The List

Chapter Eighteen

After class on Tuesday, I drive to the local mall to find some accessories to go with the dress Rhett picked out for me. I'm still in disbelief that he went out of his way to find that dress, and this costume theme for me. Hell, this whole event is still something I am in disbelief with. Liam had always done nice things for me, but he's never gone above and beyond like Rhett has been doing for me. He's taking the time to make a lot of wishes, I forgot I had, come true.

Once I find a feathered headband, gold glitter heels, and some matching jewelry, I can relax knowing that everything is in place. I don't sleep well that night, out of sheer excitement for this party. It's something the kids need, and I'm so happy that Rhett came up with. By morning I jump out of bed and rush to class, with the hopes that today flies by. With my luck, though, class seems to just drag on and on. By the time three o'clock hits, I rush back to my dorm and slip my makeup and curling iron into a bag and drive over to the apartments. Thankfully, Liam and Nathan are still in class, so Rhett and I can quickly leave for the hospital without Liam trying to remind us to be careful.

The whole ride to the hospital I harass Rhett, making sure that everything we need is either in the car, or in the hands of parents setting up. Rhett just rolls his eyes, but reassures me that everything is going to be perfect. Once we pull into the parking lot, I notice parents running in and out of the building grabbing boxes and trays from multiple cars. I take the costumes and Rhett goes to help get all of the decorations inside. When I walk into the lobby, I can already see the decorations that have been hung, giving the hospital the feel of a haunted house. When the last tray of cookies is brought inside, the hard work begins in the children's area, where the party will be held.

Tables are set up, banners are hung, balloons arranged on tables, and Halloween treats set out across the room. By five thirty, Rhett is practically shoving me out towards the restrooms so I can do my hair and makeup by seven. While my curling iron heats up, I follow a tutorial on YouTube of how to do a 1920's inspired makeover. Hair and makeup are done, and I'm about to slip into the dress, when a vibrating goes off in my pocket.

My hands are shaking as my phone begins to ring, with the call I've been dreading.

"Hello?" I answer, shakily.

"Carrigan James?" The voice asks.

"Speaking."

"This is Doctor Grady from the Lubbock Medical Center; I have the results from your blood work with me, and I-"

"I don't want to know." I spit out, cutting him off.

"Ms James, this is serious." He says. "I need you to come in so we can run a few more tests. Your blood work had some trouble spots."

I shake my head and feel tears threatening to spill out. "No. No more tests, I can't do it anymore."

"Please reconsider, Ms James." He begs. "You're nineteen years old, and you've been healthy for four years. Just come in and let's see what we can come up with."

"I said no." I spit out, ending the call before he can say another word to me.

I sigh heavily, running my fingers through my curls, slip on the feathered headband, and take in the reflection staring back at me. I've never been the kind of girl that was into makeup and making myself look like a new person, but seeing what I have managed to accomplish is making me sing a different tune. I slip off my jeans, unbutton my flannel shirt, and pull the dress up my body. With my heels and jewlery on, I take another glance at the mirror. I feel confident and beautiful, two things I don't feel too often about myself.

There's a knock on the door, followed by Rhett's voice. "Carrigan? The kids are starting to walk in, are you ready?"

I smile at the girl staring back at me, and slip my clothes in the bag before opening the door. Rhett stands with his arm on the door frame, taking a step back when I walk out. His dark hair is slicked back, and he looks perfect standing there in his black suit, resembling the perfect Jay Gatsby.