by Deorre, Iris
‘Justin sent us this glorious weather,’ said Sahara.
‘Yes, he did.’ Emily agreed.
They walked to the waiting car.
****
Sahara took a few bold steps to the front of the gathering. She stood in front of people she’d never met, and yet felt like she knew them.
‘Wow.’ Her eyes drifted over the wave of white in front of her. ‘What a turn out! Justin was really loved.’ She gazed at the amazing picture of him.
‘For those who don’t know me, I’m one of Justin’s friends. We met at the hospital while receiving chemo.’ She sucked in a deep breath. ‘I feel pretty honoured to be standing up here.’ She bit back her lower lip and tried not to cry. ‘It was Justin who taught me one of the most important lessons of life. He said, “Don’t waste your life dreaming about tomorrow. Tomorrow isn’t here yet, who knows, we might not see tomorrow. Spend your time being here, in the present moment.” ’ This time she dabbed away the tears. ‘We would discuss our wildest dreams, and he got to experience his, thanks to a very generous man, whom I’m so very proud of.’ She gazed at Eugene lovingly. ‘Justin, we will miss you, but we sure won’t forget you. You weren’t a movie star, or a famous performer, you may not be known by the whole world, but you, my friend lived your life to the fullest. Some people will never get to know what that means. Some people will continue to live in the future, and never get to experience the life right in front of them. You gave me the most precious gift, and I will continue to hold onto it. The gift of awareness, it allows me to hear the sweet sound of birds twitting in the morning, to see the squirrels as they rush up a tree, the ability to appreciate the warm sunshine on my skin. Even though I’m sad, I’m definitely a ten.’ She sniffed. ‘That means I’m doing great, and I guess some day we’ll meet again. We send you off with love! Rest in peace dear friend, rest in peace!’ She stepped down and went back to her seat.
‘That was beautiful, honey.’ Eugene kissed her.
The service continued with a few words from more friends. They were then led into a song, with Justin’s father playing the organ. It was a beautiful ceremony, one she would never forget. Finally the curtain closed around the casket, and it disappeared as Justin was cremated. There were a few sobs here and there, but everyone tried to make it a joyous moment.
After the service, people gathered in the café in the same place for food and a chat. Even though the trio had made their way over there to get something to eat, they didn’t stay long. Sahara wanted to get back home, she wanted to try and get back to normal as soon as possible.
****
The day finally arrived when she was to get the results of her illness. Was she or wasn’t she cancer free? She’d wanted to go it alone, but Eugene had insisted on going with her, and he wasn’t taking no for an answer.
Over the past couple of days, Eugene had seemed to be on the phone quite a lot. It had been something she’d noticed, but always assumed it had to do with his businesses.
They sat down to breakfast, but Sahara couldn’t bring herself to eat anything. The nerves were raging through her body.
‘At least try something,’ he said.
‘I can’t. I’m terrified.’
He nodded, there was nothing more for him to say. To tell her not to be afraid wasn’t his place, besides, he was certainly afraid too. It took him a few minutes to finish his breakfast, and soon they were on their way to see the oncologist.
There were two other people waiting to see him before her. The atmosphere in the waiting room was heavy. Everyone in that place was waiting to hear their fate, and none seemed too optimistic.
‘You okay?’ He took her hand and rubbed it gently.
‘I’m trying to be, but I’m as scared as hell. What if –’
‘Let’s wait for the results. Okay?’
‘Yes, okay.’ She leaned her head on his shoulder. ‘I’m glad you came, even though I didn’t want you to. I don’t think I would’ve managed this without you.’
He kissed her forehead. The next patient was called in. Sahara’s heart thudded. She shifted uncomfortably, and danced her foot up and down. It was a nightmare wide a wake and she wanted to wake up soon. Fifteen minutes later, the woman who had gone in, came out. There was no expression on her face. Sahara looked up at Eugene, he squeezed her hand.
Finally after thirty minutes of uncomfortable waiting, it was her turn to go into the room.
‘Sahara,’ said Dr Cross. ‘It’s good to see you, have a seat.’
‘Thank you. This is Eugene, he’s my support today.’
‘Nice to meet you, Eugene.’
Eugene nodded.
‘You look well, Sahara, I see your hair is growing back.’
‘Yep, hopefully to stay this time.’
He smiled and nodded, he could tell that she wanted to get it over and done with. He opened the file and a smile lightened his face.
‘It’s good news, Sahara.’
She beamed.
‘I can say that after all tests and scans, you’re cancer free. You’re in remission.’
‘Oh thank God!’ She turned to Eugene, he took her into a big hug. ‘Oh this is wonderful news!’
‘You know how this works.’
‘I do. I know you can’t say I’m cured yet, but I’m sort of cured.’ She giggled.
‘We’re going to start off with monthly checks, and then reduce it to three monthly if all goes well and then every six months.’
‘I can deal with that. All I care about right now is that it’s gone.’
‘Congratulations, you’re a fighter.’ He stood up, and so did they.
Dr Cross extended his arm to shake her hand. She took it firmly and finally they said their goodbyes.
‘Give me two secs, honey, I’ll meet you in the car.’ He took a call.
She nodded and headed for the car.
‘It’s good news!’ he said.
He listened for a moment.
‘Give us forty minutes,’ he said finally.
He reached into his jacket pocket and felt the gift he’d been waiting to give her. He’d wanted to give it to her for so long, but her worry about the appointment would’ve taken away the joy of giving it. But now, they could celebrate, and the gift was just perfect.
‘You okay?’ he asked after he’d got into the Jaguar.
‘More than okay, I’m over the moon! We need to go out and celebrate!’
He leaned towards her and gave her a big hug.
‘I just want to go somewhere, anywhere, but home. Right now I just want to enjoy this amazing moment! I know I’m it could come back, but right now is all we’ve got. Right?’
‘Yes it is honey!’ He took her hand.
‘So let’s go somewhere.’
‘We will, but right now I have to get back to the house to pick up my laptop.’
‘Oh, why?’ She deflated.
‘There’s this big business deal I can’t pass over. I’m so sorry it has to be today.’
She looked ahead, sucked in a deep breath and then looked at him, a wide smile across her face.
‘Okay, we can do it later. Nothing can dampen my mood today. We’ve got time to celebrate.’
‘Thank you for understanding.’
‘Thank you for being with me, through all this. I never thought I’d meet someone who would do the things you did. You’ve put up with a lot from me.’
‘You were ill, I understood why.’
‘Still, I’m glad you took my mother’s advice.’ She laughed lightly. ‘I’ll have to give her a call when we get home to give her the good news.’
‘I bet she’ll be thrilled.’
‘Very. We’ve done this once before.’
‘This time it will be more so! You’ve overcome a second time.’
She nodded. There were a few more words between them, and then they sat silently enjoying the moment.
The car finally pulled in front of the house. Eugene insisted she remain seated, so tha
t he could open it for her. He walked round to her side and opened the door.
‘Madam.’ He held out his hand.
‘Sir.’ She took it.
They walked towards the house, there was almost a skip in her step. For a moment she searched her bag for the keys. He smiled, his heart pounded at an incredibly fast rate.
‘You okay?’ She noticed the flush on his face.
‘Yes, I’m fine, don’t mind me.’ He tried to keep his feelings at bay, but was finding it difficult.
The moment the door opened… ‘SURPRISE!’
‘Oh my God!’
The house was filled with friends and family.
‘What are you…you almost gave me a heart-attack!’ she giggled. ‘This was all your idea, wasn’t it?’ She gazed at him.
‘Guilty!’ He lifted his hands.
‘Huh!’ she hugged him.
‘We’re so happy about the news!’ Emily piped. ‘This is great!’
‘Yes, so am I! Thank you everyone for all your support. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without you.’
Everyone smiled from ear to ear. Just then Eugene fiddled for his pocket, and got down on one knee.
‘Oh god! Eugene? What are you doing?’
He took her hand and gazed up at her.
‘I never thought that I would meet someone who makes me so happy.’ His eyes glazed over. ‘You’ve opened my eyes to see the world in such a different way. Not too long ago I was chasing money, thinking it was the only thing that mattered. Then you stepped into my life, and things changed. I got to let go of the things that weren’t important. Now I want to hold onto the thing that is.’ He squeezed her hand. ‘Sahara, you are the most important person to me right now. I want you in my life. I know this may seem too soon, but I’ve never been this sure of anything. It’s like you’ve said, today is all we’ve really got.’
Tears streamed down her cheeks, Sahara couldn’t believe this was happening to her.
‘Sahara Young, will you marry me?’
She swallowed back hard, looked straight into his eyes and said, ‘Yes, yes I will marry you!’
He slid on the ring, there was a cheer from the crowd. Eugene stood up and took his fiancée into his arms.
‘I love you so much!’
‘I love you too,’ she replied.
After a moment Emily said. ‘Come on then, let’s get this celebration going.’
It was the best moment of her life. Life had certainly given her another chance, and she was going to live it to the fullest.
Next In the series, Happily Ever Now!
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