Page 30 of Crash
As I stand under the hot shower, allowing the water to massage my tired muscles, I think of things I can do to help Tessa through this long recovery process. The doctors said she’s gonna be in that cast for at least six to eight weeks. I know during that time frame the end of summer dance is scheduled and the tour was to have started. Even though she won’t mind, Courtney can’t keep covering the classes, so I sent her a text earlier seeing if there is anyone else who can pitch in.
I know Tessa’s biggest concern is obtaining financing to buy the building down the street from her current location so she can have space for more students and an expanded list of services. The dance tour was her way to see that dream come true. With this injury, she’s feeling hopeless. I shut the water off, grab my towel, and wrap it around me before brushing my teeth and packing my personal items in my toiletry kit to take with me. Stuffing a few pairs of jeans, sweats, and shirts into a small suitcase, I prepare to leave. My phone rings, breaking my thoughts.
“Hey, Austin. It’s Janelle, Tessa and Courtney’s friend.”
“Oh, hey, Janelle. How are you?”
“I’m good. Courtney gave me your number when I asked how I can help out. She said you may know of a few things.”
“Yes, actually. I’m looking for someone who can pitch in with her classes along with Courtney.”
“Sure. I know the routines and help plan the lessons. I’ll be glad to.”
“Great. I’m thinking of something else, too. Would you mind if I save your number so I can text or call you when I get things worked out?”
“I don’t mind. Can you please tell Tessa we got her back and not to worry? I know this sucks major ass for her.”
“I’ll be glad to share that with her. I have a few calls to place and will tell Courtney to do some stuff, too. She’ll also be in touch. In fact, get all the performers together. I’ll share the details with my sister. This will work.”
“Okay. Will do. Talk to you soon.” She disconnects.
I make calls to a few people I know to see if they can aid me in my quest.
AFTER ORCHESTRATING MY PLANS,I hop into my vehicle and head to the Gordon residence. Tessa has already sent me a list of things to bring to her. She emphasized her plea with an eggplant emoji, a plus sign, and a pair of lips. I’m gonna chalk that up to the meds she’s on. But I do accommodate her request and make a few stops along the way. I knock on the door upon my arrival, and her father opens it.
“Wow, she sent you all over town, didn’t she?” he jokes, while assisting me with the bags.
“Not really. Just a long list of items to keep her mind, body, and spirit at peace while she’s here. Her words, not mine.”
A chuckle comes out before he replies. “She’s just like her mother. Be prepared, that ‘honey-do’ list will be growing as your relationship continues. Hey, baby. Look who finally arrived.”
Tessa’s room is almost just like it was when I was last here a few years ago. The only thing different is the missing high school memorabilia and pictures of her dance idols that are now currently mounted and framed at her place now.
“Hey, babe. Thank you for getting all this stuff. My parents got me a little refrigerator for us to put our stuff in. They even bought the futon in here so you can sleep comfortably.”
“Oh, I thought I would sleep in one of the spare rooms.”
“Why? My parents already know we’ve had relations, and given my current state of physical impairment, they know nothing will be going on in here.”
“Point made. Okay, I will sleep on the futon. Let me put the cold stuff in its place.” Opening the door to the mini refrigerator, I store the popsicles and ice cream in the freezer compartment and the juices and water in the main cubicle, as well as the yogurt and fruit.
“Okay, you two. We’re gonna go lie down and try to rest. The wheelchair is in the closet in the hall along with the crutches. Austin, here is a sheet set and two blankets and pillows. If you need anything, Tessa can tell you where it is located, and you can help yourself. Tessa don’t forget to take your medicine for the pain if you need it. Goodnight.”
They leave, and I go sit next to her on the edge of the bed.
“How are you feeling, really?”
She takes a deep breath and closes her eyes. “Heartbroken.” She peers up at me. “Like shit. I have no idea what to do at this point. That pretty much covers the range of emotions. Not one thing to be positive about.”
“Tessa, I know it’s hard now, but it will get better. Trust me.”
“How, Austin? No tour equals no extra income, which means I will possibly lose the building I want to purchase. My classes will remain at capacity, and I will have a waitlist that will never move because I can’t accommodate. Plus, I can’t dance, so why am I worried about teaching anyway? At least Janelle and Court called me on three-way and devised a plan where they can cover the classes I have now. That will at least help. My income will remain, I can keep the space I have, and pay my mortgage. I offered to pay them, and they said no. Those bitches.”
I snicker at her comment. It’s all in love between them. They always use that word as a multi-purpose filler. It’s like the word ‘dude’ for guys or ‘bruh’.
“Well, at least they offered to help. What can I do? You know dancing isn’t my thing, but I’ll do whatever you need.”
“Can you just hold me until I fall asleep?”
