Page 274 of Time Stops With You

Asad bursts out crying, sobbing and wailing in his lovably theatric way.

Sara cries too, though she’s more poised about it.

Dr. Young shakes Cullen’s hand steadily but, when it’s time for the handshake to end, he holds on and keeps pumping.

Sullivan is the last to arrive but, when he does, he gives Cullen a hug that speaks volumes.

Our friends are far more polite than my mother and they don’t ask any invasive questions about Cullen’s treatment or his reasons for getting it. However, I take the floor and share everything Cullen told me he was alright with them knowing.

He stands by my side, holding my hand and allowing me to be his mouthpiece.

When I’m done, no one asks for more details. It almost feels as if just having Cullen alive is enough for them.

And I totally resonate with that.

“Nothing will change with Cullen Tech or the PLP,” Cullen announces. “My health isn’t reliable enough for me to take on such a stressful role in the company. But,” he ducks his head with a grin, “I’ll be a willing technician whenever you hit a block.”

“Nice.” Asad pumps his fist. “I’ll be the one bossingyouaround now.”

Everyone laughs and the mood becomes festive as mom brings out snacks and refreshments.

The evening wears on, and Sunny and Darrel leave first. Sullivan is next. But the Cullen Tech team stay until late into the night, filling Cullen in on their struggles, their strategy with the lawsuit, the patent and much more.

I get bored halfway through and retire to my room to check out my video analytics. Cullen kept me so busy in the hotel that I haven’t been able to answer comments or respond to my video editor’s emails.

Later that night, there’s a knock on my door.

I expect Cullen, but it’s mom and Josiah who wander in. My brother’s smiling and he hops onto the bed with me.

Surprised, I set my laptop away. “What’s up?”

“Cullen’s back,” Josiah says as if it’s the best news he’s heard all year.

I nod. “Cullen’s back.”

Mom sits on the edge of the bed. “What are you guys going to do now? Are you going to get married?”

“Haven’t we already…” I stop, realizing that we haven’t. I signed the papers and I still have them in my personal files, but we haven’t actually registered.

“Maybe,” I hedge. “It depends on how his health is doing.”

“What happens after that?” Josiah asks.

“Um,” I pause, “I’m trying to take Cullen to Belize.”

Mom frowns.

My little brother takes a moment to think. Then he nods. “That’s a good idea.”

“Would you want to come with me?” I ask Josiah hesitantly.

Josiah frowns. “What about school?”

“There’s a STEM school in Belize. It’s not exactly programming-specific, but you can study science.”

Josiah shakes his head. “Is there any way for you to stay here instead?”

“I…” My heart tears in two. I want to take Cullen away, but I can’t abandon my brother.

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