Page 18 of Loving Lizzy

“I do. I know you tried to protect me in your own way. Now, I want you to know you can count on me. I love you, Lizzy Bee,” he whispered as he tilted her face toward him and kissed her gently.

She remained silent all the way to Seattle. He left her lost in her thoughts. She always handled high-pressure situations the same way.

“Do you need a minute?” he asked, putting the keys in his jacket pocket.

“No. We should check in. There’s always last-minute paperwork. We might as well get it done.” She opened her car door, indicating she felt ready.

He walked around the car and pulled the bag from the trunk and took her hand. They walked side by side into the place Michael had visited a million times. Yet this time, the building seemed darker, more foreboding. His heart pounded as he clutched her hand. He swallowed down the knot in his throat.

They walked down the corridor following the pink ribbons on the floor leading to the women’s breast cancer unit. Michael opened the door, letting Lizzy go first. She stopped abruptly, making Michael rush closer to her side.

Chase stood with Kassie, who held a bouquet of balloons that read, “I’m kicking cancer’s ass today.” She wore a pink dress with a pink ribbon tied to her left shoulder. Standing next to her, Cathrine, dressed in a blue dress and a matching ribbon to Kassie’s, held a vase of pink roses. Samantha, wearing a winter white pantsuit beneath her ribbon, held a dressing gown with a matching hospital gown covered in the breast cancer insignia. Bryanna, dressed in a warm gold sweater dress, sported the ribbon and carried a pink water bottle, pink socks, a pink journal, and a couple of crossword puzzle books. The men stood next to their partners wearing pink polo shirts embroidered with a ribbon for support. Saint stood next to Bryanna, who seemed uncomfortable. Taco and Shadow stood behind him with their arms crossed. The women held resolute faces as they seemed prepared for battle. The warriors beside them offered silent but firm support.

“What are you all doing here?” Lizzy exclaimed in awe.

“We’re here to support you. We’ll wait in the waiting room down the hall,” Kassie explained.

“You don’t need to go to all this trouble. The kids need to be picked up from school. Bryanna, you’ve got a bakery to run. Samantha, you started a new job,” she stuttered. Clearly moved by their thoughtfulness.

Michael’s arm pulled her close. He seemed at a loss for words.

A nurse approached the group, “Hello Elizabeth. I see your welcome committee found you. If you’re ready to get settled, I can take you back to your room.”

“Hello, Candi. Give me a moment,” Lizzy greeted her nurse.

Candi moved off to the side while Lizzy said her goodbyes. The men moved and fell in line behind Michael, and Chase stood by his side.

Lizzy hugged Kassie while the other women placed their hands on her shoulder. “We’re here whenever you need us,” Kassie whispered in her ear.

“If they want to come back with you, they’re welcome. We’ll get you changed and settled in. I’ll come back for Dr. Harris.” Michael moved to Lizzy’s side, determined not to leave her.

She turned to face him, her hand going to his chest. “Please. I’m only changing, and then they’ll return to get you. I’m fine.” She smiled at him.

Michael brushed his thumb across her cheek. “I’ll go down the hall,” he told her. Samantha took her bag from Michael.

The women followed her as Candi led her to a cheerfully decorated room. Samantha placed her bag on the table. Kassie tied the balloons to the vase while Catherine and Lizzy sat down.

“Dr. Brady and the anesthesiologist will visit you closer to your scheduled time. Wear our surgical gown for the procedure, and then I’ll get you changed into your new ensemble. The staff agreed you’d arrive early; there’s plenty of time. Let me know when you want me to call Dr. Harris back.”

Lizzy sat down on the bed. “I guess this is it,” she stated softly.

“Lizzy, we can give you encouragement, hold your hand, or pray over you. You tell us what you need.” Bryanna pointed to Catherine to stay put in the chair.

Catherine rolled her eyes and huffed. “Trust me, Lizzy. Tell us what you need, or they’ll start bossing you around too.” She leaned over and rubbed Lizzy’s arm. “We want to help you.”

“I don’t want Michael to see me nervous. He’s already worried enough.” She gripped the edge of the bed.

Kassie sat down next to her. “The men will support Michael and we’ll keep an eye on him. Of course, you’re nervous. It’s a life-changing event. You’re not alone. As women, we hold things together because we don’t want to worry our loved ones. We want to remind you it’s not selfish to think about yourself. You can feel mad, sad, grief, anxiety, and any other emotion you experience. You can share whatever makes you comfortable and we’ll respect your privacy.”

“Thank you. Right now, I’m terrified. What if they find something? Michael and I finally found each other again. Last night felt incredible. I don’t know why I waited. I let a silly scar keep me from him. I didn’t want him to get hurt. Now it doesn’t mean anything, it’s going to be cut away forever,” she confessed.

Kassie cocked her head at Lizzy. “It means you survived. You fought the battle and won. There’s no shame in how you feel. It isn’t silly at all.”

“Nope, you kicked its butt once. You’ll do it again,” Catherine affirmed.

“You’re entitled to your emotions so give yourself grace. You lost a child while rebels held your husband. I know it’s hard to believe, and I hate to break it to you, but you’re human,” Bryanna advised.

Lizzy nodded. “Help me? Can you keep talking? It’ll calm the jitters. Tell me about things going on with you. Kassie, how’s the IVF and Michael and I wondered if you’ve seen Rachel lately? Catherine, what ridiculous thing did Leo read or watch now? Bryanna, what new dessert did you come up with? Samantha, did I see Whiskey’s hand on your back?”

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