Page 75 of Last First Kiss
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
ALEJANDRA
As I scroll through my emails, I spot the “unread” tag next to the job offer from Limon. It’s a lie; I read it the day it landed in my inbox, but it’s been a week since they sent it, and I still haven’t responded. They’ve called and left a few messages, but I haven’t gotten back to them, so I keep it marked to remind myself to deal with it as soon as possible. And there’s no time like the present, so I finally reply.
I apologize for the delay and tell her some personal things came up, but that I’ll get back to her on Monday. So that gives me the weekend to think things through and talk to Clara.
I grab a notebook and pen, and stare at the blank page for a while before finally starting to write, trying to figure out how to tell Clara about the move, about how I think it could be great for my career, especially as I try to get my art out there. How it’s temporary, that I don’t want to be away from her or our family, but this job could open doors to big galleries. I’ve managed a few messy lines—half-formed thoughts and scattered feelings—when my phone rings.
When I pick it up, my mom is on the other line, frantically trying to explain to me that Lala’s in the hospital, her words tumbling over each other.
“What happened?” I ask, already standing, heart pounding.
“She collapsed at the house,” Mom says. “An ambulance took her to Skagit Valley. I’m heading there now.”
My blood runs cold, and everything fades. Clara, the wedding, my move—it all drops into the background like static.
“I’m on my way,” I say, grabbing my keys without thinking.
I don’t remember the drive to the hospital, the ride up the elevator, or how I even found her room. It’s all a blur, a rush of panic.
When I step into the room, Diana is sitting in a chair next to Lala, who is sleeping and has a faint bruise on her face.
“Hey.” Diana reaches for my hand.
“Hey,” I say as I inch closer. “Where’s Mom?”
“She’s figuring something out with Grandma’s insurance.”
I nod. The closer I step to Lala, the more my vision blurs with tears.
“She’ll be okay,” Diana says, resting her head on my arm.
“What happened?” I ask, my voice weak.
“She fell in the shower; thankfully, her nurse was in the house and heard it happen. She called 911 immediately.”
“God, how scary for both of them.”
Diana nods. “Yeah, they’ll probably discharge her tomorrow. They want to keep her overnight to make sure it’s not more severe than it is.”
“Good. I can stay with her, then.”
“Oh, no. I’ve got this. Alex is out of town, so I’d rather stay than go back to an empty house. If things worsen, I’ll let you know. Mom is also staying, so there’s no need for all three of us here.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah, just stay with her until I get back. I want to change out of my uniform. My flight landed just as Mom called, so I rushed here.”
“Yeah, of course, go, go.”
“I love you,” Diana says as she leans in to kiss my head.
“I love you, too.” She squeezes my hand and walks out of the room.
I approach Lala’s side and gently take her hand, pressing my forehead to it as I lean over the bed. I’m not a religious person, but in this moment, I’m praying to every god I’ve ever heard of, begging them to please let her be okay.
My phone buzzes, and when I check the screen, it’s Clara. I’ve probably left her a dozen frantic voicemails by now. I walk to the furthest end of the room, trying not to wake my grandma.
