It’s so much fun that I forget to call Callahan back, and soon find myself looking into the face of a different man as I fall asleep. One who hasn’t earned his place in my bed.
As my eyes start to close, I can’t help but wonder why I let Charlie buy the time that Callahan deserves, and how much longer I’m going to let that happen.
Chapter 15
Tobothourheartbreaks,Farrah’s filming schedule moves up, resulting in her having to leave before my chemo starts. She had the crazy idea of backing out, but I won’t let her. So now I have no choice but to go with someone else. My dad is already on the road when we realize all of this and won’t be back for a week. And the person I want to invite seems inappropriate. Out of respect for our long-time friendship, I decide to bring Charlie.
“I truly believe hospitals should be painted brighter colors. This is depressing,” I say as we walk through the halls.
After very unhelpful instructions, we have finally found ourselves heading in the right direction.
“I think the kids’ ward is prettier.”
“So adults don’t get to have nice things because we are not as important?” Itskwagging my finger.
“Maybe the chemo room will be better.”
We walk into the waiting area and are surprised that, so far, it is. I guess just the sections that aren’t important to people are dull.
“Hi, what’s your name?” The nurse behind the desk asks.
“MontyPierce.”
She offers this smile that is equal parts friendly and sad, acknowledging that there is no good reason for someone to be here.
“Let me bring you back.” She leads us through some doors to a room filled with nail spa-looking chairs. Next to all of them is some equipment and stands for liquid bags.
“This is Nurse Rasheda. She will take care of you from here.”
Seeing a woman who could be one of my aunts puts me a little bit at ease. Her whole aura feels warm as she explains what’s going to happen next.
“Okay, so cell-killing chemicals are about to be sent through my body using an IV?” I say.
“Pretty much,” she says, not sugar coating it.
Charlie pulls up a chair next to me while she inserts the needle.
“Your session is supposed to last four hours. But don’t worry, then after that you don’t have to come back here for four weeks.”
“Four hours?” Charlie asks like he can’t believe that this treatment would be this inconvenient.
“If you can’t stay, that’s fine,” I say.
“No, I can, that just sucks for you, is all.”
Once everything is set up, she leaves us alone. If it were me and Farrah, we would probably start playing Canasta like we have the last few weeks during every dull moment. Charlie can never remember the rules, and playing with him would essentially be cheating.
“Entertain me,” I say, resting my head back.
“I can dance if you like. Go all male stripper in this place.”
“I think that would cheer everyone up.”
He stands up and starts to unzip his sweater, swaying to the sound of the TV station. I don’t try to stop him, as he makes it clear that he has no problem removing more layers.
“Young man,” Nurse Rasheda calls out, stopping him in his tracks. She levels him with a look that says it all, and that’s enough to have him sitting again.
“That was impressive,” I say, clapping my hands.
