felt quite so right.
——
“There she is.” Abelsteps into the apartment balancing two large paper grocery bags in his arms. He hits me with the smile he reserves only for me, kicking the door closed behind him. “How are you feeling today?” he asks, dropping the bags on the dining room table.
It’s been three weeks since he found out about my cancer and while he’s been here nearly every day since, I still can’t get used to him standing in my living room. I want to pinch myself each and every time.
“I’m okay.” I shrug, tugging at the beanie on my head.
“You sure?” He crosses the room toward me, sliding down next to me on the couch. “What’s with the hat? You cold?” He reaches out and tugs on the side of the stitched material.
“Don’t.” I jerk away from him.
“Hey.” He slides in closer. “What’s going on?”
I have trouble looking at him. I knew I was probably going to lose my hair, but I didn’t realize how much it would bother me when I finally did. It’s been falling out for the last couple of weeks and today I finally reached a breaking point and shaved it down to stubble.
Then I proceeded to call Claire at work and have a complete and total meltdown. I swear my poor sister deserves an award for all the crap I’ve put her through these past few months.
Of course she handled it beautifully, the way she does with most things. She promised to take me wig shopping this weekend. I wasn’t really keen on the idea at first, but Claire reminded me that I can get multiple wigs in different colors and I got to thinking that this might be fun.
But even still, nothing compares to having real hair. I don’t regret shaving it off. It needed to be done. But I’m so scared to show Abel. Deep down I know he won’t care, but I care.
“Finley.” He reaches out and slides a hand along my cheek, guiding my gaze back to him. “What’s up?”
“It’s gone,” I croak, not sure why I feel so emotional over something as superficial as hair.
“What’s gone?” He gives me a curious look before his eyes shift up to the beanie.
“I shaved it off,” I tell him, crossing my arms in front of myself like a protective barrier.
“Well then, let me see.” He smiles like it’s just an everyday haircut.
“I can’t. It looks awful.”
“Hey.” He slides down onto his knees in front of me, giving me no choice but to look at him. “You are the most beautiful woman in the world. Nothing, and I meannothing, is going to change that.” He reaches up and slides the hat off, his eyes giving my new hairstyle a quick once over.
“Stop staring. I know how bad it looks,” I say after several long moments have passed.
“Actually, I was thinking how incredibly cute you look.” He grins and I’m not sure if I want to punch him or hug the hell out of him.
“Don’t patronize me.”
“I’m not. Finley, you couldn’t look bad if you tried. Do you hear me? This is just part of the process. We knew it was going to happen. You’re lucky you kept your hair as long as you did. My mom started losing hers after two treatments. And look at it this way, it’s only hair.”
“Says the person who has a headful of it.” I pout childishly.
“You want me to shave mine?” He rocks back, challenge in his eyes.
“You wouldn’t.” I shake my head.
“Oh, but I would.” He smiles, moving to stand.
