Camryn Quinn is finally getting what she wants...sort of. Moving into a dorm and away from her not so supportive father is a good first step, but like everything with him, it comes with strings. She must attend the college of his choosing for at lea...
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I had convinced myself that it was nothing by the time I reached the Houston airport, and then again during my layover in Dallas. Even while walking through the tiny Abilene airport, I swore that it was no big deal. But it wasn't until I made it to the hospital that it hit me. I tried to find Shea's room, but when the nurse asked who I was to the family, I froze. What do you call a person who drops everything to spend twelve hours in an airport, catching three different flights, just because they can't stand the thought of not being there for someone?
Gabi accused me of running from my problems, but here I am running straight at them. Stepping off that plane in Abilene felt like moving into a space filled with the freshest air. Knowing I was closer to Taylor, and his family gave my lungs a new purpose. Being here for them, and with them, is the only thing that mattered.
I didn't think of the repercussions of showing up unannounced, I still haven't. Letting my body finally give in to Taylor's was inevitable. Any will power I had was no match for being back in his gravitational field. The desire to touch him, to feel him, overpowered any need to remain willful. Comforting him by holding him felt like a necessity. One that I'll gladly do again the second he returns.
The way Shea's hand begins to rustle under mine sends my spine straight. I don't know what to expect, or if she's on any type of sedation medications. Taylor didn't mention hospice care, but I can only assume it's coming now knowing that they can't do anything for her cancer.
"Taylor?" Shea's voice is rough. Her eyes open slightly, but then close again.
"He went to get Zoey from school," I say. "It's Camryn, Shea. Taylor's friend Camryn." I lean forward just a little to try and give her a better angle of my face. She grabs for the remote and asks me to sit her up a little further.
"I'm out of it honey, but not too out of it to forget who you are or that you are not just Taylor's friend." Her sudden with-it-ness makes me blush. If she notices, she doesn't say anything. She tries to readjust herself, and I help to resituate the pillows behind her.
"I hope it's okay that I'm here." I move to the edge of the bed so she can fully see me. "I just wanted to come check on you guys."
"You never have to ask permission to see me," she smiles. "We all missed you, you know."
"I missed you guys too," I say honestly.
"Especially that jackass son of mine." I should have known Shea wouldn't sugar coat it, or dance around the elephant that couldn't remain hidden even in the largest of rooms.
"I think he meant well."
"I know he did. Everything Taylor ever does comes from his heart. But it doesn't mean he was right. He had no right to toy with you. And honestly, I'm glad you haven't forgiven him yet. Serves him right." Her words are sharp and matter of fact for someone who was sleeping deeply just seconds ago. I appreciate her not shying away from the weight of the situation, or her son's involvement.
