Tom Daley: Mr. Perfect

Chapter 19: Tomorrow at 12:30

Before I even left town I got another call... This time from the police station. My mind went through all the worst case scenarios.

Me: Hello?

A weak and shaky voice answered. "Zoey! Zoey!!" I realized that it was Tom. He sounded like he was dying.

Me: TOM!!!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING? ARE YOU OKAY? WHAT DID THEY DO TO YOU?

Tom: I only have 3 minutes to talk... Zoey, they're doing all kinds of tests on me. I don't know how long I'll be here.

I didn't know what to say. He continued. "I looked at their schedule. At 12:30 the operators go to lunch. They are gone for 45 minutes. They leave me locked in the room. Have you got all this so far?

Me: Yes, go on.

Tom: There is a door to the back of my room. You can come pick the lock and I'll be able to get out.

Me: I don't know if I can...

Tom: YOU CAN! You can do it!!! Zoey, I need you. I don't know what will happen to me if I don't get out.... My time's up.... Tomorrow... Please.

And he hung up.

---

When I got home, Olivia opened the door and greeted me with a big hug. I almost cried. Soon she could have a completely different personality. I have to get mom to change her mind about the operation.

I sat down at the table with mom. "Did you tell her?"

She nodded.

"Did you tell her EVERYTHING? Did you tel her it will change her?" I said.

"Yes." She had tears in her eyes.

"Mom, please cancel the operation. I don't want this!!"

"I can't honey..." She cried. "I just can't. A free operation! And even better, they'll pay us! Do you know how much we need this?"

"YES YOU CAN!! ALL YOU'RE THINKING ABOUT IS YOURSELF!! WHAT DOES OLIVIA THINK ABOUT THIS?" I screamed.

I looked over at Olivia. She was crying... I think I've had enough crying for a year. With everything that's happened lately. Tears just won't come anymore.

My mom gently grabbed my hand. I felt guilty for yelling at her. But I was still mad that she was doing this. "Zoey, there's something I haven't told you." She muttered.

I looked into her eyes fore a moment. I could tell this was serious. "This is why I wanted you to come down here today. So I can tell you in person."

I nodded and she continued. "I took Olivia into the clinic today..." She sobbed, and couldn't go on with her story for what felt like hours. I rubbed her back.

"Mom, it's okay. You can tell me anything." My heart was racing. I felt so on edge. I had no idea what mom was going to tell me. It was nerve racking, just waiting to hear what happened to someone who I love so much.

She took a deep shaky breath. "She's been having seizures lately. And some days she's dizzy. They took a MRI... And Olivia has brain cancer."

I just hugged my mom. We both cried. "I love you." I whispered.

Then I hugged Olivia. She was sobbing even harder than Mom. "Olivia, I love you. Everything will be okay."

Even though I knew everything might not.

---

"So when are they operating on her?" I asked.

She wiped the tears from her cheeks and said, "Tomorrow at 12:30."