Becca

by Krystek, Dean

  “Yes.”

  “Every day? No, don’t answer. I know you probably haven’t been praying for me. Please start, however. I think I need prayers.”

  “I’ll do that.” Bert said. “Now tell me what’s wrong.”

  “I have cancer, you idiot. Did you forget?” Then her mouth sought his and she kissed him severely. Bert felt her tears as they left her eyes and dampened his cheeks. She broke off the kiss and placed her head against his chest. “The tumor didn’t shrink,” she said. “It grew.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “You’ve got enough to worry about.” She used the front of his shirt to wipe her eyes.

  “So…what’s next?”

  “I’m starting another round of chemo in a couple of days—a larger dose I guess, just to see if the cancer responds. If it doesn’t, he’s cutting it out. I think I’m going to lose my leg.”

  “I’m sorry.” Bert kissed the top of her head, relishing the scent and feel of her hair.

  “Ah, you don’t care. Legs are legs, right? And don’t waste a kiss there,” she said and then covered his mouth with hers again. “Well,” she said when their lips parted. “I got you into the back seat of my car and you felt me up, so I guess it wasn’t a total waste.” Her finger poked his chest. “And I know for certain it’s not a roll of quarters.” In spite of shivering and the melancholy sound of her voice, she giggled.

  “It’s bigger than a roll of Lifesavers,” Bert said.

  She made an exaggerated shrug. “I didn’t say that. I said it wasn’t a roll of quarters.” She burst out laughing, which brought tears to her eyes. “Do you mind if we go now?”

  “Not at all.”

  With difficulty, they regained the front seat and Bert drove Becca to his house. They made themselves comfortable on the couch, but Becca fell fast asleep with her head on his lap and her body curled up into a little ball. Bert soon fell asleep also. Carol thought about waking them up, but she saw how wonderful they looked together, so she left them and went to bed.

  III

  The phone woke him up.

  Bert looked at his watch. It was nearly four AM. Becca stirred and sat up, her face a mask in incomprehension. Bert eased off the couch, Becca taking the opportunity to stretch full length now.

  “Where is she?” it was Bill’s voice on the phone the second Bert answered.

  “She’s here.”

  “I’m coming to get her.”

  “No you’re not. I’ll bring her to you.”

  “Let me talk to her.”

  Bert sighed heavily and nudged Becca. She sat up and rubbed her eyes. “It’s your father.”

  “My father? What time is it?”

  “Just after four.”

  She took the phone. “What? No. No! I’m okay. I fell asleep. I’ll come home now. No! Now. Don’t worry. His mother’s here, you want to talk to her? Bye!” She hung up quickly, yawned, and stretched. “I guess I’d better go.” She stood up with Bert’s help.

  “Are you going to be okay?”

  “Yeah. I don’t have far to go.”

  “No, I mean when you get home.”

  “Don’t worry, he won’t touch me.”

  “If he does—”

  She hugged him. “He won’t. I enjoyed sleeping with you.”

  “So did I.”

  “Maybe some time we can really sleep with each other.”

  “Hmmm, that conjures a picture.”

  She planted a wet kiss on his cheek. “It was supposed to.” Then her fingertips touched the spot. “Good night, Josh. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

  He walked her toward the car, letting her lean on him for support. “Are you sure I can’t give you a ride home?”

  “And how would you get home?”

  “I’ll drop you off and my mom could follow me back over to your place tomorrow in her car and I’ll drop yours off.”

  “Would you mind?”

  “Not at all. You go back into the house and I’ll warm up the car.”

  She handed him the keys and went back inside. He scraped the windshield and back window as the engine ran with the heater on full. Finished, he went back inside and brought Becca out to the car, his arm around her and holding her close. She shivered the entire distance to the car.

  “Thank you, Josh,” Becca said as Bert pulled away from the curb.

  “Not a problem, Becca.” He felt her hand on his and took it. Hers was cold and dry and he was afraid to squeeze it. “Where am I going?”

  “Oh, that’s right, you don’t know where I live, do you.”

  “Not at all.”

  “Okay. Well, just follow my directions, soldier, and we’ll make it through this together.”

  Becca turned on the radio and she yawned and sat as close to Bert as the gear shifter allowed. Bert realized how much he was going to miss her. He felt very alone then.

  Becca lived in a sub-division of new homes. Hers was set back from the street by a short walk. Lights were on and they saw a curtain move in one of the front windows.

  She sighed heavily and yawned. “Thanks, Josh.”

  “I can go with you. I can explain.”

  “Nope, that’s okay. He wouldn’t listen to you anyway.”

  The front door opened. Her father came out and stood on the porch.

  “Let me help you.”

  “No, I’m okay. Really.”

  Bert got out, went around, and opened Becca’s door and helped her out of the car. He said, “I should walk with you.”

  “I’m okay. Besides, he’s waiting to say something to you.”

  “So let him.”

  “Josh, please. I’m not afraid. He won’t touch me.”

  “But he has touched you.”

  “Yes. But no more. Trust me.” She hugged him and shivered. “I’ll call you tomorrow and tell you what time to bring my car around.”

  “Yes ma’am.”

  She smiled, kissed her finger, and touched his lips with it.

  He felt the moistness of her kiss and smiled.

  “Good night, Josh. Now get in the car and go.”

  Bert climbed back into the car and watched Becca limp toward the front door. Her father stood rigid, not watching her, but rather watching Bert. The man’s mouth moved—no doubt giving Becca a hard time and Bert fought the temptation to get out and confront the man, but Becca turned and waved her fingers at him as if nothing was wrong. She walked up onto the porch, her father pointing his pipe at her as she walked past him. The man then turned and started down the walk toward the car, and Bert decided it was time to go.

  IV

  “Come pick me up.”

  Bert drove out to Becca’s house and saw her standing on the porch waiting for him. She made her way down the walk to the car. He jumped out, opened the door for her, and helped her inside.

  “So…I survived,” Becca said and kissed his cheek.

  “I’m glad to hear that.”

  “You’re taking me to lunch, then a movie, and then we’re going to hang around your house for the rest of the day—maybe you can even take me to dinner.”

  “Wow, I’m glad I didn’t have other plans.”

  “So am I. Tomorrow, you’re taking me to the hospital. It’s time for me take more poison into my body to keep me alive.”

  For the day, they both forgot their uncertain futures. Although they planned on going to a fancy restaurant for dinner, they stayed at Bert’s house and Carol prepared a meal. Becca had to be in the hospital early the next morning, so their evening ended early.

  VI

  Josh answered the phone.

  “Josh, Merry Christmas.”

  “Hi Becca, and Merry Christmas to you.”

  “This has been my Christmas Day: opened gifts—such as they were—listened to my mother and father argue about should I take off to come see you, which it didn’t matter anyway because I’m still pretty much screwed up and I’d only embarrass myself if I came over to your place right now. It�
�s what, 8 PM and I’m ready for bed and that’s after sleeping away the afternoon. I hate this chemo therapy stuff, but you know it beats the alternative.” She paused. “And let’s see…oh, yes, Greg came by and he says he’s looking forward to seeing me New Years Eve, and then I realized my parents were going out for New Years and probably asked him to come over to babysit me. What a life, huh? And I realized that I screwed up and didn’t get you a present or a card.”

  “Shit, Becca, I forgot also. Sorry.”

  “Forget it, Josh. So how was your day?”

  Bert chuckled. “Maybe a tad more exciting than yours. My mom’s been on the phone most of the day with my stepbrothers and grandkids. I’ve watched some TV…read some.”

  “You sound bored.”

  “Very perceptive young lady.”

  She yawned. “As much as I want to see you…I can’t. Not tonight. Let’s meet tomorrow for lunch.”

  “Where?”

  “Your house, have some sandwiches ready. Noon. Got it?”

  “Got it.”

  “Josh…gotta go. I’m falling asleep here. Holy cow am I tired. Merry Christmas again.”

  VII

  Josh watched Becca pick at her food. She was pale and thin, but she was in high spirits in spite of her condition. They lingered over lunch, engaging in small talk and in the comforting silence that comes when two people enjoy being with each other.

  “So,” Becca said through a yawn. “Who’s up for a nap?”

  “That would be you I suppose,” Josh said.

  “Yup.” Becca stood up and clutched the chair for support as a wave of nausea passed. Don’t be sick, Becca, she told herself. When Josh offered her his hand, she took it. “Where’s your room?”

  “My room?”

  “Jesus Christ, Josh. Your bedroom. It has a bed. I need to lie down for a while.”

  They mounted the stairs slowly and in Josh’s room, Becca kicked off her shoes and climbed onto his bed. “Oh my God, Josh. I am so sorry, but I can’t stay awake.”

  “I understand.”

  “Mmm, comfy,” said and pulled the comforter over her. “Come on, Josh…lie down with me.”

  Bert slipped out of his shoes and crawled under the comforter with her. She had her back to him and reached behind her to grab his leg and draw it over her. “Get closer,” she said. “Hold me while I nap.”

  Bert felt her body tremble as he lay against her. His arm went over her and shook his hand.

  “Don’t move,” Becca said and was soon asleep.

  Bert actually dozed and awakened when Carol came home from work. He eased out of the bed and went downstairs.

  “Becca’s here,” he said. “She’s napping in my bed.”

  “Is she okay?”

  “I hope so, Mom.”

  In the early evening, Becca awakened and came downstairs to greet Carol, to Bert she said, “You moved.”

  He smiled. “Sorry about that.”

  “Carol, I’d really like stay, but I have to get home. I’ve got to go into chemo again tomorrow and…well…I’m so damn tired—still—that if I stay here any longer I might have to stay the night.” She smiled. “And I want you to know that your son, Bertram here, was a perfect gentleman. You have nothing to be concerned with.” She tugged at Josh’s arm and he bent over so she could kiss him.

  Bert walked her to her car. “I’ll call you tomorrow,” he said.

  “No, Josh, let me call you. I don’t know what time I’ll be like after the treatment.”

  VIII

  “Sorry, Josh. Not feeling up to anything today.”

  “That’s alright, Becca.”

  “What are you doing for New Years?”

  “I had nothing planned.”

  “Really? No friends to go to…no parties?”

  “Nope.”

  “Just you and your mom?”

  “Actually, she’s going to a friend’s house. She wanted me to come along, but I didn’t feel like it.”

  “Want some company?”

  “I thought Greg was coming by to babysit you.”

  “He’s coming by, but I’ve got other plans. So, you want me to come over and celebrate the New Year with you or what?”

  “I suppose if you want to.”

  “Wow, Josh…make me feel wanted. I’ll be there by nine, okay?”

  “I’ll be here.”

  IX

  “Becca,” Greg said when he bid good night to her parents as they left the house. “I’m really sorry about this.”

  “Don’t be. I appreciate you wanting to come over to spend New Year’s Eve with me. I’m sure you’d rather be somewhere else.”

  “Well, yes.”

  “My father wanted you to babysit me, Greg, is that why you’re here?”

  “He said he didn’t want you to be alone. Your mom said that too, and she didn’t want to go out, but your dad insisted—”

  “I know all that, Greg. Look, I’m going to see Josh tonight, so you can do what you want.”

  “Actually, Becca, I don’t mind spending the night here with you.”

  She smiled and rubbed her hand affectionately across his cheek. “I know. And if things had been different…but I’m going to see Josh. He has to go back to the Army the day after tomorrow.”

  “Your father’s going to be pissed. He’ll kill me if he knows I left you here.”

  “So what? I’m an adult. I don’t need a babysitter, and in a couple of weeks, you’ll be in California, so he’s not going to bother you. And he won’t bother me anymore, either. Did I ruin your plans, Greg? I mean, can you go somewhere else? I don’t want you to be alone because of me.”

  “I can find a party.”

  “Which is where you should be rather than here. Go. And if someone asks what happened, just tell them I didn’t want you here, or something. But enjoy your evening.” She smiled and kissed him lightly on the lips. “Happy New Year, Greg.”

  He nodded and held her close, wondering if this was the last time she’d be in his arms. “Happy New Year, Becca.”

  X

  “Ready to party, Josh?”

  Bert closed the door behind Becca and took her coat. She wore a dress and make up, but she look tired in spite of spritely demeanor. “Maybe I am, what about you?”

  “Oh yeah, dancing, drinking, feasting… Actually, no, none of that. I just want to be with you, Josh.” She hugged him. “I should warn you, though, that I might not last till midnight, but if I should fall asleep, you’ll wake me up won’t you?”

  “Of course.”

  They got comfortable on the couch in front of the television. Becca began by sitting against him, but before long, she had kicked off her shoes and lay across his lap, with her head resting on a pillow against the arm of the couch. She did not last until midnight, but true to his word, Josh managed to bring her out of her deep sleep as the midnight countdown got underway.

  Becca, groggy and disoriented smiled at him. “Is it next year?”

  “In about twenty seconds.”

  “Happy New Year, Josh.”

  “Happy New Year, Becca.”

  They kissed and Becca held him tightly, as if afraid to let him go.

  “Josh,” she said, her head on his shoulder, her mouth against his neck, “I’m going to miss you. So much.”

  “More than words, Becca.”

  “Really? That much you miss me?” She smiled. “Let’s go to bed. Okay? You don’t mind?”

  “Not at all.”

  Bert carried Becca to his room where he sat her on the bed. Becca slipped out of her dress and stockings. “Give me a t-shirt, Josh,” she said.

  Bert pulled a t-shirt from his drawer and handed it to her.

  “Are you ready to see my boobs?” Becca smiled and yawned. She reached behind her and unhooked her bra. And let it slide down her arms to the floor. She slipped Bert’s t-shirt over her head. “So what’d ya think? You’re ogling me, right?” Her head popped through the top, her face contorted in a yawn. �
��Huh, am I right?”

  “Actually, Becca, I didn’t look,” Josh said.

  “Tell me it’s because you’re a gentleman and not because you don’t find me attractive.”

  “I’m a gentleman.” He stared at her for a moment. The angry welt on her right leg drew his attention.

  Becca smiled. “Please don’t look at it.”

  Bert felt a flush on his face. “Sorry.”

  “So, are you undressing or are you going to wear your clothes?

  Bert stripped to his underwear and climbed into bed beside Becca. He lay on his back and she snuggled against him, throwing one of her satiny soft legs over him.

  Becca kissed his neck and cheek and he turned his head to her. “Josh…please don’t leave this time. Don’t let me wake up alone in this bed.”

  “I promise, Becca.”

  She smiled. “I can’t stay awake…I’ll see you in the morning.” She puckered her lips and they kissed. “I love you Bertram Leslie Martin.”

  “Junior,” Bert said through a smile.

  “Oh, yeah. Junior.” She giggled and threw an arm across his chest as if to make sure he wouldn’t leave her, and drifted off to sleep.

  VIII

  The next morning, Bert awakened alone in bed. He heard someone in the hall bathroom and slipped into a pair of pajama pants that he found in a drawer. In the hall, he saw his mother’s door was closed. He tapped on the bathroom door.

  “Becca?”

  “Morning, Josh,” she said from behind the door. “I have to leave.”

  “What time is it?”

  “After ten.” She opened the door. “I called my parents to let them know I was on my way home. I don’t think they even knew I wasn’t there until I called. Needless to say, my father was furious. Where’s Carol?”

  “Sleeping.”

  “I didn’t hear her come in last night. Oh my God, she’s going to think the worst.”

  “Nope…I think she’s going to be happy.”

  Becca smiled sweetly. “Yeah, we do make a nice couple, don’t we?”

  Bert smiled. “You act you feel a lot better.”

  “For now. I’ve got my last round of chemo the day after tomorrow.” She wrapped her arms around him. “You leave tomorrow.”

  “Yes.”

  “And you’ll be back when?”

  “After training. March.”

  “And then you’re off to war?”