Chapter 19
Chapter Nineteen
STELLA
Ididn’t hear from Alex last night. Not even a text.
Why does it hurt worse today than it did yesterday?
Maybe it’s because it’s starting to sink in.
The realization that he screwed me and dumped me.
Maybe I was part of a joke. One of those “fuck the fat girl” jokes.
I don’t really think that was it, but how am I supposed to know for sure?
I still haven’t talked to Lily either. I have class with her today.
I’ll try to talk to her then, but today is the big day.
She’ll be a little distracted because Hank’s going to pose naked for the class for the first time.
I’m confident that Lily’s already seen him in all of his glory, but I haven’t.
I’m not looking forward to knowing that much about Hank.
I mean, he’s great looking, but I’ve eaten dinner with the guy.
Now I’ll know about his you-know-what. One good thing about the breakup with Alex is that he’s not going to care if I see anyone else naked.
He probably didn’t care before, but I know now for sure that he won’t care.
It turns out that Hank is indeed built like a tank––with a big gun.
I giggle at myself for that last part. If it’s crude, I apologize.
What if I just say that Hank is very well-endowed?
It was actually a pretty hilarious class.
Usually, Hank can’t take his eyes off Lily.
But today he did everything he could not to look at her.
When he did look her way, she would wink and lick her lips.
Her little teases were making him a little too excited for a nude painting class, if you know what I mean.
Hank did a nice job keeping his junk in order.
He had sweat on his brow the entire time, and I could see how hard, no pun in intended, he was concentrating on his, err, pose.
I’ll remember this day for a long time––and laugh. It feels good to laugh.
The rest of the week continues on in much the same fashion.
I’d like to tell you that I was feeling better, but I can’t.
I’d also like to tell you that Alex came around and picked me up for dinner every evening and texted me every night before bed, but he didn’t.
He didn’t completely ignore me though. I did have a few texts here and there.
He sent one on Wednesday asking how my week was going.
I just replied that “It’s good.” I asked him how his week was going.
He said it was fine and that they were working like crazy at practice to prep for the big game.
On Thursday he sent a text offering up his football jersey one more time.
I told him I was fine with my N.U. gear.
I didn’t get a reply to that one. On Friday he texted to remind me that he left tickets for me at the Will Call window.
I said “Okay” to that. He wanted to know if I was bringing anyone.
I said that I was going to ask Lily to come.
Again, no reply. I'm not sure if it hurts more to be completely ignored or to get these tiny little reminders that this guy is still out there. I think it’s the second one.
I think cold turkey is the way to go with a guy like Alex Emerson.
It’s all or nothing. I want all of him, or I want none of him.
It’s homecoming, and I’m not excited about it at all.
I know I should be. I should be rooting for the home team.
I should be looking forward to seeing Alex’s parents again.
I’m not though. Lily can’t go to the game with me after all.
She’s going to be sitting with Hank’s parents today.
I’m happy for her. I really am. Hank is a good guy.
The game today is at noon. I woke up early again to get ready.
I should try to find someone else to take with me to the game.
It’s a great seat. Alex will probably be angry to see that I’ve wasted it.
Oh well, there’s nothing I can do about it now.
I have about an hour to kill before I leave, and as I’m finishing up with my mascara, I hear frantic knocking at the front door.
It’s a knock that immediately makes me take notice.
I rush to the door and wrench it open to Bradley panting and sweating.
“Bradley? What’s wrong?”
“Stella, oh, thank God you’re home. It’s your mom.”
“My mom?”
“Yeah, your dad rushed your mom to the hospital. My mom called me and asked me to get you and take you home right this minute.”
“B-But what happened?” I’m looking around the room, frantic. What am I even looking for? My purse? My keys?
“Stella, focus! I need to take you home. Right now!”
Just then Brooke sticks her head out of her door. “What the hell, you guys? It’s ten in the fucking morning. On a Saturday!” she yells.
“Shut up! We’ve got an emergency situation here,” snaps Bradley.
“Whatever,” Satan’s mistress mutters. She slips back into her coffin and slams her door.
“She is such a bitch,” spits Bradley.
“Bradley, what’s going on? What happened to my mom?”
“I don’t know. Your dad called my mom from the car and asked her to call me so that I can drive you home safely. He was worried you’d be upset and wreck your car.”
“Let me get my purse.” I run back to my room and return to Bradley in seconds. “Let’s go.”
He takes hold of my forearm and drags me toward the elevator.
“Stairs. The stairs are faster!” I exclaim.
We turn and take the stairs down to the first floor and rush toward the main door.
As we exit the building, I see Alex’s mom getting into their Suburban.
She sees me and motions her arm toward the car.
I think she’s asking me if I need a ride.
I just wave and smile weakly, shaking my head.
Bradley is still clutching my arm, pulling me toward his waiting car.
He opens the door for me. I look back at Jill as I slide into his passenger seat and see her smile fade a little bit.
Bradley rushes around and gets into the car.
He starts it up and squeals out of his spot.
From the corner of my eye, I can tell Bradley’s worried.
It’s right then I see my old family friend again.
The one I grew up with. The one that cares about my family like it’s his family too.
We ride in silence the hour that it takes us to reach the emergency ward.
Bradley pulls up to the emergency entrance, telling me to go on ahead while he parks the car.
Racing inside, I search right and left for anyone who looks familiar.
I spot my dad sitting in the waiting area next to Vicky.
His leg is bouncing up and down rapidly.
“Dad! What happened? How’s Mom? Have they told you anything?” My questions are rushing from my mouth so fast, he doesn't have a chance to answer any of them.
Reaching out, I take hold of his hand and sit next to him.
“I don’t know, sweetie. When we got here, they took her back right away. They had her breathing with oxygen.”
“I don’t understand. What happened?”
“I’m not sure. She woke up clutching her chest, and her breath was short.
I panicked. Instead of calling 911, I picked her up, carried her to the car, and came right here.
I called Vicky so she could let you know.
I’m sorry I didn’t call you myself; I just didn’t want you to hear the worry in my voice. ”
“It’s okay, Dad. I’m here now. It all worked out.”
“And you’re missing Alex’s homecoming game today. I’m so sorry.”
“Dad.” I take his hand. “This is where I need to be. It’s more important.” And it is. It’s way more important than a silly game.