Consider Yourself Lucky

Twelve

The ride to Collin's was only fifteen minutes. The neighborhood isn't the best and the apartment building looks a little run down. I'm not one to judge, you get what you can afford. There aren't many apartments for rent right now so maybe he got a good deal on this one. He parks in front and goes in the middle console to grab a key.

"Do you mind staying in the car? I'll be quick. I'm just going to change my clothes. You can keep the doors locked if you feel safer that way." He must have read my body language from when we turned onto his street. If he's going to just be a couple minutes, I'll be okay. Plus, it's daytime. Nothing could happen, right?

"I don't mind." He smiled at me and opened the car door. He gets out and I immediately lock the doors. I watch has he jogs up the stairs to the third floor. I would hate to live on a third floor. Imagine bringing your groceries up two flights of stairs. It's exhausting just thinking about it. I'm not sure if there are more apartments on the other side but there seems to be a person standing at one of the windows, peering out from behind the curtains. I can't get a good look, but I also don't want to stare back. The curtain moves just a little before another person walks by it. Then both silhouettes were gone. A minute later I saw Collin coming back down the stairs. I waited until he got closer to the car to unlock the door.

"Alright, we can grab some coffee and then off to visit Grandma."

"Sounds good to me." We pull off the street and head to the little cafe that is in the middle of town. The radio is playing some rock music and the breeze hits my face from the windows being down. I'm glad I took the day off. I feel calm and relaxed, especially being with Collin. I'm surprised I got myself out of bed so early. Usually, I sleep in until about an hour before I have to be at work. As we pull up to the cafe, my phone rings. I recognize the number from when the nurse called me the first time.

"I have to take this. Can you grab a coffee for me? Iced caramel latte, please. Thank you. I appreciate you." I kiss his cheek before he goes inside, and I answer my phone.

"Hello? This is Adelaide Chase."

"Hi Adelaide. This is Harmony calling from Crescent Hill. How are you?"

"I'm doing okay. Is everything alright?"

"Your grandmother's labs came back this morning but we are still waiting for her scans to be ready. We were a bit short staffed last night so things are a little behind schedule. There was a couple of things that seem a bit off so I'm calling to ask if you have time to come by today? I don't mean to worry you, but we should talk in person." My heart is racing. I can see Collin coming back to the car, so I try not to start crying. The tears form in my eyes anyways. He gets in the car and notices the sad expression on my face.

"Yeah, I have time. I was about to head over there anyways."

"Okay, great. I'll see you soon then and we can talk more."

"Yeah, see you soon." As soon as she hung up the phone, I break down crying. Collin grabs my hand and holds it in his lap.

"What's wrong? Was that the hospital?"

"Yeah, uh some of Grandma's tests came back and the nurse wanted to speak to me in person. She said she didn't want to worry me, but it must be something bad if she didn't say it over the phone, right? Maybe they found she has diabetes and just want to explain how to do give her insulin or maybe she has to be on certain medications. It can't be bad right? She's fine. She has to be." I start to freak out and Collin squeezes my hand to assure me everything will be alright. I didn't want him to see me like this, but I can't help it. Collin's phone rings and he grabs it from his pocket. I peak over and notice the name on the screen. Cece. He quickly declines the call.