AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I stretch my hands over my head. “I need a break.”
“I understand. It’s pretty exhausting watching TV and losing to me in cards all day.” Brie gives me a smug look, and I want to kiss it right off her face.
“Did you not see me obliterate you?”
She leans over the table. “I felt sorry for you.”
“Ha!” I can’t believe her. After all her whining about losing too. “Now I’m really taking a break. You need a minute to suffer in the wake of my triumph.” I stand up and give her my hand.
“You’re so mean.” She takes my hand despite the glare on her face.
After she stands, I put my arms around her and tuck her under my chin. She’s earned a hug after the long hours she’s endured by my side. Behind her the room is covered in presents from neighbors and friends. Cards line the window, colorful balloons tower in the corner, and bouquets of flowers dot every open surface. The biggest floral arrangement of all is from Morgan. She finally answered her phone, and our conversation was meaningful. She’s flying out next week to help. I’m still in awe. Another hardship has turned into a new beginning.
I breathe in Brie’s fruity shampoo while I appreciate the incredible support Mom has. The Bearwood I remember from my childhood was nice, but they were also gossipy and judgmental. Despite their imperfections, I missed seeing how much love they gave each other. The way they’ve reached out to my mom this week has me seeing the word community in a new light. I have friends in LA, but it’s a dynamic lifestyle where change and growth are the mindset. Bearwood gives me a settled feel. I can’t even complain about it not being near a better hospital. Mom has been well taken care of.
“Do you think we should take down the bear ornament I gave you?” Brie asks from her snuggled position by my shoulder. Brie told me she originally bought it so I would think about Bearwood more. But now it’s to remember our bear hunt and to remind me to go on many more in the future.
“I like it there.” It’s in a prominent place of honor, hanging on one of Mom’s monitors.
“The nurses keep looking at it funny.”
“They’re just jealous.”
She sighs. “I can see that.”
I chuckle. Only Brie could make a hospital stay bearable. Then again, she’s serious about me having fun. I have a feeling she isn’t going to have to talk me into having more adventures in the future. My priorities have shifted considerably this last week. In fact, I have big plans and they won’t wait.
“Let’s get out of here for a bit.”
Brie tips her head back. “You sure?”
I left the hospital long enough to use the shower at Brie’s hotel room this morning and gave myself a shave, but otherwise I’ve remained by Mom’s side. “You need to stretch your legs and get some air.”
Brie looks suspicious. “I need to, or you do?”
“We both do. I’ll tell the nurse to call me if I’m needed. We don’t need to be gone long.”
Bundled in our coats, we make our way to the parking garage. I drive Brie’s car for her since she hates traffic, and I’m used to it. I pull up in front of a Chinese restaurant my phone claims has the best ratings.
“How did you know?” Brie sighs happily next to me.
“Because I know you. Besides, my list of fun is well above five by now, and we need to add to yours.”
We get a booth in a private corner, and I slide on the bench beside her. I order way more food than we’ll eat because I want Brie to get all her favorites. However, I insist we take our fortune cookies on the road. I know Brie loves those things, so I make her read hers out loud to me while I pull up to a neighborhood park only a minute away from the restaurant.
She cracks her cookie and pulls out the slip of paper. “Let’s see. It says, one bad chapter doesn’t mean your story is over.” She gives me an amused look. “Kind of prophetic.”
I raise one brow. “Are you calling me a bad chapter?”
She nods. “Very, very bad. You volunteer with children and don’t tell anyone about it, you’re carving out time from your busy life to help out a friend and his business, and you care about your mother’s comfort and health more than you do for yourself. Yep, sounds like a bad case of selflessness.”
“Good thing I have a teacher as my girlfriend. You can use your red pen and help me rewrite the parts of me you don’t like.
She grins. “I’m content that you took the ex off my title. It was the only thing my red pen was truly bothered by.”
“That’s one critique I will happily take. Want to take a walk?”
She tugs the zipper of her coat up to her chin. “I’m game.”
