Chapter Twenty-One/Let Go:
A cell phone rang, several times, but no one was there to answer. Eventually the ringing was stopped, and a voicemail played.
*BEEP*
"You've reached Noah and Jeanette, we aren't here right now but we'll get back to you soon. Bye"
PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE AFTER THE TONE
*BEEP*
"Hey, it's me. I know this is short notice but... I don't know how else to say this but to just say it. My days are numbered, though I guess you already knew that Noah. I can understand if you can't but I would appreciate it if you guys could come over, I'd like to see you again... I miss you... Just call me back when you get this. Bye.
*BEEP*
David hung up the phone and remained in a chair, staring at the wall. A week ago, he was given the news that his Leukemia has caught up with him. He had a matter of days, maybe even hours. Cicely walked down the stairs to find David sitting alone. She couldn't stand to see David so broken up. She walked to him and held his hand.
"What did they say?" Cicely asked.
"They weren't there, I left a message." David said.
David coughed a couple times.
"I can't imagine what you're feeling right now." Cicely said.
"Me? What about you?" David asked.
"I don't know, I never thought I'd have to go through this." Cicely said.
He held her hand slightly tighter.
"Me neither." David said.
She hugged David, as tears began to fall down both their cheeks. Suddenly, David heard a car door from outside. He went to see who it was, it was his daughter Avery.
"Sweetie, what are you doing here?" David asked.
"Mom told me everything, I had to check on you. Don't worry, the dean is giving me time to be away for you." Avery said.
"Oh sweetheart." David said.
She hugged her father, trying not to cry. Cicely came to hug her daughter.
"I missed you sweetie." Cicely said.
"I missed you too mom." Avery said.
Suddenly, the phone started ringing.
"I'll get it." David said.
He went to pick up the phone.
"Hello?" David asked.
"David? I just got your message. I'm so sorry." Noah said.
"It's okay, it's life." David said.
"Me and Jeanette will be there soon." Noah said.
"Thanks Noah, I don't deserve a brother as good as you." David said.
"Don't be silly. That reminds me, what about the others?" Noah asked.
"Gigi is held up at work with Victor, and Austin I haven't heard back from." David said.
"Don't worry, we'll figure it out." Noah said.
"I can't wait to see you Noah." David said.
"Ditto." Noah said.
David, Cicely and Avery were sitting at the dining table talking about things they have been up to. Avery has been away at college for 5 years.
"So how has school been sweetie?" Cicely asked.
"It's been good, I've expanded my knowledge of the human body." Avery said.
"I'm very proud of you Avery, you're a very intelligent woman. Like your mother." David said.
Cicely blushed.
"How have things been here? I mean aside from... you know." Avery said.
"It's been fine. Cicely was recognized at the physics institute as one of the best and brightest employee's it ever had." David said.
"Congrats mom." Avery said.
David got up from the table.
"Honey, where are you going?" Cicely asked.
"I'm going to go keep an eye out for Noah and Jeanette." David said.
"Be careful sweetheart, you know you shouldn't be on your feet too long." Cicely said.
David nodded, and proceeded outside. He felt the cool breeze blow against his skin, it brought back many memories of his youth. David then thought about the life he has lived up to this point. He grew up with the one of the biggest selling recording bands ever, and a group of friends he considers family. He also thought of his life with his lovely wife Cicely. He loved her from the bottom of his heart. As he stood there David saw a car coming up the hill, he couldn't quite make out what car it was because the lights were covering the car. David tried to make it out but his vision failed him, as a matter of fact his vision began to get worse.
"Whoa." He said.
He found it hard to keep his eyes open, and stand.
*THUD*
DAVID!
David woke up in a hospital bed, wondering if this was it. Is this where it ends, alone in the hospital? Until he looked over at the door to his room, and he saw someone he never thought he would see again. It was Noah Roan.
"Brother." David said.
"Hey David." Noah said.
Soon, Jeanette entered the room with Cicely and Avery. They all were concerned for David.
"Sweetie are you okay?" Cicely asked.
"I have a headache, but yeah I'm fine." David said.
A tear fell from Cicely's eye.
"What's wrong Cicely?" David asked.
"Um, David there's something you should know..." Noah said.
Soon, more people entered the room. It was Gigi, Victor and Austin.
"Oh my gosh David, are you alright?" Gigi asked.
"What happened?" Austin asked.
"I passed out that's all." David said.
"No, that's not all David. Look, this isn't easy to say but... your time is drawing very, very close." Noah said.
David was scared, his life was about to end. This was it, no going back.
"You only have a few seconds." Noah said.
David said the only thing he could think to say.
"I love you all." David said.
Everyone smiled, with a bittersweet feeling. David turned to Cicely.
"Soon..." David said.
Cicely was slightly confused.
"Soon what sweetie?" Cicely asked.
"Soon... we'll see each other again." David said.
His eyes closed, and did not open again. His heart stopped, he was gone.
His tombstone read:
Robert David Coleman Heath
1997 - 2071
Beloved husband and father
"Don't be normal, because it's a waste of what you could be."