“What the hell are you trying to do? Kill me?” He asked.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to.” I answered and rubbed my wrist. The gun was sitting on the table.
“You haven’t used one of these have you?” he asked.
“No, I haven’t” I mumbled feeling embarrassed.
“I’ll show you how to unload it and what it does.” He said and showed me everything about the gun. By the time he was done I was a pro. I could open the cylinder, I knew how to fire the gun and most importantly I knew where the safety was. I stowed the gun in my backpack thanked him for his help and left.
When I showed up at Tiffany’s dorm she immediately dragged me to her room and closed the door. She asked me how I got it and I shared the story with her. She was anxious to see it and was impressed by it. When she asked me if it would fit she was talking about her pocket. Of course it wouldn’t but I didn’t get the chance to answer her because that’s when Crystal barged into the room.
I could tell by the look on her face she was angry, but then her expression slipped to confusion. Then she began asking questions. Did it really matter why Tiffany had a gun? I had to change the subject before this got out of hand.
Of course I didn’t want to tell her that I knew she was screwing around with Gabriel but it was the first thing that came to my mind. The words left my mouth before I had a chance to stop myself. I didn’t mean to make her cry. I didn’t mean for the situation to feel awkward I just wanted to distract her about the gun. Now I’m worried I’ve said too much. I’m hoping that shopping for clothes will take her mind off everything.
I sent her off with Kelly to find something to wear. I wanted to make sure she could buy everything she wanted so I sent her with a lot of cash. I hope she had fun and I couldn’t wait for her to get back. I had plans already. My dad called me earlier and told me that he needed to talk to me. I could tell by the tone of his voice he was serious. Our plans were to meet at a restaurant in the area. I drove up and was nervous that his friend said something to him about the gun. Or maybe he wasn’t happy with me. It could be anything with my dad.
I parked the car and walked inside. I saw my dad sitting at a table his back was to me and I saw a frail thin woman sitting to his right. I passed the hostess and took a seat at the table. I had a closer look at the woman and I was shocked that she was my mother. “Oh my God, Mom!” I said, not even sitting down; just standing there with my mouth open staring at her. She looked up at me her eyes were tired, her skin was more wrinkled that I last remembered and she looked painfully pale.
“Oh Ryan! My boy! How are you?” She asked, and then tried to stand up. My Dad got up and helped her out of the chair. She reached out to hug me and I hugged her back. I couldn’t believe how thin she was. Something was wrong, even my dad looked stressed and worried.
“I’m great mom.” I answered. She kissed me on the cheek and we both sat down.
“Son, we need to talk” My dad said.
“Fiddlesticks, that can wait, Phil.” My mom said. “How’s college, dear?” She asked.
“It’s um, going well.” I answered.
“And your job?”
“Great never better.”
“What about Crystal? Anything new with her?”
“I sent her shopping today; we’re going to a party tonight.”
“That’s wonderful, dear. You know I was hoping you two would finally date each other. It warms my heart to know you two are finally together. You know I see her as a daughter that I never had?”
“I know mom.” I answered. It was hard for me to be chipper with my mother looking like death. I wanted to know what was going on, but I didn’t want to be rude.
My dad cleared his throat, “Michele, we’re going to have to tell him.” He mumbled. His face was stoic. I wasn’t looking forward to what they had to tell me.
“What is it?” I asked.
“Ryan, son.” My dad started.
“I’m going to die.” My mom said.
“What?” I asked.
“Michele.” My dad said and brought a hand up to his eyes.
“Well it’s the truth and I want to get it out of the way. There’s no sense in beating around the bush.” She said. I tried to speak but I could say anything. My mom was going to die? My mind was spinning with questions and I didn’t know how to react. I was sad and angry all at once. When did this happen? Why didn’t they say anything? My face felt wet and I realized I was tearing up. My mother, the one who took care of me; she always listened to me when I needed someone to talk to and she gave me advice. She kissed me on the cheek in front of all my classmates when I was in first grade. I was made fun of for weeks after that. My mother who would sleep in my bed with me if I needed her until I was eight. My mother whose face shined with pride when I graduated high school. She seemed fine just a few months ago, apart from the fall. “How?” I finally managed to ask through the tears that were gently streaming down my face.
“Cancer,” My dad said thickly. He was crying as well.
“What kind?” I asked.
“She has a very aggressive form of cancer. The name escapes me now, but…”
“Where is it?” I asked “Stomach, pancreas, colon?”
“A better question would be is where don't I have cancer.” My mother interjected.
“What she means is it’s wide spread.” My father said answering my next question.
“So,” I start to ask, but feel a lump in my throat. I don’t want to know the answer to this question but I’m going to find out one way or another. I swallow hard. “How long?” I asked, barely able to get the words out.
“She has…” My father starts, but he can’t finish. His voice breaks.
“I have less than a year.” My mother answers for my dad.
“What about chemo?” I ask, hoping that there is an answer. I can’t lose my mom.
“I’m going through treatment, but it’s not working very well.” My mother answers and my father just sits there. I could tell he was trying hard to maintain his composure.
“Why didn’t you tell me? When did you find out?” I asked
“Honey,” My mother said and grabbed my hand. “We found out at the hospital, after I fell. They ran a bunch of tests and discovered the tumors. We didn’t tell you because we didn’t have a time frame. We were hoping treatment would work, but so far there isn’t much change. We had to take time to process everything, and we didn’t want to distract you from school.”
“You found out months ago and you’re just telling me now?”
“Yes.”
“But you can fight this right? I mean there are all kinds of new treatment procedures and they can find something that will work.”
“Sweetie, I’ve looked into my options. There isn’t much I can do to reverse the cancer.”
“No, you’re not looking hard enough. You’re going to get better.” I told her. I was crying and I didn’t believe what I was saying. I could tell just by looking at her that she was telling the truth. “I don’t want to lose you.” She reached across the table and held me as I cried. I could hear sobs rise in her throat as well. We sat there like that together as a family holding each other and crying. Crying for the person that we would all sorely miss and crying for the future that’s ahead without her in it. I envision Christmas without her for a split second, and the image was too much for me to handle. Fresh tears streamed down my face all over again.
Eventually, the tears did stop, and we were able to return to normal conversation. Before I left my mother told me to make the most of my life and do the things I wanted to do and to not worry about the little things they would work themselves out. She also told me to be good to Crystal and understanding as well. She gave me one long hug before my dad escorted her away to the car. I watched as they drove away and I wondered if I would see my mom again.
I was heavy hearted. A bomb was dropped on me. How was I supposed to function after this? I remembered how much my mom
loved seeing Crystal. I need to do something nice for her, for my mom’s sake. I already have a place planned to take her, but I want to give her something, too. Something that will knock her socks off. I go to a jewelry store looking for just the right thing. I looked in the glass cases and paused at the engagement rings. I would love to put on one Crystal’s finger, but I know she’s not ready for that yet. When she is ready though, I’m going to give her the best ring I can. I move on to the earrings, but decide against it. She doesn’t really wear them. I could give her a necklace, but it just doesn’t seem to fit the occasion.
Finally, I settle on the bracelets. I want something that’s just as beautiful as her. I decided against a bracelet with tiny chip diamonds. Sure it’s pretty but it just isn’t right. A sales associate stands behind the glass case, “Can I help you with anything?” he asks.
“I’d like to see that bracelet.” I answered and pointed at a white gold bracelet with circular cut diamonds.
“That’s a very fine choice, sir.” The sales rep says and carefully lifts the bracelet out of the case. “This bracelet is fourteen karat white gold, and five carats total weight of diamonds, spanning seven inches in length.” He places the bracelet in my hands and I examine it. It shimmers in the light; I’m reminded of how Crystal’s eyes sparkle. This bracelet would suit her perfectly. I tell the sales rep that I want it and he rings me up. He even wrapped it up for me. It set me back a few grand, but that was okay. I was sure that Crystal would love it. What girl doesn’t like diamonds?
I had just enough time to pick up some flowers and chocolate before I had to get ready to pick Crystal up. I picked up a bouquet of the prettiest flowers I could find, and grabbed a box of imported chocolates. I drove back to my dorm and hopped in the shower. I was going to have to be quick if I was going to be on time to get Crystal.
Gabriel
I was so excited when I saw my score for finals. I made a ninety one percent average. It’s the best semester grade I’ve ever had and it brought my total score up from a low B almost C to a solid B.
Now all I needed to do was secure a building and buy it. Over the past week I’ve raised more funds. I’m amazed by the generosity of complete strangers, strangers that believe in me. Instead of posting about the building that I want I send out a general thank you. I prepare to leave, and ride around.
Fall is turning into winter, but the air is still mild. It’s a bright, clear day, and it’s perfect outside for a ride, I’ll just need my jacket. I zipped up my black leather riding jacket and hopped on my motorcycle it growled to life and I sped off into the neighborhood. I found a building not far off from where the first one was. It must have just gone up for sale because it didn’t have a sign on it before. I didn’t waste any time and pulled my cell phone out of my pocket and called the number. A female voice answered on the other end after two rings. Her name was Samantha and she told me the sign was put up just this morning.
I could barely believe my luck. I asked her how much and my jaw dropped to the floor. Not only was it a nice building, as far as I could tell from the outside, but the price was less than the first one. Not only would I be able to purchase it, but I would have enough money left over to buy equipment. I told her I was standing outside and she offered to come out and show me the building. I anxiously waited for her to meet me and paced.
I was itching to update my blog from my phone, but something told me not to. I had lost on two other buildings and I didn’t want to risk losing on this one. I wanted to tell Crystal too, but I figured I would have a chance later and if everything goes well I can tell her by showing the building to her. It would make a great date for the both of us and I couldn’t wait.
A jet black BMW with tinted windows pulls into the gravel parking lot. The tires crunch as she pulls up next to me. She rolls down the window and I see a woman who looks to be in her 30s looking back at me. Her red hair falls into maintained curls around her face. “Are you Gabriel?” She asks.
“Yes,” I smile at her. She parks her car, and steps out. She’s tall, thin and walks with certainty towards the door. “If you follow me,” she says.
I walk behind her and she unlocks the building. She reaches next to the door and turns on the lights. They flicker and they’re dim at first, but they provide enough light for me to see the empty building. It’s bigger than I thought it would be. The building isn’t insulated, and it’s like a big giant garage. There are bay doors that open, and the roof is high enough that I could add a second floor. As I look around I can see in my mind where I’ll put a half pipe for skate boards, an area for couches with a TV, and a computer hub. If I put in a second floor I can add a snack bar.
“Is there a bathroom?” I ask Samantha.
“It’s this way.” She says and our footsteps echo as we walk across the building to a corner closet. She opens the door and there’s a little toilet with a sink. It’s not bad, but I’ll need another bathroom and a shower if my little brother is going to live with me.
We stand in the building for a while and I discuss the process of buying the building. I’m going to have to have it inspected, and I’m going to have to put some money down. Provided everything goes well and there aren’t any problems I’ll be able to close on the building in a matter of weeks. I write a check for the earnest amount, shake hands with Samantha, and ride back to my dorm. I’m so happy that I’ve found something that will work.
Now I just need to find an inspector and find out how much it will cost. Hopefully I won’t have to fix anything. Then there’s insurance. I grab my laptop and begin searching. I find an inspector that has a great reputation according to the reviews online and call him up. He gives me a quote and tells me he can inspect as soon as next week. I arrange the time. I write down a list of insurance companies to call later. As long as everything goes well I should be able to call them up for quotes.
I can’t believe everything is falling into place like it is. Here I was worried that I wouldn’t find what I was looking for after I lost the first place and now I have a place fall practically into my lap. It’s funny how life is sometimes. Most people take a while to buy their first place, they save their money and plan it carefully, and here I am second year in college, buying a building instead of a home. It’s okay though this building means so much to me and it’s the beginning of a new chapter in my life.
Now there’s the matter of the party. It’s tonight and Emily is the host. I’m not looking forward to a possible run in with her after all the texts and the flyer incident, but Crystal is going to be there and who am I to pass up a chance to spend some time with her.
Chapter Twelve
Party
Crystal
It seems like it’s been forever since Kelly and I have been out. Ryan sent me with enough money to buy a store, and Kelly was more than happy to come with me. She chatted nonstop about Nick, and the band. I could tell she was excited about their performance tonight, and the fact that Ryan and I were going to meet them. I watch Kelly’s face as she talks, I haven’t seen her this happy in a long time and she glows when she says his name.
She addresses each piece of clothing with, Nick will like this, or Nick would hate this. Then she tells me that she’s thinking of cutting her hair. Apparently Nick has been saying that he likes short hair. I honestly don’t know what Kelly would look like with short hair and I can’t imagine it. She’s had long hair the whole time I’ve known her, and I just don’t think she has the right face for it. I try to talk her out of it when we get distracted by the biggest selection of shoes Kelly and I have ever seen.
It seems like we were there for hours making the poor sales clerk run back and forth for shoes in our size. We tried on what seemed like every single pair of shoes in the store, but we made it worth their time. I left with ten boxes of shoes because I couldn’t decide. Kelly didn’t buy as much as me, but she still bought more than what the clerk was expecting. We giggled as we carried our stash to Kelly’s car and stowed it in the trun
k.
With Kelly’s help I was able to pick out a few nice outfits and a nice pair of jeans and a cute shirt for the party. I instantly felt better about myself, now that I was in some clothes that fit. The last thing on our list was a pedicure. Even though I would be wearing shoes that didn’t show my toes, I wanted a pedi. It’s been a long time since I last had one.
We walked arm in arm into the salon, and chatted about the party as we got our feet massaged, and toes painted. I was more relaxed and ready for the party when it was over. By the time we were completely done, we had just enough time to get back to our dorms and get ready for the night ahead. Ryan texted me earlier that he would be by to pick me up, we were going to go to dinner first, and then meet up with Kelly later.
When I was finished getting ready, Ryan knocked at the door, his timing impeccable as always. He handed me a beautiful bouquet of flowers, and a box of chocolates. I decide that I’m going to have to talk to him about my diet. If I keep eating this kind of stuff, I’ll sure I’ll look like Shamu by the end of the school year.
I put the flowers in a glass of water, set the chocolates on the table and held Ryan’s hand as we walked to his car. “I want to celebrate your accomplishments, tonight.” He says as he starts the car.
“My accomplishments? You didn’t too terrible either.” I say, rubbing his arm.
“Fine, we’ll celebrate our accomplishments.” He chuckles.
Ryan drives me to another fine restaurant, where the food is rich and flavorful and the price is cringe worthy. I don’t know how he finds these places, but sometimes I just want a simple burger from a fast food joint. When we’re done with our meal, Ryan places a present in front of me. “What is this?” I ask.
“Open it and find out.” He says.
The paper is pretty and I don’t want to rip it, so I carefully remove the tape on either side of the box, and revel a velvet box, the kind of box that can only hold one thing; jewelry. I open the box and gasp with the brilliant diamond bracelet that sits inside. It’s beautiful and it glimmers in the dim lighting that reflects off its many facets. I’m unable to speak, and Ryan takes the bracelet out of the box and puts it on my wrist.
Secrets (Swept Saga) Page 13