“I was,” Rachel sighed. “I was scared of what people would say. I was scared the nightmares would never stop. I was scared of what having a baby would mean for the rest of my life. I was scared of actually giving birth.”
“But you did it. You made it through all of that,” Emily smiled.
Rachel pulled Emily into her arms and held her there. “I wish that things could have been different between us,” she cried. “I don’t know if it’s being pregnant that has stirred up all these old emotions inside of me or what, but I can’t imagine Victoria not being a part of my everyday world…and it has forced me to face a lot of regrets. Don’t get me wrong, I have loved being your sister…but I’m not your sister, Emily…you are my daughter…I’m your mother…”
The door opened, and it was Wally, looking uncharacteristically dapper in his suit with his hair all pulled back. “Oh, I’m sorry. I’m interrupting?” he apologized.
“No, come-in,” Rachel motioned him inside. “It’s almost time to leave, but there is something I want us to do first. I want to tell Emily our news.”
“Em,” Wally smiled. “I love Rachel; you know that…you’ve always been supportive of our relationship, and I love you for that, so you should be the first to know… I asked her to marry me.”
“Oh Wow!” Emily exclaimed. “Congratulations!”
“Actually, there is just one more thing, Emily,” Wally shook his head.
“What?” Emily asked curiously.
“She hasn’t said yes,” Wally shrugged.
“You haven’t told him yes yet? Emily turned to Rachel.
“No,” Rachel smiled.
“I don’t understand,” Emily shook her head, staring at Rachel and her belly that was about to pop and then back at Wally.
“Emily,” Rachel smiled. “When Wally told me that he wanted to get married, I told him I couldn’t answer him until he asked you. Because before I can move on with the next phase of my life and become a wife, I feel like I need to first become the mother that I should have been for a very long time. I will never truly be able to have a family of my own unless you are an intricate part of it. Victoria needs her sister.”
Wally put his arm around Rachel. “So what do you say, Emily? I know it’s a lot to think about…”
“Yes!” Emily exclaimed confidently. “Yes, she’ll marry you!”
“Emily, aren’t you even going to ask to see the ring first and make sure you approve?” Rachel chided playfully. “Goodness child, I still have so much to teach you!”
Emily wrapped her arms around both Rachel and Wally and smiled brightly.
Wally kissed the top of Emily’s head. “I’m not your father, Emily…but you know that I love you and that you can come to me for anything, right? I don’t have much, but what I do have, Rachel and you and Victoria can have it all.”
“I love you, Wally,” Emily nodded. “Thank you for loving Rachel; thank you for everything you have done for Grant and our family since he’s been sick; thank you for being the doting father I know you will be for my baby sister.”
“You’re easy,” Wally laughed. “I hope your new sister is just as sweet as you are.”
Emily put her arms around Rachel and rested her hand on Rachel’s belly. “I promise to be the best big sister I can be!”
“Speaking of,” Rachel nodded. She took a deep breath. “Let’s go watch my baby brother graduate from high school.”
Grant stood at the podium looking out at the crowd, all wearing white surgical masks that had been provided to them at the door. In a town meeting a week earlier, the parents, family and friends of Hope Hull High School’s graduating class had unanimously voted that they would do whatever it took to make it possible for their class valedictorian to be a part of their special day. Misty had brought markers to the ceremony, and, thanks to her, several of Grant’s friends were sporting special masks! On Hailey’s Misty had drawn big, pink puckered lips! For Billy Wayne, a big, goofy smile with a couple missing teeth, and, for Paul, a big zipper, zipped shut.
As Grant stared out at the crowd, all wearing their Sunday best, with their faces covered by masks, he had to lower his eyes to the podium in front of him, overwhelmed by their show of support. He brought his hands up over his eyes, unable to look up, sure he didn’t have the strength to deliver the speech he had prepared.
“I remember driving into town for the very first time,” Grant said with carefully measured breath, “and I’ll be honest…I thought you were all just a bunch of crazy, country hicks.” After a long pause, he shrugged, “and you are.” Laugher and applause danced throughout the room. Grant wiped a tear from his cheek with the palm of his hand before straightening his microphone. “The thing is I had no idea what was in store for me here and how much I would learn from each of you. I had a whole speech planned, the kind of speech I always imagined delivering when this time came, but somebody once told me that sometimes fancy words are overrated, so I’m just gonna get straight to the point. Today, we graduate from Hope Hull High School, and, as the only member of our graduating class who did not spend his entire academic career in the Hope Hull school system, I may seem like the least appropriate person to be delivering our commencement speech. However, as the only member of our class who didn’t spend kindergarten to senior year going to school here, I think I offer the most perspective when I tell you that there’s a whole world out there waiting for us. Whatever awaits you after today…whether you’re staying close by in Memphis or moving to Knoxville or even Massachusetts, I hope you all take a piece of Hope Hull with you when you go. Take it from a guy who has been a little bit of everywhere…this podunk town you folks call home…it’s a special place. It took me a long time to realize it, so maybe I’m not as smart as you guys all think, huh?” Grant smiled. “There are a lot of things in my life right now that I can’t be certain of, but, as I look out at all of you, looking ridiculous in those masks, I am overwhelmed by the love and support this whole town has shown to a guy who doesn’t deserve it.” Grant wiped his eyes again. “I can’t thank you all enough for everything you have done for me and my family. Thank you for loving Hailey and for loving me because I am a part of her. It’s no secret that one day I hope to take her away from Hope Hull and chase some dreams…but, there is one thing I am sure of…when I leave this place, each and every one of you will go with me.”
Remission was the sweetest word Grant had ever heard spoken when Dr. Lassiter informed him that tests showed his body was completely Leukemia free.
Hailey and Grant sat out on the back porch, enjoying a beautiful day before Grant was due to check into the hospital. Hailey couldn’t help but notice how bone thin he had become recently; it had happened gradually as a result of new medications, but today was the first time she noticed how defined his jaw line had become and how sunken his chest seemed. It broke her heart to see him this way, but today her heart was so full of hope and joy. Grant’s battle was far from over, but it had finally come to this…the next day he was to be admitted to the hospital to begin being prepped for the transplant that could ultimately save his life.
Hailey had learned to treasure the good moments, knowing that tough moments would follow. But now, with Grant in remission and a life-saving transplant in the foreseeable future, she finally felt like she could see the light at the end of the tunnel.
“So, I know that the doctors said that even if the transplant is a complete success, you won’t be able to go to Boston for this coming school year,” Hailey said, “so I was thinking that I might start classes at the University of Memphis. My dad looked into getting me enrolled there for this coming up semester. You know, just to get some basics under my belt, so I won’t be so overwhelmed when we do go to Boston. I know you, and I know you are planning to pile up on your class loads, but I won’t be able to manage that.”
“I think that sounds great,” Grant agreed.
Hailey smiled. “I’ve been doing some research about AML and about St. Jude too, even though that isn’t where you’re receiving your treatment. It’s a disease and an institution that are close to my heart. St. Jude is right here in my home state, and the more I learn about what goes on there, the more I want to find ways to give back. I want to get involved because I’ve never directly experienced cancer myself, but cancer has played a huge role in my life twice now. From Leukemia to Autism, there are social issues I want to address and causes I want to champion. I don’t want to just sit back any longer, Grant; I want to do something to help. If the past year has taught me anything, it’s that I’m not a kid anymore. What I’m going to be, I’m currently becoming, and, for the first time in my life, I honestly believe that the possibilities are limitless.”
Grant smiled proudly. “Every single time I start to believe that it’s not possible for me to love you more than I already do…I am proven wrong.” He shook his head in awe of her. ”You have been so incredibly strong through all of this.”
“No,” Hailey shook her head sheepishly. “I am definitely not the strong one…that would be you.”
Grant leaned in and kissed Hailey. The kiss was long, and it contained an unspoken urgency that neither of them wanted to face.
“Hailey,” Grant pulled away, “I want you to know something.”
“No,” Hailey kissed him again. “Don’t talk, Grant…just kiss me.”
Grant held Hailey’s face in his hands, forcing her to look at him. “No matter how this turns out, I want you to know how lucky I feel.” Tears filled Hailey’s eyes as she listened to Grant’s words and felt his sweet touch against her skin. “So many people live a lifetime, Hailey, and they never find love like this. I’m eighteen…and, even if I never see nineteen, it’ll be alright…because I’m looking at my soul mate, and I honestly don’t know how life could ever get any better than it has already been.”
