Page 59 of We Own Tonight
The rest of the day, I ride more rollercoasters than I care to admit, most of them for Timothy’s amusement. He laughs each time my face pales at the peak of the incline and laughs hysterically each time I have to take a minute to settle my stomach. However, Timothy thinks that because I’m a cop, I have no fear. He eggs me on, and I agree because it’s pretty impossible to say no to thiskid.
Our day is perfect. I sneak kisses in with Eli and laugh with Stephanie after she actually does puke after the Scramblerride.
She and Timothy take long breaks together, talking about their stays at the hospital and how much they hate needles. It’s the first time in a long time that I’ve gotten to see her through the eyes of a big sister. Just as any good little sister would, she coerces Timothy to ask Eli to sing for thegroup.
“Please, Eli,” Timothy whines. “I didn’t get to go to your concert last time because I was in thehospital.”
“Come on,” Stephanie pipes in. “Timothy really wants to see this. You wouldn’t want to disappoint him, wouldyou?”
Eli lets out a nervous laugh and stands. “I don’t have my group or music,though.”
“Who cares!” Timothy says. “I have my phone!” He grabs the phone from his pocket and puts on the song Eli sang to me at theconcert.
I smile at the memory of the night we met. It seems like so long ago, but it’s only been three weeks. It’s crazy how fast my feelings for him have changed. I giggle as he spins and does his best to entertain the crowd in a privateconcert.
Apparently, Eli isn’t content being the center of attention, and decides to embarrass the shit out of me by pulling me out of the group. Once again, Eli serenades me. Only this time, it’s much more intimate, and I’m not drinking. He gets on his knees in front of me, belting out the lyrics, and in true fashion, I turn bright red. My limbs are numb and each time I try to move away, he pulls mecloser.
The song ends, and he bows as the group erupts with applause. Timothy claps the loudest and I bury my head in his chest, shielding myself from seeing anyone’sface.
Once it’s over, we go back to the rides for a while more. The sun begins to set, and I wish I could freeze time. If today could last forever, I’d be happy. It’s been a day of celebration. It isn’t focused on what the people who are suffering can’t do, but all the ways they stilllive.
Stephanie wheels herself over to Timothy, who looks so tired I think he may fall asleep right here. “So, did you have fun?” she askshim.
He opens his eyes with a smile. “Today wasawesome.”
“I agree,kid.”
“The cancer makes me so tired, and it’s in my bones now.” He rubs his arm andwinces.
Stephanie reaches her hand over, touching his. “I understand. I’ll need a lot of sleeptomorrow.”
“It was worth it.” He yawns. “It was the best day of mylife.”
Stephanie smiles at me and Eli. “Anthony and I have to go. I’m exhausted and need to rest. My head hurts, and my muscles aretight.”
“Do you want me to come with you?” Iask.
“No!” She pretty much yells before dissolving into a giggle. “No, I’ll be fine, Heather. Stay with Eli and come see me tomorrow or the day after,okay?”
Eli kisses her cheek, and her hand covers it. “Thank you. I really hope you stickaround.”
He grins. “I planto.”
“I love you,” she says tome.
I kiss her forehead and smile. “I love youmore.”
I watch as Anthony fusses over her as they exit, and then we move over to Timothy hand inhand.
“I’m glad I got to spend the day with you,” I say tohim.
“Me, too,” Timothy says and then looks at Eli. “I had so muchfun.”
Eli pulls his small body into his arms and holds him tight. “Thank you for giving me today, Timothy. I’ll never forget spending the day withyou.”
Timothy looks up with tears in his eyes. “When I go to Heaven, I’m going to tell God about today. I’m going to tell him how meeting you was the best day of mylife.”
My hand flies to my throat, and I work hard not to fall apart. Eli doesn’t do as well. He pulls Timothy to his chest again and shakes his head. “I hope that day is a long time fromnow.”
