Page 100 of His Last Shot
He still loves me. Still rooting for me. Still here for me. Even if it’sat a distance.
Swallowing down the tears threatening to surface, I try to refocus, which is hard since my universe has just tilted on its axis.
After a family dinner to celebrate, I make my way home. My home.
The OBGs knew I wanted my own place. Right after I started nursing school, I was ready to move out of my brother’s and into a space that would be all mine. Plus, he and Shelby were trying to have a baby. Needless to say, it got uncomfortable since they tried … a lot.
But the OBGs also knew that I couldn’t afford it because my savings were spent on my tuition. So what did they do? Randy bought a small cape cod close to my brother, flipped it, then rented it out to me with an option to own once I’m on my feet.
Not one of my rent checks has been cashed.
Those three men have been my lifeline through all of this. I have no idea how I will ever be able to repay them for their kindness.
Pulling into the driveway, I park and walk towards the front door, my footsteps echoing in the quiet night. As I fish my keys out of my purse, my foot kicks something, knocking it over. A vibrant green gift bag rests on its side, the tissue paper inside now scattered across the porch. Peering around in every direction, I try to figure out how this got here. Or better yet, who it’s from.
With a slight bend, I scoop up the gift bag and shove the tissue paper back in as I step into my living room. Locking the door behind me. I peer out the window one last time, the chill glass cold against my skin, to make sure I was alone.
Curiosity is eating away at me as I sit the gift bag on the island and pull out a soft black velvet jewelry box. Peering inside, I search for a card and shake the small bag upside down.
There’s nothing.
With my hands trembling, I pry the box open on its hinges. Catching the dim kitchen light is a small diamond star pendant on a gold chain. I gasp at how delicate and beautiful it is. As I remove it, the soft cardboard holding it in place loosens, and a small piece of paper falls onto the granite.
It’s a note. Typed, not handwritten.
The words stare back at me.
Johnny’s words.
Congratulations, love.
Now go and shine bright like the star you are.
I love you.
Without warning, a sob bursts out as my hand shoots to my mouth to contain it. So many questions swirl around in my head.
How did he know I lived here?
When did he drop this off?
Racing back over to the window, I peer out, hoping that the dark figure I saw at graduation is lurking outside. But he’s not there. There’s only darkness.
One question has plagued me for the last two years. Does he still love me?
After everything that happened today, the answer is obvious.
He does.
He’s still with me, even though he can’t be.
I take the necklace and secure it around my neck as I walk out to my deck. My favorite lounge chair awaits as I lie and stare at the stars, holding the diamond star in my hand.
“I love you too.”
30
What's the Picture Of?
