Page 98 of Falling for Nicole
“Hey, Susan. How’re you feeling today?” I can already see she’s looking rough from her dark eyes and grey skin. I put as much cheer into my tone as possible.
“Ugh, I’ve been better.” She was incredible after her first treatment, but this second one has knocked her right on her arse. She’s barely got out of bed this week.
“Did you get the parcel I sent you?” Seeing Susan suffering brought back all the things Mum used to say helped a little, so I went out and bought everything I could think of. The main thing was lemon-flavoured sweets in any form I could find. Mum’s addiction was bon bons, but I didn’t know if Susan liked them so I went a little crazy. I sent her a couple of hats and headscarves, ready for when the time comes, along with some fancy toiletries, minus any strong scent that might effect her nausea.
“Yes, thank you so much, you didn’t have to do that.”
“I just want to help, and I know how much some of those things helped Mum. It’s the least I can do.”
“You’re already doing more than I could ask of you, angel.”
A day hasn’t gone by since I realised I needed to pull myself out of my memories and help those around me that I haven’t spoken to Susan. Whether it’s just a text or a long video call, I’ve been here whenever she’s needed someone. Obviously Pete, Emma, Lilly and Dec are incredible, but they all struggle with talking about what the reality of this situation could be, whereas I get it, and I also understand Susan’s need to talk about the what ifs. When I first heard about her diagnosis, I thought it would be too hard to deal with let alone dive head first into helping, but it seems that Susan is helping me just as much as I am her. No one, other than the two of us, knew what it was like. I’ve spoken to Dec about it but I know he doesn’t really understand, whereas Susan has now been forced into a situation where she has to understand, and weirdly, I’m enjoying being able to talk about it all.
“Enough about all that. Are you all ready for tonight?”
“Yes, I think so.” My leg bounces with excitement as I think about tonight—our engagement party. I look down once again at my ring and I fight the smile looking at it causes.
“I’ve organised a couple of surprises for you both, seeing as we couldn’t be there.”
“You didn’t have to do that.” We were originally going to wait until Susan was strong enough to attend to celebrate our engagement, but we were told straight that we weren’t to wait that long. Dec was reluctant at first, but the moment she said it I realised how right she was. We’ve got something to celebrate; none of us know how long we’ve got, so we need to make the most of it. After a little encouragement, Dec was on board. We’ve closed the shack to the public for the night, and we’re having our own little karaoke party with our closest friends. It’s been a long time since I’ve had a party, and I feel like a little kid on the morning of her birthday.
“It’s the least I can do, angel. I was looking online at that—”
“Hang on, that’s the front door, let me just see who it is.”
“No, no you go. We’ll catch up tomorrow. I’ll want to know all about the party.”
“Okay. If you need me, you know where I am.”
“Just enjoy yourself. Speak soon, angel.”
I hang up on the call and rush to the front door. Pulling it open, the first thing that catches my eye is the white feather that flies past my face in the breeze. Reaching out, I grab it and run my finger over its softness. “Oh, hey,” I say, when I look up and find Lilly standing on my doorstep with a box in her hands.
“Hey.” She follows me through the house before placing the box on the dining table and taking a seat.
“Tea?”
She raises and eyebrow to sayas if you need to ask!With a laugh, I turn to put the kettle on.
“What’s that?” I ask, pointing at the box.
“Get the drinks sorted and I’ll explain.” Her stalling tactics only increases my curiosity, so I make quick work of her tea and my coffee.
“Here you go.”
I sit back and watch as she stares at the box and blows out a long breath.
“Lilly?”
“I’ve had this for quite a while,” she admits. “The right time was meant to present itself, apparently, so I’m thinking today is perfect.”
“Ooookay.” I really have no clue what this is all about, but how uncomfortable Lilly is right now makes me a little worried.
“She told me to keep it safe, and that when the time came, I was to give it to you.
My heart pounds as ideas start to fly around my head. “S…She?” I stutter. I almost don’t want to know the answer in case it’s not the one I’m dying to hear.
“Your mum.”
