When she was fully recovered, she made good on her promise and enrolled him in the best private school, got him the best tutors and ensured he surpassed all his classmates. Now she was taking him to his freshman year of college.
I promised myself I wouldn’t cry.Darla wiped away a tear before it could fall. She needed to find the right words to say. She’d had months to tell him, to just say the words. But it had been all college talk.
Jenkins, I have cancer.
At her last appointment, her doctor had told her, “Even if you need to shout the words, just get them out. But he needs to know.”
She’d spent time trying to figure out a plan to switch. She procrastinated and now she was running out of time.
“You okay mom?” Jenkins regarded her, his bright blue eyes shone with care. She smiled at him before patting his cheek.
“Just remembering what you were like when you were fourteen. So scrawny and kind.” He smiled, the skin around his eyes crinkled.
“Ah yes, the dark days as I like to call them. The time before you.” He sighed. “I wish Kinley was here. She would’ve loved going off to college.”
Jenkins, I have cancer.The thought kept invading her mind. Now images of Kinley dominated the space, and she allowed a few tears to escape.
“She really was special. Strong, and wise beyond her years.” Darla’s voice was soft, full of sadness.
“I wonder what she would have majored in.” Jenkins attempted to smile, keeping his voice light and optimistic.
“Acting probably. That was my original plan for her. To teach her everything I knew. Get her connected to the right people. Fast track her career.”
Jenkins, I have cancer. But I have a plan to switch with someone. Oh, by the way I can switch with people and have been around for 156 years.Her stomach knotted up, a lump forming in her throat, that prevented her from getting the words out.
Jenkins let a dry laugh escape. “Yeah, she did always have the flair for the dramatics.” A stillness settled in the car. The hum of the wheels driving them forward filled the silence. “Are you going to be ok with me gone?”
Darla looked over at him, her heart swelled, and it took every ounce of her strength to not throw her arms around him and beg him to stay home.
He needs to be able to live his life. Away from me. I won’t be Darla much longer anyways.She looked down at her hands, the translucent skin tender to her touch as she twirled her fingers together. A new habit she acquired since her diagnosis.
Jenkins continued when she stayed silent. “I can take a year off and stay home with you.”
Darla shook her head. “No. I have done so many selfish things in my life, and I swore to myself that I would do whatever it takes to give you the life you deserve.”
Jenkins, I have cancer. I plan to switch with someone and if you can be ok with it then we can stay in each other’s lives.
“I will come home for the holidays and as many weekends as I can manage.” Jenkins ran his fingers through his hair and looked back out the window.
“Are you sure you aren’t planning that many trips home to see Pamela?” Darla tilted her head trying to see his reaction. Jenkins snorted, a small smile playing on his lips.
“No, she is just my friend. I know she wants it to be just friends, too. I can have a female best friend.”
“That’s smart. She is nice enough, but she seems to have a wild side to her, always out partying. Her pictures are always in those gossip magazines. She’s not the kind of girl you settle down with.” Darla leaned back into her seat, the leather sticking against her warm skin. Even with the A/C in the car, the California heat penetrated the interior of the cab.
“Okay, Mom. Well, she’s going down one path, and I’ve chosen another.”
“Ah, yes. She wants to see her name in lights, and you want to help people as a lawyer. What is it called again?”
“A public defender.” Jenkins shook his head at his mom. “Look, I can see the campus!”
White buildings began peeking through the trees, their signature red roofs stood boldly against the bright blue sky.
I’m running out of time. Jenkins, I have cancer. But if you can be okay with it, I plan to switch with someone, and we can still be in each other’s lives.
“You don’t have to walk me in. I know it’s hard for you to get around easily, and I want to do this on my own.” Jenkins unbuckled his seatbelt and turned his entire upper body toward Darla. His blue eyes bore into hers, saying a silent goodbye. He leaned over and wrapped his arms around her frail body. “I love you, Mom. I’ll call you later, okay?”
“You mean you don’t want to push me around and introduce me to all your potential new friends?” She playfully nudged his arm. “No, that sounds good. I know that Betty made sure that your room was all set up for you so you should be comfortable. If you need anything else, just call.” Darla let go of him and wiped her face free of the tears. “Now go on. Get out of here before I change my mind and escort you around campus.”
