Just One Chance : Chapter Six

Chapter Six.
Michael watched Nicole’s face change expressions as he said the words, “Listen, I called you here because we need to talk.”
Nicole’s face fell. “Oh. I’m pretty sure I know why. If you’re breaking up with me-“ She paused to take a breath. “Then I get it. That’s okay.”
Michael felt terrible. “Nicole… I’m so sorry. You’re sweet, and you’re beautiful. You’re prefect for some guy out there. But that guy’s not me. Can we still be friends? It would mean everything to me.”
Nicole swallowed hard. “Yeah. Thanks.” Then she smiled. “Will you come to church this weekend?”
Michael felt relieved. “Yeah. For sure. I will.”
***
Brad talked quietly into Katya’s room. He sat in the char next to the bed. He took one of her hands in his.
“Hey. I’m not sure why I even came here… Uh… I just felt like I should come here and tell you something when you’re not awake to hear it. It’s stupid I know, but it’s easier. When you wake up, you won’t remember a word I’ve said. But that’s okay.” He shifted slightly in the chair. “I wrote it down because I’m not too good with words. Here goes. Dear Katya. I guess I’m just going to say this to get it off my chest. I’m sure hundreds of guys would jump at the chance to date you. Hundreds of guys that think you’re beautiful and amazing. I’m one of them. You probably would never guess that I can’t stop thinking about you. If you don’t make it, a part of me will die with you. I can’t tell you this when you wake up, ‘cause I guess I’m too much of a coward. And I know that you like Michael. I see the way you look at him. It’s not obvious, but I can tell that you’re in love with him. He may deny it, but I’m pretty sure that he likes you too. And as long as you’re happy, I will be too.
You hang in there, I’ll be praying for you. I love you Kay.”
He slowly folded the paper and closed his eyes, taking a breath. He stood and shoved the crumpled paper into his back pocket. He bent down and lightly kissed her forehead. He stood holding her hand until a nurse entered and told him that they needed to run a few tests, and could he please leave.
While he had been inside, it had started to rain. He walked to his car with his hands in his pockets and his shoulders hunched. Somehow, he didn’t feel any better. He unlocked his car and slid into the seat. He sat watching the rain, thinking about Katya, and how he had probably missed his chance.
***
“You’re what?” Shelly Smith turned to look at her son Michael.
“I’m leaving.” He gritted his teeth as he spoke.
“You’re leaving New Jersey?” Where are you going?”
“Yeah. And I’d like to go to California. I’m going to move for a while.”
Shelly frowned and sat on a barstool next to Michael. “For how long?”
“As long as need be. I’ve been looking online for an apartment, and I think I found one. I’m leaving as soon as possible.”
“What about your job?”
“Mr. Bennet understands, and he said the job will still be available when I get back.”
“Well…” Shelly looked overwhelmed. “What about Katya?”
A pained expression crossed his face. “Mom. That’s the reason I’m leaving. I hate seeing her like this. I have to get out of here for a while.”
She smiled sadly. “I understand.”
She stood, her composed self returning. “But…” She pursed her lips. “You can’t just leave. We’re gonna have a going away party. Deal?”
“Fine. But soon, please.”
“Don’t rush me. It’ll be soon enough.”
Michael smiled. Moving just sounded right. At least that’s what he told himself.
***
Approximately 7,000 people had hugged him, kissed him, shook hands with him, or clapped him on the back, saying things varying from “We’ll miss ya man.” To, “Oh my goodness! I canNOT believe you’re leaving! That’s sooo sad!”
They treated him like they would never see him again.
Once he got some breathing space, he surveyed the room packed with people.
Family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, soccer buddies, everyone he loved was there.
Everyone but Katya Bennet.

xoxox**