Who We Have

Chapter 22

"Andrea, could you come in here a moment?" said Lilly, peeking from behind the door.

"Um, sure. Are you alright?" asked Andy, walking into the bathroom.

Lilly closed the door and nodded, going back to the toilet staring at it. "I just feel sick, I have been for a little while now. It's the chemo, constantly keeping me nauseated. I just... I hate being alone." Andy made a face at the realization, and Lilly looked dreadful. "I'm sorry, I hope you don't mind?"

"No, no, I don't. I just hope you're okay," said Andy.

"Side effects of chemo are not the prettiest," Lilly sighed, grasping at her chest tightly and taking deep breaths. "I didn't... want to bring Adam into this, or my parents. I hate seeing them worry. I've made peace with this, but they haven't."

Andy only listened to her. She watched Lilly bend down and over the toilet, spitting into it. A moment later, her body reacted and Lilly threw up. Andy fetched some toilet paper for her and she knelt beside her.

"I guess I should be glad I don't have hair in my face, huh?" joked Lilly.

Andy was tempted to smile or chuckle for Lilly's benefit, but she could see her face, and how this whole thing was draining her. Lilly took the toilet paper and thanked Andy, cleaning up. The two stayed there for a little bit, and Andy tried to be as supportive as she could with it.

The day wasn't going to be very eventful, it was tradition that most of the celebrations were done on Christmas eve, and the gifts were exchanged on Christmas day. That was what they were going to do next. An hour or so later, everyone gathered in the living room.

"This is incredible," said Lilly, looking at the presents.

She and Colin were hovering over the gifts under the tree, and Adam joined in. They started rummaging through it, trying to find the ones with their names on them.

"Sit down, you little gremlins," said Mary, swatting away at them like they were children.

"Why?" Colin sulked.

"We were just getting started," said Lilly.

"Now now, not when there are people around," said Adam.

Lilly smacked Adam's shoulder. Andy walked into the living room with a mug of coffee. She walked up to Adam and they took a seat together. Harold joined them and stood at the tree with Mary. When everyone was settled, Mary and Harold began distributing the gifts one by one.

"Lilly, you can start with yours!" said Mary, giving her two wrapped boxes and one that was loosely wrapped.

"Let's see here," she mumbled, looking over them. She picked one and began unwrapping it. It was the smallest.

"That one's from us," said Adam, holding Andy's hand.

As Lilly opened it, she pulled out a little charm bracelet that had a few birds and leaves on them, but the center of it was a key. She smiled and held it in her hand as she pulled out a small card as well. Removing the card from the little box, it revealed a small slice of cheese that still had its plastic packaging on. Looking at them with a confused expression, Andy motioned her to read the card.

"Dearest Lilly, leaves for the garden you've raised, birds for your free spirit, and a key to remind you that you are in control of your life," Lilly smiled, glancing up at the two. "PS. If the card wasn't-" she laughed, "If the card wasn't cheesy enough for you, here's-" she picked up the slice of cheese, laughing.

"Leave it to you two to get something like that," Colin chuckled.

Mary and Harold were quietly laughing at the gift. Lilly continued, setting aside the other box for last. From the package, she pulled out a white cashmere sweater, pristine as it were. She held it to herself for a moment and took in a deep breath, looking at her parents. She read the card and smiled.