Page 51

Lola

Byron:

Good luck today Pips. I love you and I know you are going to do absolutely amazing.

The text came through when I got into my car this morning. Last night I decided to withdraw from the show. It didn’t feel right to be at the barn all day while my boyfriend and his family are held up in a hospital room.

I also just want to spend time with Byron’s family. His parents have treated me like their daughter from the moment I met them. They have become family and family is there for each other in times like these.

When I get to Arie’s room I knock on the door frame before peaking my head in.

“Everyone decent in here?”

Three pairs of eyes dart to me. All growing big when they realize who is standing in the doorway.

“What are you doing here?” Byron’s voice is devoid of emotion.

“I came to see my favorite people.”

“What about your horse show?”

“I withdrew from the show. It was more important to me to be here with you.” I say as a walk further into the frigid hospital room. “There will be more shows but I don’t want to miss out on this time with your family.”

Byron squints, trying to figure out if this is really what I want. Without any forewarning he reaches out and pulls me into a hug that’s suffocating, in the best way.

“I’m so happy you’re here.” He uses his thumb and forefinger to tilt my head until my eyes meet his.

“I need you here,” he says earnestly.

“Well I made last night’s dinner into subs on garlic bread. Thought you guys might need some real food.”

Byron moves me so my back is to his chest and we are facing his parents.

“Lola brought us some leftovers.” He holds up the cooler bag.

“Lola, you really know how to lift a guy’s spirits,” Aries tells me shifting up in his hospital bed. Heat flushes my cheeks. I’m not used to compliments from the adults in my life.

“It’s the least I can do. You guys have been amazing and I would love to stay and hang out if you guys don’t mind me crashing your family time.”

“You’re not imposing on anything honey,” Isla says. “We love having you around.”

I believe she really means that. That they like having me around. Me as I am, not who they think I should be.

A few hours laters we are in the middle of the most hostile game of uno that’s ever been played when Arie’s doctor comes in holding a stack of papers.

She clears her throat drawing our attention away from the do or die card game.

One look at the doctor is all I need to know this is a family only conversation.

Leaning over I speak quietly enough so only Byron can hear me. “I’m going to go get a coffee. Do you want anything?”

“You’re leaving?” His voice is shaky. I hate that I have to leave but I can’t shake the feeling that I shouldn’t be here.

“I’ll be right back. I promise.”

I lean forward and press my lips to his cheeks.

“Just text me if you need anything.”

Ten minutes later I come back with a coffee and an arm full of goodies I hope will ease whatever news the doctor has given them.

I pass the nurses station and offer them a smile. A silent thank you for all they do. When I round the corner I go face first into a firm chest.

“I’m sorry,” I say before looking up to see my boyfriend’s tear soaked cheeks.

“Byron, what happened?” There is no hiding the panic in my voice.

He looks over my head as he asks, “Can we just get out of here?”

My heart sinks knowing what this means. Whatever news they just got is not what they were hoping for.

“Why don’t you go to my car and I’ll meet you after I drop this stuff off.”

He still can’t bring his eyes to meet mine, instead just shakes his head before stepping around me and heading to the visitor’s parking lot.

The atmosphere in Arie’s room has changed drastically. The light and vibrant room I left is now filled with a dark cloud.

Isla’s blue eyes are lined with red circles.

“Byron and I are just about to leave to go meet some friends that just got back to Westvale.”

Byron just doesn’t know that yet. I sent an SOS text message to my roommates telling them to round up as many of our friends as they can and meet us at Jasper’s. Byron needs us right now and if there is one thing we’re good at it’s rallying around each other in time of need.

“Thank you Lola, that was sweet of you.” Aerie smiles as he rubs Isla’s back.

“Of course you guys enjoy the alone time. I’m sure Byron and I will stop by tomorrow.”

I wave as I exit into the hall and try to ignore the pit forming in my stomach.

“So what’s the emergency?” Marcus asks as he settles into the seat next to me in our favorite booth.

“I don’t think Byron got good news about his dad today.”

I’m not sure what that news is though because our car ride to the bar was only filled by the sound of the latest top forty hits. I look over my shoulder to see Byron playing pool with Oliver. I pray that’s a real smile and not just the shadows of the dimly lit bar playing tricks on me.

“Can I be honest with you Marcus,” I ask cautiously.

I love Marcus, but I also know the loyalty teammates feel towards one another. Maybe there is a small piece of me that hopes maybe he’ll help me remind Byron that he has a village behind him.

“I’m worried about him. He’s not really talking about how this is all affecting him.”

“He’s used to being the one that is there for us, Lo. I think if he isn’t making people laugh he doesn’t know who he is.”

A sigh releases from my lips. Marcus is right. Byron isn’t himself right now.

Later that night when we settle into bed, we still haven’t talked about what the doctor told his family earlier. He rolls on his side and we are facing different directions.

“Lola, please work on your relationship with your parents before it’s too late,” is the last thing he says to me before I’m lulled to sleep by his soft snores.