Nova
Last night, Easton told me about Rachel’s request, so we’re all getting ready to go to the beach.
I braid the last of Lainey’s hair and tie it at the end before saying, “Let’s go downstairs.”
When we leave Lainey’s room I glance into Rachel’s bedroom. Yesterday, when I went to grab her pajamas, I found most of her clothes packed in boxes. There was also a stack of letters, memory cards, and important documents on her dressing table. She even thought to make a list of all the phone numbers we might need after she’s gone.
I think every night when she went to bed early, it was so she could prepare everything for her death to make things easier for us.
We walk down the hallway, and taking the stairs down to the first floor, we see people carrying a hospital bed into the living room. The couches have been moved to the side to make space for everything Rachel will need.
Easton notices us and says, “Hospice just arrived. Give them a few minutes, then we’ll get going.”
“No rush,” I reply. “Where’s Rachel?”
“Out on the veranda with Frances.”
I walk to the sliding doors and exit the house. “Easton says we’ll leave soon.”
Rachel struggles to lift her head but manages to look at me. When she sees Lainey behind me, a weak smile forms on her face. “B-beautiful.”
My goddaughter puts on a brave face as she walks to her mom. “Nova braided my hair so it won’t get in the way when I build you the biggest sandcastle you’ve ever seen.”
A soft chuckle escapes Rachel. “V-very big.”
Lainey nods and places her palm against Rachel’s cheek. Her tone is too serious for a ten-year-old as she says, “I love you the most in the world, Mommy.”
Rachel basks in her daughter’s touch. “L-love ... you.”
Easton comes out accompanied by a woman who seems to be in her forties and says, “This is Harlow. She’s a nurse and will be with us during the days to help.”
I give the nurse a welcoming smile. “Hi, Harlow. I’m Nova, and this is Lainey.”
Harlow has a kind face, and her smile is warm as she says, “It’s nice to meet everyone.” She stops in front of Rachel. “Hi, Rachel, I’m here to help make things easier for you.”
My best friend nods. “Going to ... beach.”
“Yes.” Harlow’s smile widens. “I hear we’re going to have a fun day. I didn’t bring my swimsuit, so I’ll just hang out with you if that’s okay?”
Rachel chuckles softly. “Okay.”
“Frances, will you let the people from hospice out when they’re done setting up?” Easton asks as he comes to pick up Rachel.
Frances doesn’t hesitate to answer. “Yes.”
“Let’s go,” Easton says.
“I’ll grab the wheelchair and anything else she might need,” Harlow mentions as we all head into the house.
I stop to get the camera and tuck it into my handbag before I catch up to Lainey.
Just like yesterday, we take two SUVs. One for the guards and one for us. I sit in the passenger seat again and glance over my shoulder at Rachel, who’s positioned between Harlow and Lainey.
I want to spend every waking moment with my best friend, but it’s no longer about me and what I want. Lainey comes first.
As Easton follows behind the guards’ SUV, I glance at him and notice the lines etched into his face.
Not thinking, I reach across the console and place my hand on his thigh. It’s meant to be a quick, comforting touch, but before I can pull back, he places his hand on top of mine. His fingers curl around mine, and he gives me a grateful look before turning his attention back to the road ahead.
