Make a Wish || Rhett and Link

Chapter 67 - Preparations

2 days before I had to go back into hospital, Jessie took me to the mall.

I had all the cash left over from my birthday, and Randy had given me quite a large wad to take with me today. Jessie had said this was to buy things to make my stay a little easier. AKA make it as least torturous as possible.

She walked me through a lot of shops. I bought some really nice (and expensive) pyjamas because if you're going to be wearing them all day they better be comfortable. And the ones with buttons down the front so the doctors don't make you take your shirt off every time they want to put another tube in you.

I had to admit, Jessie was really good to talk to about this kind of stuff. She would smile and listen and understand, and go out of her way to find things that would help. She just knew what to do. It was kind of amazing.

And she didn't force anything on me either. When I went shopping with my own Mom before my first hospital stay, she was all pink and loud and ridiculous stuff that I didn't like or didn't think I needed. Jessie just let me wander and pick my own things, and never got disheartened when she'd suggest things and I'd explain why not. She'd just take the advice on board and continue helping me.

I really did owe her something. She was amazing.

We walked around slowly for most of the day. I picked out some posters and stuff for the walls, a really nice soft blanket to add to the hospital bed, some more stickers (I was hoping I'd get my old bedframe back), the pyjamas, a clock for the wall, some calendars (especially the page-a-day ones with little comics or funny sayings), some warm fuzzy socks, and a new beanie because Jessie told me she'd want to wash them from time to time. We got a long charger cable for my iPad so I could use it while it was charging, and some nice soaps to make me feel nice, even when I felt at my very worst.

I bought Jessie a box of chocolates too. Just to say thanks.

When we got home, Jessie folded all the stuff up and packed it into a duffle bag for me. She really was awesome.

"All ready." She smiled. "Now we can focus on other things. Fun things."

I forced a smile. "Thanks Jessie."

"No problems sweetheart. Hey, why don't you see if you can see Ruben tomorrow? Maybe go see a movie or something? Or go skateboarding? It might be a good chance to see him."

I nodded. "But just in the morning though. I want to spend some time with you guys, just, yeah."

She smiled warmly. "Sounds lovely. I was thinking we could all go out for dinner, maybe invite your Uncle. Does that sound good?"

I smiled and nodded. "Sounds great."

"Awesome." She chuckled. "Well, you give him a call. I'll be out in the kitchen."

Once she was gone, I laid down and dialled Ruben's number. His phone rung a few times before he picked up. "Hey Coops."

"Hey Rubes." I smiled slightly. "Hey, I was wondering, maybe if you wanted to skate tomorrow or something? It'll be the last chance we get before I go back into hospital..."

"Wait... you're serious?"

I gulped nervously. "Yeah. Why?"

"Coops, the competition. It's in a week."

Oh god. The competition. We'd been practicing this for weeks. And I hadn't bothered to check the dates. Oh god! I was so stupid! I was going to miss it!

"O-Oh..." I stammered. "I-I-"

"That's... fine. Look, don't worry." He tried to convince me, trying not to sound disappointed.

Not knowing what else to say, I quickly hung up and ran out to Jessie, explaining the situation.

"Oh... honey... I..." She gulped. "I don't think you can go."

"B-But I!" I started crying. "I-I worked so hard!"

She sighed softly and pulled me into a hug. "I'm sorry."

I ran back to my room and hid there for a while, until Rhett got home. I heard him outside, but he didn't come to say hello. Jessie must've told him how sad I was.

When he finally did come in, he was on the phone, which confused me slightly. He talked for a good while on my chair, and I zoned out for most of it, until he hung up and placed his phone on the desk.

"You're lucky your doctor likes you."

"Hmm?"

"I've bargained you an extra week." Rhett smiled.

"Really?!"

"Really really." He grinned. "An extra seven days."

I ran forward and wrapped him in a hug. "Y-You're the best."

He just smiled.