96. Lolly
ninety-six
Lolly
Six Months Later
I grab my keys off the countertop and pull him in for a kiss. “Are you going to miss me?” I tease.
“I’m definitely going to miss this,” he says as he pinches my ass.
“Love you too,” I say before planting a kiss on his forehead. “Thanks for letting me stay,” I say with a smile.
“You have four drawers and a toothbrush here, you know you’re more than welcome anytime,” he replies.
“I know, but I still have manners,” I quip. God, I hate leaving him.
“What time will you be back?” He asks with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
“Corina will be home around seven tonight, so I should be back shortly after that.”
He looks up at me, green eyes sparkling, “And will you be able to come to birthday night this weekend?” He bites his bottom lip, twisting his t-shirt in his hands.
“Birthday night?” I run my hand across the back of my neck, trying to convince him I have no idea what he’s talking about.
His face falls, “Yeah, um,” he pauses. “You know, where I get my three year coin?”
“Bailey,” I say, grabbing his hands gently and pulling him to me. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” I kiss him gently. “Besides, I told John I’d bring the cake.”
He punches my shoulder, the corners of his mouth from lifting into a grin. “Asshole,” he huffs.
“You love me,” I say against his lips.
“I really do,” he says. He pulls away from me, brows furrowed. “How’s your mom been doing this week?” He asks gently.
“She, um,” I pause, “she’s not doing well. At all.”
He wraps his arms around me, pulling me in. “How bad is it?” He says, face burrowed in my neck.
“She doesn’t want to eat,” I admit. “Or drink. She doesn’t want to do anything, really,” I say, shoulders heavy.
“I’m sorry.”
“Me too,” I reply. “I don’t know what to do,” I whisper. “Where to go from here.”
“Do you want me to call Denise?” He asks, pulling away to look at me again. “She’s still with Arkansas Hospice, and I know you said you weren’t ready to take that step, but maybe she is?”
His eyes are full of sorrow and love, and I know he’s coming from only the gentlest of places, but the words still sting. I swallow thickly, the weight of the decision heavy on my chest.
He holds my gaze, arms still around me, holding me steady through the storm that is my mind and heart.
“Yes.” I manage. It’s what she would want. Death with dignity. Without suffering. I can do this for her.
“Okay,” he says with a quiet nod. “I’ll take care of it.”
He pulls me into his arms once more, this time not letting go.
“You will never know how beautiful your love for her is in my eyes, Lolly. You’ve done the impossible, and I am so fucking proud of you.”
A single hot tear escapes, making its way down my cheek, landing on his shoulder for him to carry.