Things to do in Salem When You're Dead
Chapter Twelve
"Brady!" I exclaim happily. He slowly enters the room and his arms are laden with goodies. One hand holds a pitcher of iced tea; the other carries a large picnic basket. He kicks the door shut behind him and makes his way carefully to my bed. He sets the pitcher and the basket on the table beside me and gives me a long, lingering hug.
I melt in his embrace and his warmth flows over me. My earlier worries flow right out of the room. He's always had that effect on me. My heart flutters when he kisses my temple, his soft lips lingering for a second on my skin. I'm glad I can't see the silly grin on my face. I'm like a little girl with a crush!
His silky voice caresses me. "Hey, beautiful."
I can feel the deep blush burning my cheeks. Right now I am anything but beautiful. But if Brady wants to say I am, who am I to argue?
He gently sits down beside me on the bed. He reaches over to brush stray locks of my limp hair off my face. The back of his knuckles caresses my cheek slowly, tenderly and I'm shocked by the emotions the gentle touch invokes in me. I find myself wishing once again that I wasn't so sick, that Brady and I could be together the way I want us to be.
His blue eyes are sparking with desire and I know that he's thinking the same thing. It isn't fair! I hate being trapped in this bed, in this room while outside the world is spinning and life goes on. Most of all I hate being near this amazing, beautiful man and not be able to kiss him. Really kiss him.
I know I should be thankful that I can even be near him at all. Our 'date' today is breaking all kinds of hospital rules. Fortunately I know 'people' who can bend those rules.
Just being near him reminds me just how much I have missed him. From our first heated exchange on the pier, he has been so important to me. Last summer he was my lifeline, and I've since grown used to spending large amounts of time with him. He is my best friend, my soulmate, the missing part of me. And being away from him is killing me.
He's suffering too. I can see it in his tired, bloodshot eyes. The dark circles under his eyes tell of his long sleepless nights, worrying about me, worrying that I'm going to leave him like his mom did. His skin is pale and drawn, like he hasn't seen daylight in weeks. And is just me or is he skinnier, too?
"How are you feeling, today?" he asks cheerfully. But I can detect the underlying worry as he studies my eyes and takes in my appearance.
I give him one of my slight smiles as I reply honestly. "So-so. Better now that you're here."
He gives me that grin again and damn! I want to kiss him! Okay, exercising patience. There will be plenty of time for mind-numbing kisses when I am better. And I will get better. Just being with Brady lifts my spirits, fills me with hope. I will get through this. In the meanwhile, I still have today.
A delicious aroma wafts across my nose. Is that.? It is.
"Turkey bacon. You made us BLTs!" I exclaim excitedly. It's been awhile since I've had real food. This crap they serve in the hospital is not fit for my mom's dogs!
Brady laughs with joy at my enthusiasm. "Yes. BLTs. I had to pull a few strings in order to sneak this meal in, but it was worth it to see your face. Inside this lovely wooden basket are enough BLT sandwiches to feed a small army. Or me at any rate. We also have whole fruits and veggies, because you have to have something healthy. And dessert." He adds with a wicked grin that leaves me very curious.
"Dessert?" I ask seductively.
"That comes later." He replies with a wink.
He busies himself with opening the picnic basket. With a grand flourish, he unfurls the checkered tablecloth and spreads it out on my table. He sets two wonderfully scented candles on the cloth, followed by two glasses, and plates and silverware. He then arranges the food in an appetizing display. My mouth is actually watering. This is going to be so perfect.
He walks around toward me and gently wraps his strong arms around my chest. I lean on him for support as I struggle with my weak muscles into a sitting position. I breathe heavily; even that small exertion exhausts me.
"Are you okay? I didn't hurt you, did I?" he asks worriedly.
"No, I'm fine. It's just staying in one position all day makes my muscles stiff."
"Yeah, I remember the hell I went through with my legs when I was paralyzed. They should do physical therapy with you to prevent atrophy." He suggests.
"I guess with trying to find a donor for me and everything, physical therapy isn't high on anyone's list right now."
"Speaking of donor, you know that we have organized a donor drive for you. Well, it was Belle's idea, but we've gotten a lot of volunteers together and it's set for this weekend. Maggie Horton is donating gift certificates to Tuscany for people who get tested. Caroline and Shawn Brady are taking care of the food. Oh, Jack Devereux and Jennifer Horton have gotten their paper to advertise for the drive, and both Basic Black and Titan are donating money to leukemia research. Already, there is a lot of excitement about the drive and we're expecting a large turnout. Surely, one of them will be a match for you."
My mouth gapes open in astonishment. I am speechless. So many people are working so hard, putting forth so much effort, for me.
"Wow. I don't know what to say. This is incredible. Thank you." I reply simply as my eyes fill with tears.
Brady smiles at me. "Thank Belle. She's awesome at getting people to volunteer for stuff. She should do this for a living. You should have seen her. I mean, she had complete strangers signing up to help for the drive. She was in her element, that's for sure."
I laugh heartily. That's Belle all right. Energy and enthusiasm in a bottle.
Brady laughs when my tummy rumbles audibly. "Guess we better get some food in you, huh?"
I devour my first sandwich like I haven't eaten in days and then without pausing for breath dive into my next one. I've actually beaten Brady, which is quite a feat. Oh, it is soooooo good. Now I know what Brady was talking about that day we first made BLTs together. This is Nirvana. MMMM, the wheat bread, toasted just right, the turkey bacon, the coleslaw. Oh, Heaven.
Brady chuckles at the look of pure, unadulterated bliss that has stolen over my features. "I take it that you are enjoying your Fourth of July dinner?"
I nod in reply; my mouth is too full of food to even attempt talking. I finish the second sandwich and wipe the crumbs off of my hands. He moves to sit beside me in the bed so we can finish our meal while looking outside.
"Hey, you can't see anything from here." He comments and gets up to move my bed closer to the window. It is now at the perfect angle to watch the afternoon sun as it grows low on the horizon.
He snuggles back beside me and proceeds to hand feed me various pieces of fruit. I laugh when he pops a white grape into my open mouth. I reciprocate with a fat strawberry that erupts in dark red juice that spills over his chin. We continue feeding each other, laughing joyfully, enjoying each other's company. I want this to continue forever, but I am becoming quite full. I pat my full tummy.
"Wait, don't forget dessert." He smiles and pulls a beautiful homemade apple pie out of the basket. "Caroline made this especially for you."
I cannot believe that I managed to scarf down an entire piece of pie, with whipped cream, no less.
"Ugh." I groan, now too full to move. Brady, on the other hand, is helping himself to another piece.
Time passes leisurely as we lay in the bed side by side, watching the sun set. No words are needed in this sublimely beautiful moment. I am moved to tears by nature's colorful display. Never, in my life, have I witnessed such beauty. It is like a present, just for the two of us. Time has stopped and there is just Brady and I, alone, witnessing the beauty of creation. Yellows swirl with pink oranges. Pinks transform into purples. Purples become the blue-black of night. The sun is gone, replaced by stars of infinite number, all of them smiling and twinkling down on us.
The fireworks begin and I lay my weary head on Brady's shoulder. He pulls me closely and wraps his arm around me. My eyelids grow heavy and I gradually fall into sleep. I am happy, wrapped in my love's warm arms. I know that I am safe. He will not let me die.
Chapter Twelve
"Brady!" I exclaim happily. He slowly enters the room and his arms are laden with goodies. One hand holds a pitcher of iced tea; the other carries a large picnic basket. He kicks the door shut behind him and makes his way carefully to my bed. He sets the pitcher and the basket on the table beside me and gives me a long, lingering hug.
I melt in his embrace and his warmth flows over me. My earlier worries flow right out of the room. He's always had that effect on me. My heart flutters when he kisses my temple, his soft lips lingering for a second on my skin. I'm glad I can't see the silly grin on my face. I'm like a little girl with a crush!
His silky voice caresses me. "Hey, beautiful."
I can feel the deep blush burning my cheeks. Right now I am anything but beautiful. But if Brady wants to say I am, who am I to argue?
He gently sits down beside me on the bed. He reaches over to brush stray locks of my limp hair off my face. The back of his knuckles caresses my cheek slowly, tenderly and I'm shocked by the emotions the gentle touch invokes in me. I find myself wishing once again that I wasn't so sick, that Brady and I could be together the way I want us to be.
His blue eyes are sparking with desire and I know that he's thinking the same thing. It isn't fair! I hate being trapped in this bed, in this room while outside the world is spinning and life goes on. Most of all I hate being near this amazing, beautiful man and not be able to kiss him. Really kiss him.
I know I should be thankful that I can even be near him at all. Our 'date' today is breaking all kinds of hospital rules. Fortunately I know 'people' who can bend those rules.
Just being near him reminds me just how much I have missed him. From our first heated exchange on the pier, he has been so important to me. Last summer he was my lifeline, and I've since grown used to spending large amounts of time with him. He is my best friend, my soulmate, the missing part of me. And being away from him is killing me.
He's suffering too. I can see it in his tired, bloodshot eyes. The dark circles under his eyes tell of his long sleepless nights, worrying about me, worrying that I'm going to leave him like his mom did. His skin is pale and drawn, like he hasn't seen daylight in weeks. And is just me or is he skinnier, too?
"How are you feeling, today?" he asks cheerfully. But I can detect the underlying worry as he studies my eyes and takes in my appearance.
I give him one of my slight smiles as I reply honestly. "So-so. Better now that you're here."
He gives me that grin again and damn! I want to kiss him! Okay, exercising patience. There will be plenty of time for mind-numbing kisses when I am better. And I will get better. Just being with Brady lifts my spirits, fills me with hope. I will get through this. In the meanwhile, I still have today.
A delicious aroma wafts across my nose. Is that.? It is.
"Turkey bacon. You made us BLTs!" I exclaim excitedly. It's been awhile since I've had real food. This crap they serve in the hospital is not fit for my mom's dogs!
Brady laughs with joy at my enthusiasm. "Yes. BLTs. I had to pull a few strings in order to sneak this meal in, but it was worth it to see your face. Inside this lovely wooden basket are enough BLT sandwiches to feed a small army. Or me at any rate. We also have whole fruits and veggies, because you have to have something healthy. And dessert." He adds with a wicked grin that leaves me very curious.
"Dessert?" I ask seductively.
"That comes later." He replies with a wink.
He busies himself with opening the picnic basket. With a grand flourish, he unfurls the checkered tablecloth and spreads it out on my table. He sets two wonderfully scented candles on the cloth, followed by two glasses, and plates and silverware. He then arranges the food in an appetizing display. My mouth is actually watering. This is going to be so perfect.
He walks around toward me and gently wraps his strong arms around my chest. I lean on him for support as I struggle with my weak muscles into a sitting position. I breathe heavily; even that small exertion exhausts me.
"Are you okay? I didn't hurt you, did I?" he asks worriedly.
"No, I'm fine. It's just staying in one position all day makes my muscles stiff."
"Yeah, I remember the hell I went through with my legs when I was paralyzed. They should do physical therapy with you to prevent atrophy." He suggests.
"I guess with trying to find a donor for me and everything, physical therapy isn't high on anyone's list right now."
"Speaking of donor, you know that we have organized a donor drive for you. Well, it was Belle's idea, but we've gotten a lot of volunteers together and it's set for this weekend. Maggie Horton is donating gift certificates to Tuscany for people who get tested. Caroline and Shawn Brady are taking care of the food. Oh, Jack Devereux and Jennifer Horton have gotten their paper to advertise for the drive, and both Basic Black and Titan are donating money to leukemia research. Already, there is a lot of excitement about the drive and we're expecting a large turnout. Surely, one of them will be a match for you."
My mouth gapes open in astonishment. I am speechless. So many people are working so hard, putting forth so much effort, for me.
"Wow. I don't know what to say. This is incredible. Thank you." I reply simply as my eyes fill with tears.
Brady smiles at me. "Thank Belle. She's awesome at getting people to volunteer for stuff. She should do this for a living. You should have seen her. I mean, she had complete strangers signing up to help for the drive. She was in her element, that's for sure."
I laugh heartily. That's Belle all right. Energy and enthusiasm in a bottle.
Brady laughs when my tummy rumbles audibly. "Guess we better get some food in you, huh?"
I devour my first sandwich like I haven't eaten in days and then without pausing for breath dive into my next one. I've actually beaten Brady, which is quite a feat. Oh, it is soooooo good. Now I know what Brady was talking about that day we first made BLTs together. This is Nirvana. MMMM, the wheat bread, toasted just right, the turkey bacon, the coleslaw. Oh, Heaven.
Brady chuckles at the look of pure, unadulterated bliss that has stolen over my features. "I take it that you are enjoying your Fourth of July dinner?"
I nod in reply; my mouth is too full of food to even attempt talking. I finish the second sandwich and wipe the crumbs off of my hands. He moves to sit beside me in the bed so we can finish our meal while looking outside.
"Hey, you can't see anything from here." He comments and gets up to move my bed closer to the window. It is now at the perfect angle to watch the afternoon sun as it grows low on the horizon.
He snuggles back beside me and proceeds to hand feed me various pieces of fruit. I laugh when he pops a white grape into my open mouth. I reciprocate with a fat strawberry that erupts in dark red juice that spills over his chin. We continue feeding each other, laughing joyfully, enjoying each other's company. I want this to continue forever, but I am becoming quite full. I pat my full tummy.
"Wait, don't forget dessert." He smiles and pulls a beautiful homemade apple pie out of the basket. "Caroline made this especially for you."
I cannot believe that I managed to scarf down an entire piece of pie, with whipped cream, no less.
"Ugh." I groan, now too full to move. Brady, on the other hand, is helping himself to another piece.
Time passes leisurely as we lay in the bed side by side, watching the sun set. No words are needed in this sublimely beautiful moment. I am moved to tears by nature's colorful display. Never, in my life, have I witnessed such beauty. It is like a present, just for the two of us. Time has stopped and there is just Brady and I, alone, witnessing the beauty of creation. Yellows swirl with pink oranges. Pinks transform into purples. Purples become the blue-black of night. The sun is gone, replaced by stars of infinite number, all of them smiling and twinkling down on us.
The fireworks begin and I lay my weary head on Brady's shoulder. He pulls me closely and wraps his arm around me. My eyelids grow heavy and I gradually fall into sleep. I am happy, wrapped in my love's warm arms. I know that I am safe. He will not let me die.
