AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He’s got a mischievous grin on his face. I know that grin. It’s his,sex with my girlfriend is so good she sent me to the hospital,grin. He’s been insufferable since the incident.
“Okay. Let's get you home before you say something inappropriate at our friend's funeral,” I say, rolling my eyes and tugging him toward the car.
Chapter thirty-three
Emmett
Taylor,Madison,EnderandJesse all came back to the barn with us after the funeral. None of us felt like being alone. We’ve mostly been sitting here, half watching some sitcom that was on when the television was turned on. The reality that today could have just as easily been a different scenario a few weeks ago isn’t lost on any of us. More than once over the past few months, we’ve all thought at one moment or another that everyone would be attending my funeral sooner rather than later.
When I finally woke up in the hospital a few days after Aubrey had to call for an ambulance, we found out that I had a small blood clot. It was a scary situation for everyone but ended up being only a minor setback in my recovery journey when all was said and done. I can even still play football as long I stay on top of taking a few new medications and get regular scans.
Really, the worst of it all was how scared Aubrey was. I was worried for a moment she was going to leave me. That I was too much to handle. Instead, she never left my side. She even slept at the hospital with me for the few nights they made me stay and get monitored. I wanted to tell her so many times over those few days that I love her, but something about saying it for the first time in the hospital felt a little less than romantic. Also, I’m still a little terrified to say it out loud.
“I think we need to plan another epic vacation for this summer,” Ender says.
“Yeah, Aubrey didn’t get to go on the last one!” Madison chimes in.
We all agree and start throwing out ideas and making plans.
Taylor suddenly stiffens and sits up.
“Actually, I won’t be able to join you guys,” she says.
“What? Why not?” Aubrey asks.
Taylor looks at Jesse, who smiles and nods at her.
“I’m going to Europe for the summer. I accepted a summer study abroad position.”
I smile at Taylor when she meets my eyes, her own eyes a little hazy. I know, possibly more than anyone else here, how much she wants–no,needsthis. She’s been feeling lost, and I think this adventure is precisely the thing to help her figure some things out. I’m sure Jesse can’t be too thrilled to be spending all summer away from her, but if anyone was going to hold her back, it most definitely wouldn’t be him.
“But who’s going to tell me what to wear? And who’s going to tell me when I’m being a nerd?” Aubrey whines.
Everyone laughs at Aubrey’s concern. Taylor jumps up from her spot next to Jesse and practically tackles Aubrey on the couch next to me.
“Babe, you’re gonna do fine!” she says as she hugs Aubrey and kisses her loudly on the cheek.
I am so grateful for my friends and the love they’ve shown Aubrey. Just a few months ago, Aubrey flinched at my touch, even when it was completely innocent. Now she embraces Taylor as they cuddle on the couch next to me.
“Alright, alright. Taylor, get off my girl,” I say, giving Taylor a playful shove.
Taylor clamors off the couch and back to her spot on the oversized chair with Jesse.
“Well, sounds like we’re vacationing in Europe then,” I say, winking at Jesse and Taylor.
Taylor doesn’t look as happy as I thought she would at my proposal, so I quickly change the subject.
“But, since it’s not even Christmas yet, we’ve got plenty of time to make summer plans. Let’s talk about New Years instead. I’m thinking we need to show Aubrey how many people we can fit in this barn.”
Aubrey’s eyes widen in mock terror and Madison bursts into laughter.
“Yesss! Rager at the barn!” Jesse chimes in.
Everyone talks over each other making plans for the proposed New Years Eve party and I can’t seem to wipe the smile from my face. Even though today has been a sad day in general and losing someone like Bea in this world is devastating, I find myself feeling grateful.
Grateful that I have an incredible group of friends who have gotten me through to this point of having cancer.
Grateful for the privileged life my parents have given me.
