December 16
I had been going to see Tanner less and less. We still texted and talked on the phone every night. I'd been really caught up with swimming. I practiced every day at practice then on my own in the morning before school.
I went and saw him tonight. When I walked in he sat straight up. Oh my god he sat up! He greeted me and his voice didn't sound as raspy. He could breathe on his own now. And his eyes, they were open without pain. He looked so much better. My eyes welled up with tears and I ran over to the bed. I plopped down beside him and kissed him. He pulled me closer by my jaw. My hands rested on his neck. He kissed me for what seemed like hours. When he finally pulled away he looked me in the eye.
"God I love you. I missed you so much."
"Me too. Things have been so weird without you."
"Oh! That reminds me! I'm getting outta here in time for Christmas."
"Really when?"
"Sometime this weekend."
"Oh my god I can't wait. Tanner that's wonderful." I leaned over and hugged him. He smelled like hospital and I couldn't wait until he smelled like Tanner again.
"Ok now tell me, how's swimming going?"
"It's crazy. I made a regional time. I practice every day twice. People come up to me asking me if I'm who I am and they ask me for autographs and tell me they have their money on me. It's just weird the swim meets are huge. There are college scouts there and they look at me and I can feel their eyes burning judgmental holes in my skin. They're interested some have even come up to talk to me after my races. It's just insane but in a good way."
"As long as you like it I'm fine with that."
"Thank you. When you can I'll take you to a meet."
"I'd like that." When I got home it was around nine. My mom ran up to me with a letter in her hand. She forced it into my hands and commanded me to open it.
"Kameron Noelle Harris,
At your last swim meet you performed outstandingly. We noticed you for many reasons mostly for your team work, times, and attitude. You have the potential to grow as an athlete and a person. That's why we would appreciate it if you would allow us to house you and train you here with us for a quarter. You will have your school work privately taught to you and all expenses including housing and meals will be paid for.please consider this offer.
~UNL athletic department"
"Oh my god can I mom?"
"Of course you can but I want to give it a week before we say yes so you can think this over."
