Page 58 of Unraveled

“It’s okay. Not as if I don’t have all day to sleep tomorrow. What time is it?”

“After eight. How did the removal of the drains go today?” I knew she’d been anxious to have them out.

“Good. I’m so relieved to be rid of those things.”

She’d been getting better every day, but I knew the nights were the worst for her.

“But it’s like my bones are tired.”

“Can I bring you something to eat?” I hadn’t seen her since Tuesday night and found myself missing her. Once again, I was walking a tightrope between wanting to be with her and knowing I had to give her space.

“No, thanks. I had rice and broth for dinner.”

“That’s good.” I stifled my yawn, but evidently not well enough.

“You’re just now heading home from work, aren’t you?”

“Since you weren’t much on company tonight, I figured I’d put in a couple extra hours.”

“Liar.”

Not a very good one, apparently.

“I know you’re trying to make up for the time you lost by going with me Monday and also for when you waited at the hospital during my surgery.”

“I’d do it all over without one ounce of regret. You believe that, right?”

“I do. But maybe this weekend you should rest without me being underfoot.”

“You’re not going to be underfoot. And I’m not resting either way.” I was excited about having her there.

“Promise?”

“Yes. I promise.”

It was apparent Layla was struggling. The disease and its treatment were taking a toll on her self-confidence. I’d read enough to know that while chemo wreaked havoc on her body it also did a number on her psychological state. That explained why she was extra sensitive. Therefore, I tried to navigate delicately.

I wished there was something I could say or do to make it better. My helplessness was probably the toughest part about being there for her during this struggle. Knowing I was unable to make it better. But one thing I could do was continue to offer to be there for her, like I had on Monday. I was happy to do this even if it meant I was pulling doubles to make up for the time off.

“How about I come over tonight?”

“No, no. I’m fine. I’m in bed and not much on company. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Okay. Does eight o’clock work to pick you up?”

“Sounds great. ’Night Kellan.”

“’Night, beautiful.” Although it was tempting to show up anyhow in order to check on her, I stopped myself. I’d see her in the a.m. That would need to be enough.

The next morning, I picked Layla up and we arrived back at my place by eight thirty. She was eating pancakes by nine. Some of her color had returned, and she seemed to be moving better than she had the other day. Although I could tell she was far from feeling well, she was definitely a trooper and hardly complained.

At ten o’clock, Jack arrived. He was nineteen and anxious to learn anything he could about the trade. I couldn’t be happier to have him as part of my crew. He couldn’t be happier about earning extra money with this side job on the weekend. Also, since it was only the two of us, I could spend more time with him, teaching him one-on-one.

Watching Jack’s face when he got a look at Layla sitting on the kitchen stool was most entertaining.

“Hi,” he said, wide-eyed.

She gave him a smile. “Hi there. You must be Jack. I’m Layla.”