It Was You

Chapter 41

Going back to school after break was a rollercoaster. My parents wanted me to take rest of the year off to get better at home, but I didn't want that. I let this cancer hold me back from almost everything my entire life. I didn't let it hold me back from Ben and that was easily the best decision I ever made. I refused to stop now.

I got into my dorm and was greeted by a giant hug from both Lee and Aaron. It's only been a week since they've seen me, but they know how fleeting time could be for me. Ben came in after with my backpack over his shoulder and watched us with a small smile. When both my friends pulled themselves away, he approached us.

"Here, babe, you almost left your backpack in the car," he told me as he set it down on my bed. I thanked him, then turned to Lee and said, "Thank you for accommodating to make room for my chemo and all of the medicine I've got." She quickly shooed my comment away then said, "Like I needed all that closet space anyways. You know me, girl, I'd do anything for you. Speaking of which, I was thinking we could go out and have a girl's night? My treat."

I smiled at her as I nodded. "That sounds really great. Thank you, Lee." Aaron then announced, "I think Ben and I should have a guy's night." Ben raised his eyebrows at him because going out with Aaron is an adventure in itself. He has a fake I.D so he can get in just about anywhere and typically likes to take us to gay bars. They're massively fun, but Ben gets hit on left and right and Aaron usually just leaves him.

"Uh...actually, I've got plans," Ben told him. "I signed up for the Rugby team and we've got our first meeting tonight." I looked at him oddly because he never told me this! "It was a last minute decision I made on the way in, honestly," he said to me, noticing my look. "I've been thinking about it all year and today was the last day to sign up."

I went up to him as I joked, "I'm dating a jock! If only younger me could see me now..." I made a dramatic pause causing him to laugh. He pulled me to him and placed a kiss on my temple. "I've also got my theater class this semester so I'm going to be quite busy. I hope that's okay?" He was looking to me as if asking for permission, which I didn't understand.

"Of course it's okay," I told him. "I can't wait to come to every single Rugby game and every single play! Mark my words, I will be there." He gave me a full on kiss on the lips, making Lee and Aaron groan in disgust. When he pulled away, he ran his thumbs over my cheeks and said to me, "I'm just glad you don't need oxygen tanks this time. Makes me feel a little better...and they would get in the way when making out."

I smacked his chest for that comment, then sat on my bed. Lee joined me and we discussed what we were going to do tonight. Since my medication is officially in my system, and I've gotten more and more used to it, I've been feeling pretty good. I'm still on a restricted diet and can't eat a lot of things, but mentally I was in a good space!

"Alright, you girls have fun tonight," Ben announced as he stood up from my desk chair. He had been trying to explain Rugby to Aaron using some of my stationary items. He came over and gave me a kiss on the lips, then my forehead. "Call me if you need anything, baby, I mean it. I'll be around campus." I gave him a nod and he left with Aaron behind him.

Lee and I got ready for our girl's night - nothing too extravagant, just a couple of nice spring dresses and light make up. It's not like we're going out to party or impress anyone. I also realized Ben was right...I, too, was glad I didn't have those stupid oxygen tubes sticking out my nose.

We ended up going to a place just off campus. It's where all the college students hang out. It was a bar and they didn't even I.D anyone! It's times like this where I wish I could take advantage and grab a drink. I did, however, insist Lee take up the opportunity, even though she was hesitant to do so. She didn't want me feeling left out and I that's exactly why I pushed her to do it.