A week later, I was released from the hospital. Though I had to be watched closely most of the time incase anything was changing. It was awful. I could still exercise as normal, well, kind of. I could still walk at least. Dove and I still went to the bench, everyday that I could. Still went to our spots, the beach, the cliff. And my mom still gave me lots of freedom. But I had to check in every hour with her. For my safety. Things were changing. I was changing. I knew I was dying. And I knew Riley knew I was dying. But we didn't talk about it. And I guess I never told her about Tyler. As our hands were intertwined together, as we just arrived at the beach, I thought now would be a good time to tell her.
"I have something to tell you." I said slowly sitting down.
You had a worried look on your face. "What is it?"
"Have I ever told you about Tyler?"
"Who's he?"
"He was my older brother. He passed away four years ago from the same type of cancer. I don't say that to scare you, I just know I've never told you I had a brother. I did, he lived with us. But then he got really sick. They didn't have the treatment they are doing on me back then, and he died eleven days later after chemo."
You started to cry. You couldn't say anything for a good five minutes.
"I'm sorry." I started to cry. I grabbed your hand.
"What if...you end up like him? I can't live without you Dove. I really can't."
"It's Jayden." I said.
"What?" you said confused.
"You heard me." I said smiling through my tears.
"Wait is that...your name?"
I nodded.
"Dove! I mean..what? You didn't have to tell me."
"I wanted to." I said smiling.
You kissed me. I could feel the tears on your face. I pulled back and wiped them off. And kissed you again.
You rested your head on my shoulder.
"Would you be mad if I still called you Dove?"
"Nope. Why not Jayden though?"
"I'm so used to calling you Dove it's just...easier."
I nodded.
We sat on the beach, watched the sun fall below the ocean line. And talked one of our talks that lasts all night talks. We were at the beach until three in the morning, and then walked back to Riley's house. We ended up staying up all night. We were laying on her soft carpet and eating popcorn. We were going to go to sleep, but we couldn't. I couldn't. So we watched The Notebook, and cried, a lot.
After the movie, we talked some more.
"Dove?"
"Yes?"
"I love you. And loving you is the best thing I've ever experienced."
"I love you too Riley. I love you a lot."
I looked in your eyes.
Your lips pressed against mine, and things slowly escalated. It turned into fast breathing and you lying on top of me. Your body on mine. Exchanging body heat. Losing our innocence.
"Did that really just happen?"
"I guess it really did."
By this time it was already six-thirty. We passed out moments later.
