Total pages in book: 215
Estimated words: 199344 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 997(@200wpm)___ 797(@250wpm)___ 664(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 199344 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 997(@200wpm)___ 797(@250wpm)___ 664(@300wpm)
I lift my head off his chest and meet his soft gaze. “I don’t want to put a strain on your schoolwork and training like that, especially if it’s going to get you in trouble.”
“I know, but that’s exactly what this meeting is about. I need to see where they draw the line, so I know not to cross it.”
A smirk pulls at the corner of my lips. “Just get right up close and personal with it, then?”
His grin is dazzling, making butterflies swarm through the pit of my stomach. “Exactly.”
I roll my eyes and let out a heavy breath when I see Mom appear in my doorway, her gaze coming straight to mine. “Are you ready, honey? We need to leave in fifteen minutes.”
Nerves pulse through my veins as I nod and glance toward the bags that are packed and waiting by the end of my bed. It’s going to be a five-week stay in the treatment center—five weeks of complete hell—but I’ll have a private room and get to make it my own during that time.
Mom contacted the school on Friday to let them know what was going on, so during the times when I feel alright, I’ll have plenty of schoolwork to do. Only in the big scheme of things, working out math equations barely seems like a priority.
I’ve always prided myself on being a straight-A student. My work is generally done on time, and I put a lot of effort into studying, only with the time I’ll be here in the treatment center, plus my next round of chemo in a few months, I don’t see how graduating is going to be an option. I’ll fall too far behind . . . That’s assuming I make it out the other end of this, of course.
Mom gives me an encouraging smile, but I see the pain behind her eyes. She walks away, and Noah takes my waist, helping me down off the window frame. I grab a pair of sweatpants and a tank before making my way to the bathroom, passing Hazel’s bedroom and peering in to find her sitting up in bed, hugging a teddy bear to her chest—the one that used to be mine.
Fresh tears well in my eyes, but I force them back. I need to be strong for her. She already thinks I’m dying.
I continue to the bathroom and get dressed, my gaze lingering on the port beneath my skin. I was right. It’s uncomfortable as fuck, but it’s going to help save my life, so I’m going to learn to love it.
After brushing my hair and teeth, I shove my hairbrush and toothbrush into my small toiletry bag and head back down the hall, stopping in Hazel’s room and sitting with her for a minute. Neither of us says a word, both just sitting with our thoughts and pain as she curls into my side. And then all too soon, it’s time to leave.
It’s a forty-minute drive to the treatment center, and my hands shake the whole way. By the time Dad’s bringing the car to a stop in the parking lot, I’m a mess.
Noah carries my bags in one hand and holds me in his other as the five of us make our way into the clinical foyer. I swallow hard, twisting my hands in the hem of my shirt.
An intake nurse leads me straight to my private room and quickly admits me, and before I know it, it’s time for Dad, Hazel, and Noah to leave. The panic really starts to set in, and Dad steps forward, pulling me into his strong arms. He presses a kiss to my temple and tells me how much he loves me before Hazel steps in and crushes herself against me, wiping her tears on my tank.
Dad pulls her away and then there’s Noah.
His gaze lingers on mine, neither of us wanting to make a move because, once we do, it brings us one step closer to saying goodbye.
I watch as he swallows hard, undeniable pain in his eyes.
Leaving me today goes against everything he is, and damn it, I’m selfish enough to beg on my knees for him to stay, but I know he can’t, at least not today. After my first few sessions, I’m sure there will be a point where Mom will happily allow him to take her place. Until then, I’ll see him in the afternoons, once visiting hours have opened up, and I’m sure he’ll be the first one through the door.
He finally steps into me, wrapping me into the warmth of his loving arms, his lips immediately coming to mine. His kiss is soft and full of passion as he cradles my face with one hand, his other wrapped right around me and holding me against his body.
When he reluctantly pulls back, he drops his forehead against mine, each of us breathing one another in as though we may never get this moment again. “I love you so fucking much,” he tells me, his voice breaking. “You know you can call me at any time, and I’ll answer, even if you don’t have anything to say.”