AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Hell no, we can’t, because we’re superheroes,” Mora says.
A mixture of emotion washes through me — frustration, longing, and an incredibly deep yearning to remember this great love they speak of that I’m unable to grasp. I want to feel what they say I’ve already felt. If nothing else motivates me,thiscertainly does.
“I love you guys. Thank you for pushing me, for trying so hard.” I’m so damn emotional, and I hate it. I know we’re not normally so cheesy, but I love these women.
“We’re your besties. It’s our job to push you,” Ember says with a laugh as she leans in and gives me a side hug. “You’ll have to do the same for us someday. I’m sure we’re heading for concussions too since we live our lives on the edge.”
The sad part is it might just be true. We do live dangerous lives, but I won’t live in fear. I need to live in the fast lane or give up on life altogether. Mora and Ember feel the exact same way.
“Okay, this is getting way too mushy,” Mora says.
“I agree,” I tell her with a wet chuckle. I see a mischievous glint in Ember’s eyes.
“Well, we’ve told you all of the great things from your date, but there’s something we’ve been holding back,” Ember says as she giggles in pure joy.
“What are you talking about?” I ask. Maybe I don’t want to know.
“During your date, there was... shall we say... a moment that got the attention of every single person in the restaurant.”
I’m equally mortified and curious of what’s she’s talking about. “Spill,” I demand.
Mora laughs along with her as she takes over. “You were so engrossed in making googly eyes at Hunter that you didn’t notice the waiter who was walking by with a tray full of dishes. Before any of us knew what was coming, you rose from your chair, your seat crashing straight into him.” She’s laughing hard now.
I look at her with pure mortification. “No! What did I do to the poor man?”
Ember’s laughing hard now. “It was great! It was a scene straight out of one our favorite romantic comedies. I replay it over and over again in my mind... in slow motion. Both you and the waiter stumbled before he went to the ground, and you landed straight in Hunter’s lap. He was ever the hero.”
A laugh escapes my lips before I clamp my hand over my traitorous mouth. This so isn’t funny. “Are you telling me the truth?” I demand. Both Mora and Ember are practically rolling as they continue busting out in laughter.
“Hunter started laughing hard, making you bounce up and down on his lap, which I’m sure led to some tightness problems in his pants,” Mora chokes out. “The man was wearing a grin the size of the Cheshire Cat as he held on to you. You finally caved, and started laughing with him. Soon, the entire crowd in the restaurant joined in... including the waiter on the floor.”
As we laugh together in my hospital room my brain is itching to show me this memory. It doesn’t open up like a unicorn immerging from the fog, but it does give me hope that someday I’ll have this memory, and so many more, back. I almost feel this connection they’re describing between me and my partner. I want it so badly, I’m willing to do anything it takes to get it back.
I might not remember the details of this particular date, but I’m eager to create new memories with Hunter. I’m willing to try to discover this love that Mora and Ember are so beautifully describing.
Our game progresses and our conversation continues on a lighter note as we reminisce about old adventures and hilarious mishaps. The cards are mere accessories to our beautiful friendship, mere distractions from the weight of the outside world. With every card thrown down, our friendship solidifies even more.
Ember talks about the time we were lost hiking in the mountains and swore to never go on another trail again, but then found our way back to another one the very next week. Mora speaks about the time we stumbled onto a hidden lake, thinking it was our treasure alone to behold. The memories continue to wash over us like a warm embrace, making me momentarily forget all of my current woes.
As the game draws to a close, Mora lays her final card with a triumphant smile. “Rummy. I’m the winner and you’re the losers!”
Ember grumbles, and I pout. “Jerk,” I say with a laugh.
“You know it,” Mora proudly exclaims. We giggle some more, the sound chasing any shadows from the room. This friendship matters above all else.
The sun fades, the outside darkening, and I still don’t care. I’m with my besties, and together we’re conquering the world. Ember leans forward as I grow tired. I’m not going to last too much longer so I want to enjoy the final moments.
“You know that once I break this story wide open, I’m going for an even bigger fish. Fighting for justice will always be my true calling in life.”
Mora nods in agreement. “And I may never come back to traditional medicine. I love what I’m doing with Doctors Without Borders. There’s still so much to be done and so many lives to be saved. I want a legacy of love and care where healthcare is very much needed.”
“Maybe, just maybe, when I come out of this, I’ll change directions in life. Maybe I’ll help others who are going through what I’m going through now. Everything happens for a reason and this might be a new shift in my life that’s much needed.”
Mora clings to my hand. “Jazzy, you have so much strength and love for others, I think you could make a real difference in people’s lives. I say go for it. For now you need to heal, then we’ll come together and figure out what comes next.”
“I agree,” Ember says. “Your strength is unmatched. Together, the three of us can rule the world so we’ll figure it out.”
“Okay, we got mushy again and you’re falling asleep so we’re going to leave. We’ll be back though. You can’t make us go away quite yet,” Ember says as she stands.
