AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Ihear his soft breath through the phone. “I’mhere anytime, baby,” he whispers.
Isqueeze my eyes shut and try to rub away the wetness blurring my vision.Ilet out the breathI’vebeen holding sinceIsaw that first text.
“Everything’sgoing to be fine.I’vebeen praying about it.RachelandOliviaare going to be great.You’llsee.Andhey…you get to meet your sister today.”
Ihunch over the steering wheel.
“Ilove you so damn much.”IfIcould pull him through the phone so he could hold my hand,I’ddo it in a heartbeat.I’mso grateful he’s being open with me right now, giving me theEvanIdesperately need.
“Ilove you too,” he whispers.
“WishIcould keep you on speakerphone untilIget there.”
“Metoo but you know how that would go over,” he chuckles. “Willyou keep me up to date?Callme if anything happens?”
“Youknow it,”Ipromise.
“I’lldrive toJacksonas soon asIleave school.”
“Wedon’t want you getting into it with your parents.”
“Thisisn’t about what they want,” he insists.
“Don’t,Evan.YourAuntis in town, and they will not understand if you ditch the family to come toJackson.”
“Ihate this,” he grumbles.
“Iknow…but when we get home it will be easier.”
“Iwant to be there for her.”
“Sheunderstands.”Shetruly does.Shehad a long talk with him about what was coming.Ithink she was trying to prepare him, but then, how can she?
“TellherIlove her,” he says.
“Youcan text her, you know.Callher if you want before things get crazy.”
“Now?”
“Absolutely.”
“Doyou mind…”
“Justhang up the phone,”Itell him. “I’llbe in touch.”
Whenthe call ends,Ifeel disconnected from him.It’slikeI’min a waking dream.Isuppose ifI’mgoing to be emotional, now is as good of a time as any.
* * *
WhenIlocated her room,Ihadn’t expected so much activity and so many people.Ithought we could be alone for a few minutes.She’ssitting up in a bed, monitors are beeping, and a nurse is checking her blood pressure.Marysees me first and crosses the room to give me a hug.
“Youokay?” she asks in my ear.
“Idon’t know,”Ianswer truthfully.
Shepulls away and squeezes my hands too tight in that way only older women know how to do…so hard it hurts like a bitch. “I’mgoing to get her some ice chips.She’llbe so relieved you’re here.”
Thenurse breezes past, andMaryshuts the door behind her.Rachel’seyes meet mine, but my feet are frozen to the spot on the floor.Imanage to set the suitcase down.
