UNBREAKABLE (ABLE SERIES) (30 page)

I open my eyes to see our friends, my parents, her mom, Ms. Betsy, and Emily watching us and more tears rain down on my face, each and every one of them give me the strength to push forward, especially Emily. She’s so young, yet so brave. She’ll definitely be our flower girl in our wedding. We’re both celebrating our new birthday today, hence the cake.

“When? When can I take you home?” She finally finds her voice and asks me that one question she’s been wanting to know ever since this whole ordeal started.

“In a couple of days. Hopefully, by Thursday.” I pull back a little to look at her.

She mumbles. “Forever and a day.”

“What?”

I look in her eyes, her eyes are reflecting mine, as always.

“I said, ‘Forever and a day’ with you,” She answers softly, caressing my face.

“Hmmm, I’ll raise you, your forever and a day, plus one more.” I smirk at her.

“Forever and a day times ten.” She’s smiling so wide, I’m afraid her cheeks are going to break.

I raise my eyebrow and tilt my head to the side. Nope, this girl won’t be pulling a fast one on me, at least for today.

“Forever times eternity.”

“Hey, that’s not fair! Forever and eternity are the same.” She giggles again, her eyes twinkling with happiness.

“Yes, they are, and that means I win, because if you combine both, it’s endless. My love for you is endless, time nor space cannot change it, days won’t be measured by it, a lifetime is short compared to it. I can’t measure it, even if I wanted to. It’s immeasurable and unchangeable, it goes on forever; it will remain whole…
unbreakable
.”

“Hey, Ms. Hobbit, mind stepping down from your perch. Jake do you mind releasing
‘your precious’
, so we can eat the cake? We have a child waiting here,” Roxy impatiently says while tapping her foot and pointing to Emily.

As Brian lights the candles to celebrate a very successful transplant, signifying a new birthday for Emily and for me, Roxy plays
Neon Tree’s Animal
. Our all-time favorite song when we take road trips, to symbolize an end to our journey….a very good end to our gut wrenching journey. We all dance like crazy idiots, shaking our buns, jumping up and down, complete with head bopping, hands up in the air, letting loose the way we always do. A celebration of life for me, but really, it’s a celebration of everyone’s love for each other. Most specifically Trish, who loves me unconditionally and endlessly. A celebration of our future together; a future that a couple of months ago seemed so far-fetched, but now it’s a reality…it is Our.Reality... not just a dream.

Chapter 34

Trish

One month has passed since Jake was released from the hospital, and life couldn’t be any sweeter. I love having him at home. The only drawback is I can’t leave to go to my doctor’s appointments without it looking suspicious. He was already asking me questions while was in the hospital.

“You’re going somewhere, again? Please, don’t tell me it has something to do with the wedding because I’m getting sick and tired of this, Trish.” His brows are all scrunched up. His eyes searching mine for the answer I’m not willing to give.

I don’t know what excuse to give him. I can’t use our wedding as an excuse over and over again. What will I tell him? He’s eyeing me, suspiciously. I think I’m going to be toast until Roxy opens her mouth.

“I have to return this bra and panty set I bought to wear for Cody. I’m sure you’d approve of her going, so she can buy one. You know, to surprise you,” She says.

Being the typical guy, he gives me the biggest smile ever, then bites his lower lip. I’m sure Naughty thoughts are running rampant in that kinky brain of his. Whatever works, as long as I can get him off my ass.

Today, I’ll find out if everything I’ve been hoping for is finally going to be a reality. Tami and Roxy will be with me for support because if it doesn’t go my way, I don’t know what I’ll do. I caress my stomach, remembering how I checked out my body while dressing earlier. I remember it not looking any different. Now, I’m suddenly hit by fear, but I shut down that feeling just as I did when Jake was in the hospital. So, my fear can waltz back out of my heart. I’d never want to slow dance with fear, at all, ever.

“Rox, get her out, now! We’ll be late!” Tami yells from outside the front door.

“We gotta go. Ms. Nazi’s getting upset. I’ll see you, babe.” I kiss him goodbye, but not without him scrutinizing me. I think he’s doing his mental interrogation by looking at my facial expressions. “Whatcha looking at?”

“You’re up to something. I know it. I can tell. I’ll find out soon enough what you’re planning.” He grins and smacks my ass.

I roll my eyes and get out of there as fast as I can. Smirking all the way, satisfied that one, I got away with it, and two, there’s no way he can find out. We didn’t tell Cody jack shit! Only Brian, Jake’s parents, and my mom know.

“So, are you excited, Trish? I don’t know whether to poop or throw up. That’s how worked up I am. Shit!” Rox saying poop and throw up makes me scowl at her.

“TMI! Now, I’m imagining you taking a shit!” Tami replies shaking her head.

“Girls, please. Just get me there, alright? Let’s get this over with,” I nervously say.

I asked myself once before when I started this journey, if it was the right decision. My answer has always been a solid YES. When Jake has done everything to make this all possible, the thought of not being able to give Jake and myself what we both want would be a huge mistake. For a long time, the uncertainty of death has been looming over our heads, and now that it’s over, I’m hoping life is growing inside me.

Yes, I’m taking a huge risk, but I’ve learned throughout Jake’s battle with cancer that life’s too short to think of the what-ifs. I’ve learned to trust my God and myself. The only regret I have is Jake not being involved at all. I wanted him to be with me especially, during the painful parts.

Thirty minutes later, we’re all staring at the brown building, afraid to walk in, but too excited not too.

“Alright let’s do this, Trish. No sense in sitting here all day,” Tami says.

I sigh. “What if I….”

Roxy whistles, interrupting me, “Back up girlfriend; we don’t deal with what ifs, remember? That ship has sailed, Trish. Don’t be scared; we’re here. No matter what happens, everything’s going to be okay.”

Thirty minutes of waiting, and my mind has gone to all possible scenarios, but none of them are the outcome I want. My mind drifts though, to the time when I had the transfer.

“Trish, are you okay? You’re making me nervous, you’re so quiet,” Tami says as she rubs my arm.

“I’m fine. I’m happy but I don’t want to be. Does that make sense?”

“What do you mean? You’re supposed to be happy, Trish. You’re gonna have a life inside you. This is what we’ve been waiting for.” Tami’s eyes glazing over starts a chain reaction because mine are, too.

“I’m happy, but I can’t be until we’re sure it’ll hold. I’m afraid while life is being transferred to me, it’ll be taken away just as quickly.” A single tear falls on my cheek and I quickly kick ‘stupid fear’ out of my brain.

“One step at a time, okay? It’ll all work out fine, Trish,” Tami says, turning around to look at Roxy. I’m sure she’s giving her a silent order to crack a joke to put a smile on my face.

Roxy dramatically sighs. “Trish, just lay there and imagine Jake and you doing the nasty while the doc transfers my nephewsicles or niecesicles. Remember, we don’t pay attention to worry. Geez, God knows Jake worries enough for the both of you. Besides, after the transfer, you have to stay laying down, all comfy and shit, for a couple of hours while we sit here and wait. So, the least you can do is think positive thoughts.”

Finally, my name is called, and we all stand together. Since Tami and Roxy are here for support, both hold my hands as if I’m not capable of walking. Do I really look that weak? Probably!

As we walk in the stark white room, all I can think of is Jake. What’s he doing? What will he say when he finds out? Will he get mad? Would he even want to marry me? I shake my head, trying to shake away the dark thoughts invading my brain.

“Well, hello, Trish. How are you?” My doctor greets me with a smile.

I take a deep breath. “I’m fine. So, just hit me with it. You know, just like taking a band aid off.” I nervously clasp my hands together, my knees start shaking, and my eyes start to water.

What the hell? She hasn’t said a single word, and I’m close to passing out. I feel the walls closing in on me. I guess, this is how you feel when you want something so badly, you don’t want to fail.

She looks at me, pensively, scratching her forehead in the process. She starts writing something on her pad, rips it off, and hands it to me. Tami reaches for it since I just stare at it.

“Well, Trish, if you have any questions, call me.” She offers me another smile, and I smile back.

My eyes dart back to Tami and Roxy, who are both looking at the paper with tears flowing down their pretty faces. Tami puts the paper in front of me and hugs me tight. Roxy follows soon after. The three of us stay there, crying our hearts out. I clutch my stomach and cry even more. After what seems like forever, Tami pulls me up.

“Look at me, Trish. You need to keep it together for him, ok? Please, I know everything is happening so fast, but trust me, it’ll all work out. Promise,” She says.

Roxy nudges me. “You know your man is waiting at home, so why don’t we jam, right now. We’ll be careful, don’t worry. You don’t have to tell him. What he doesn’t know, won’t hurt him, Trish. Sometimes it’s okay to lie in certain situations, and this situation is one of them.”

I stand up and make my decision. I’ve done everything I can do. The gift I want to give him, can wait. I can wait until we get married…

Chapter 35

Trish

Two months to the day he was released from City of Hope, I find myself here in Hawaii for our wedding. I’ve asked God to heal him so many times during his stay in the hospital; I can’t ask for anything more. However, more good things continue to come my way, and I’m not complaining at all. I finally can say I’m truly, one hundred percent, content with my life; anything after this will be icing on the cake.

I think I’m the most relaxed bride ever; no one can accuse me of being a bridezilla. I give Tami full reign on what she wants to do. All I request is for me to pick my dress and flowers, that’s it. Although, if someone were to ask me what I want to make my wedding day perfect, I would say I want it to rain! I love the rain. When it pours down from the sky, it’s like mercies coming from Heaven. A rebirth of some sort, and that’s what happened to Jake. He got to experience a rebirth, a second chance in life.

Roxy comes up with this plan of Jake and me not to see or be together two days before the wedding. She thinks it’ll build up excitement, but little does she know, it’ll drive us both to the brink of insanity.

“Trish, let’s go to the Dole Plantation, and then, after go straight to Hanauma Bay. What do you think?” Roxy asks.

“Hmmm, I don’t know. It’s too early.” No trace of excitement in my voice.

“What’s wrong? Tomorrow, you’re getting hitched, so what’s the sadness about?” Tami asks the question she knows the answer to.

“I haven’t seen Jake since yesterday! You guys cheated! Roxy, you said only two days, but counting my wedding day, it will be three days!” I whine.

With a shit eating grin on her face, and a naughty twinkle in her eyes, Roxy pulls me out of the bed and pushes me to the bathroom to get ready. They’ll never understand the need I have to be constantly around Jake. It’s not the fear of losing him, but it’s the time I think we’re wasting when we’re not together.

An hour later, we’re ready to roll. I scan the hallways, the front desk, everywhere to see a sign of Jake, to have a glimpse of him, but no such luck for me. With Roxy’s questionable driving skills, and my non-existent sense of direction, we’re lucky we get to the Dole Plantation in one piece.

“Who are you looking for?” Tami asks, knowingly as we step out of the car.

Roxy smirks at me. “Who else would she be looking for, but Jake. Come on, let’s enjoy our time here. Give me that smile, pretty girl.”

The side of my mouth turns upward, only because she’s looking at me with the goofiest smile possible. As we walk toward the entrance, I start to feel the same tingling sensation I feel whenever Jake is near me. I stop and turn around, but I don’t see him. I shake my head, telling myself that my mind is messing with me.

“Hey, we’re doing the maze, okay?”

“Whatever you say Roxy, I’m game,” I say, feigning excitement.

“How about we up the ante? Let’s make a bet. What do you think, Trish?” Tami asks with both her eyebrows raised.

“Do you really need to ask me that, Tami? Bring it on, future-sister-in-law. Bring it on,” I confidently say cracking my knuckles.

“Alright, you, my dear, need to find a tall, sweet, hard and oh so enticing, something…something.” Roxy smiles her signature coy smile.

I scrunch my eyebrows. “Is it a food, thing, or what?”

“It can be whatever you want it to be. You’re creative. You’ll figure it out,” Tami answers.

“Okay, how much time do I have? Can I go out of the maze to look for this precious tall, sweet, hard, and oh, so enticing whatever?”

“Here are the rules. You can’t leave the maze, you only have twenty minutes to find this, oh, so hard specimen. Now, listen well, if you win, you can spend the evening with Jake, but if you lose, then you miss the chance to see your ‘love’.” Roxy grins at me.

“Wait, do they have a mini maze because the Pineapple Maze is huge, Roxy. There’s no way I can finish it in twenty minutes.” The excitement leaves my body, knowing it’s not doable.

“Silly, we’ll start at the fourth station, that’s half way since there’s only eight stations. We know you and directions don’t mix, you’ll have a map, too. So, are you game?” Roxy asks like its nothing while I’m sweating bullets.