Chapter 14

Ari stepped into the elevator, headed toward Henley’s room. She had been dreading this conversation. The door opened on the third floor, giving her a moment to think of how to word it correctly. There was no way that she could tell her everything, but she could tell her enough. Ari just hoped Henley understood... if not now, then maybe someday.

Henley was lying on her hospital bed. When they were children, Henley’s hair had always reminded Ari of the sunset. Now, her light auburn hair was starting to fade, and her skin was too pale. As Ari moved closer, she noticed that Henley’s eyes were closed. Ari feared that Henley was asleep, until she opened her eyes and smiled. It seemed strange, seeing Henley so weak. She had always been a track star, always so full of life. Ari had to believe that she would be again.

“Hey, girl,” Ari said softly, smiling as she crossed the room.

“Wow.” Henley sat up, moving slowly. “Did Vickie finally get hold of you? You look great! I love your hair!”

Ari shrugged. “Among other things. There was a lot of pushing and pulling, tweezing, masking—”

Henley held up her hands in surrender. “Okay, okay! I get the picture.” She tried to adjust herself to a more sitting position. “But it’s about time.”

Ari ignored the playful jab. “Don’t get up for me,” Ari instructed her, gently pushing her shoulder, helping her to lay back down. Ari sat on the edge of the bed and Henley slid over just a bit. “How are you feeling?”

Henley shrugged as she smiled. “Don’t worry. I’m not ready to give up my bedroom just yet.” Henley had a corner bedroom with windows. She had claimed the room years ago when they first moved into the house. Ari had always teased her about it but would never dream of taking it away from her. Secretly, she liked her own room. She just liked having something to tease Henley about.

Ari smiled. “Too late! I already moved my things in. All of your things are now in my old room.”

“Yeah, right.” Henley sat up, her light auburn hair falling over one shoulder. “Where have you been? I’ve missed you.”

Ari sighed. “Taking care of business.” She thought for a moment and then asked, “Where’s Mom?” Their mother had spent so much time there that Ari was surprised she hadn’t moved in a cot yet.

“She had to go home and do some laundry, change clothes... the usual.” Henley smiled. “I’m glad she went home for a little bit. I love her, but she’s been driving me crazy.” Henley sighed. “Can you do me a favor and talk to her? She’s not talking about any of this to me. Maybe she will to you.”

Ari nodded. “How are you holding up?”

“Good,” Henley replied. “Where else can I go to get away from it all and get all the ginger ale that I could ask for?”

Ari chuckled. “Only you.” She hated to do this, but she didn’t have much time. Plus, she wanted to talk to her before their mother returned. “Henley, I have to talk to you about something.”

“What?” Her eyebrows pulled together in concern.

Ari ran her teeth over her bottom lip and then released it. She had been dreading this conversation, and now it was here. “First, you have to promise me that you won’t tell anyone.”

Henley smirked, motioning with her hand over her body. “Who am I going to tell? I’m not sure how much longer I’ll be in here. No one’s telling me much.”

Ari let out a slow breath, not sure how to tell her. But she thought that the direct approach was best. “Henley, I’m getting married.”

“You what?” Henley’s eyebrows rose nearly into her hairline. “Since when? You’re not even seeing anyone!”

“It’s happened fast.” A lump formed in her throat. “The thing is, I have to go away for a little while. But I’ll be back to visit before you know it.”

Henley looked into her eyes, obviously searching for the truth. Having found it, she pulled her hand away. “You mean to tell me that I am here fighting for my life, and you’re not going to be here?”

Pain gripped Ari’s chest. “Henley, we have the best doctors—”

“I don’t care about that!” Angry tears welled up within her eyes. “I want you here with me! Why can’t you wait?”

Ari shook her head as a tear escaped her eye, falling down her cheek. “It can’t be helped,” she croaked. “I have to go now.” Ari picked up Henley’s cell phone laying on the counter. “I’m adding my new cell phone number to your contacts.” She quickly input the information. “And if you need anything at all, call me.”

Henley nodded. Then she turned to look out the window. When she looked back, hot, angry tears were in her eyes. “You’re really going to leave me?”

“Henley, please understand—”

Henley shook her head. “No. No, I won’t.” She narrowed her eyes, looking into her soul. “Get out.”

“Henley, don’t do this—”

“I can’t believe you’re being so selfish!” Henley looked up at the ceiling and then wiped tears away from her cheeks. “Why can’t you wait? If he loves you, he’ll wait a few months.”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t.” Ari pulled her close and quickly kissed her forehead before Henley could object, just like she used to do when they were kids. “I love you.” Then she rose from the edge of the bed and walked out, leaving Henley crying softly behind her.

Outside the door, Ari broke down, allowing herself this one moment to grieve. After this, she would be strong and accept her new life... for better or for worse. But now was her moment to say goodbye to her old life, to grieve for Henley. She wished beyond all hope that she could be there to hold her hand during the months to come, but it just wasn’t possible. She hurried to the elevator, hit the button and quickly got in before she could change her mind. But then again, she couldn’t. The money had already been accepted and paid. She just hoped that Henley would understand one day.

The elevator door opened, and she ran outside, letting the cool, November air cleanse her, to dry her tears, to give her absolution. She started walking toward the parking lot, when she noticed a black stretch limousine setting in the turnabout in front of the hospital. Then she saw that the driver was holding a sign saying ARI DOUGLAS in big letters. Against her better judgement, she wiped away her tears, walked over to him, and pointed to the sign. “I’m Ari Douglas.”

“Ma’am, I have instructions to pick you up here—”

“But what about my car?” Ari asked in disbelief.

The driver, dressed in dark sunglasses, a dark suit, and a black hat replied, “I have instructions to pick you up. A bodyguard will come to collect your car for you.”

“And take me where?”

Just then, a smartly dressed woman sitting in the back leaned out the back door and smirked. “Shopping, of course.”

Seeing the woman made Ari feel a bit better. Ari headed toward the car. She could see that her new fiancé sure was full of surprises.