After cake, I open my gift as we all relax in the yard and watch the bats start to swoop overhead. Oliver and Adam do cartwheels in the grass. Mom fills her and Paula’s glasses again, and Dad is asking Cam about the apartment he and Abbi are planning to rent. Maddy scooches over as she sees me reach for the stack of papers inside the box. They’re handwritten requests from every shop on Main Street.
“What is this?” I ask, flipping through a few. Maddy and Paula share a look and explain.
“We know you didn’t want gifts, but everyone in Northport wanted to show you how much they love you.”
“They’re commissions,” Paula jumps in. “We want you to make some art for the town.”
“It’s a job?” I laugh, incredulous.
“Yep!” Maddy hugs me. “Don’t think you were getting out that easy.”
I pass the box to Mom, who bursts into tears and has to be led back inside by Paula and Abbi. Dad takes it from her and shakes his head.
“Window art designs for every shop on Main Street. Do you think you’ll be up for it?” Maddy asks.
I nod. “I’ll make the time. But I’ll need help.”
Luke comes and sits on the arm of my chair, reading through the papers from each shop owner, his eyes glassy.
“This is a great idea,” he tells Maddy. “I’ll help.”
“Us too,” Oliver says, butting his head between us. I tousle his hair, and he darts away. Luke slides an arm around me and squeezes. It’s a perfect present. Something that means I’ll leave part of myself in Northport whether I’m in Paris next summer or…not.
*
I head upstairs after saying good night to everyone and take a few minutes at my desk, coming up with ideas for the commissions. Outside my window I see Luke’s light turn on, and I go over to my window and crack it open. He opens his too, turns his music on, and cranks it up just enough so I can hear it. He disappears and comes back without his shirt on, getting ready for bed. Through my tiredness I wish I could sneak over and spend the night in his bed, but he has to leave early tomorrow.
My phone pings three times suddenly, and I dig it out of mypocket. It’s a health chart alert, a text, and an email from Dr.Lee. Each one has the same message.
Happy birthday, Sera. We received the news today that you’ve been moved up and are now second in line for your match type. Please call me in the morning to discuss.
I look back up for Luke, but his light is off.
“Second,” I whisper down to EBE with disbelief. I’m so grateful for her, and I’ve asked her for so much over the years, but I finally ask the thing I’ve been avoiding. “Think you can hold out for me?” She beats strong and steady in reply, and I let myself picture it: The transplant and all those future moments with Luke becoming a reality. Paris and school and love and family and a life in Northport. I shut off my light and settle into the window bench, watching the stars as they grow brighter, shining a miracle down on me.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Sera
I wake to a pounding headache and a stuffy nose. My luck. Just as things seem to be looking up, I get hit with a summer cold. I’m glad that Luke is off to his orientation for the weekend and Maddy’s got work so I can focus on resting. Luke texts me from the sad, gray-looking dorm he’s been put up in and asks if I want to help him with plans for the Northport Labor Day picnic when he’s back on Monday.
Sera
of course, maybe we can sneak away and spend the night at the beach at the end of the universe?…I miss you
Luke
I miss you too—my roommate for the weekend is trying to get me to help him pick up girls at a party tonight…
Sera
you should go! Maybe dance on a table and come back with a good story!
Luke
No way
Sera
