The Work of a Legacy

Chapter Nineteen

Dear Anna,

I heard Mama A. died last month. I'm so sorry. I also want to apologize for leaving out of the blue like that last year. I didn't want to interfere with your job... I know that this letter might make you feel shocked to hear from me, or maybe even angry. I also know that you definitely don't need that anger in your life... this is stupid. I can't send this letter to you, but... please just know that I'll always remember you.

Love,

Deja Blair

"Are you sure you're in good enough condition to go on a hike?" I dab at Anna's pale, sweaty forehead with a cool cloth.

"Of course. I feel like a million bucks." She croaks.

I turn to the crew member beside me. "Isn't there something you can give her?"

They shake their head. "Nope. She's probably just got a minor cold. The show must go on."

Anna nods in agreement. "The show must go on, Stella."

I glare at her. "Be quiet, sicko. That's no minor cold. She's obviously ill."

"Look, she's not running a temperature and she's coughing a lot less now. It's nice and warm outside, which is just what she needs."

"Excuse me! Coming through," Alex interrupts, setting a wheelchair down next to us. "Miss Anna, your chariot awaits."

"Thanks, Alex," she smiles at him appreciatively.

Gag.

He bows comically before giving me a quick glare and marching out of the room.

"Are you serious? She's barely coughing. You guys are ridiculous!" They protest before throwing their hands in the air and storming away.

"... Okay, then. Do you need help getting into the wheelchair?"

She gives me a look before standing up and situating herself in the wheelchair. "I agree with grumpy guy with the ugly tie. You guys are babying me way too much."

"You looked like you were dead yesterday, Anna." I pause awkwardly, before hesitantly adding, "It really scared me."

She looks at the floor uncomfortably and shifts in her chair. "I... I was remembering things. I'm just a little shaken, that's all." Smiling sadly, she pats my wrist thankfully. "I appreciate your concern, though."

I furrow my brow and sit down on the bed across from her. "What were you remembering?"

To my horror, her eyes glaze over and quickly fill with tears.

Oh, shit!

"No no no no no, wait, I'm sorry, you don't have to tell me," I apologize quickly.

She swallows visibly and shrugs. "It's not your fault. It's just... a friend..."

"Oh. A date-friend." I nod in understanding.

"A... a what?" She looks at me as if I've grown another head.

"A date-friend. You know."