“What happened, Gerry, tell me what happened.” My leg was bouncing up and down and I was starting to freak out.
“His mother called just a few minutes ago and said that they found him dead in their garage last night.”
“Oh God no… No, no, no, no, no. This can’t be happening. It’s not right, it can’t be.” I screamed out.
“I’m sorry, Shine. I know how much you loved him, but it’s true. His mom said the only reason she knew to call here was because of a note that they found in his pocket that had your name and the phone number to the facility on it.”
“Oh Johnny,” I fell to the floor and cried. I couldn’t stop. “He was supposed to move in with me. He’s my best friend. Damn it, he’s my best friend. I love him. I loved him so much. Oh God,” I was screaming through the sobs.
“Come here, Baby,” Mrs. Gerry touched my shoulder.
“Don’t touch me.” I screamed. “Just go away.” I sat there curled up in a ball and cried.
30
AND A HALF
Moon
Mrs. Gerry was sitting at the front desk just like every other day that I brought Shine’s letters.
“I am here for my daily delivery, Mrs.Gerry. You gonna let me see my girl today.” I said when I walked through the front doors.
“I’m glad you are finally here, Boy. I’ve got permission from the doctor for you to see Shine. You won’t be able to stay very long, maybe an hour or so.”
“Sweet really, just point me in the right direction.”
“Listen to me okay. She is not doing too well today. She’s been in her room all day.” She said with tears in her eyes.
“Is everything all right? You seem upset. What’s wrong with Shine?”
“We found out today that one of our patients passed away. He and Shine were very close.”
“He,” I asked. I knew that it was Bradley; I just didn’t want to believe it. The knot in my throat was creeping up. It seemed unreal. I just saw him a week ago, and he was fine. “It was Bradley?”
It came out like a question, but it was a statement. My answer was written all over her face. “Just take me to her.”
We stopped outside of what I assumed was her bedroom. Mrs. Gerry knocked several times, but she never came to the door. I turned the knob slightly to find that the door was unlocked and I let myself in. Mrs. Gerry gave me a nod letting me know that she approved. I wasn’t sure what kind of mess that I would be walking into, or what kind of shape she would be in. I took a deep breath and got myself together. I remembered the words that Bradley said about being the man and taking care of my girl.
She was curled up on her bed sound asleep. I walked over to her and sat down on the bed next to her. Her face was all swollen and red from the crying. Seeing her lying there like that tore me up. It just broke my heart. I couldn’t understand how someone so sweet and loveable could go through so much pain. She didn’t deserve it.
I pushed the hair off her face and kissed her cheek. I tried my best not to wake her up, but it didn’t work. The moment my lips touched her cheek she opened her eyes.
She didn’t speak to me, but the tears did. She didn’t have to say a word. Her body shook as she cried while I held her in my arms. I felt useless. I couldn’t take away her pain. So I did the only thing that I knew how to do, I told her that I loved her.
“Shhh… It’s okay.” I rubbed her head. “I love you and I’m here.” I rubbed small circles on her back and held her for as long as I could. She finally came around right before I left. She told me that she would be okay. I didn’t believe her for a second, but they wouldn’t let me stay with her any longer.
“I love him, Moon. I miss him so much.”
“I know baby, its okay.”
“Just a few more days and I will be back to pick you up and take you home.”
“I know,” was all she said.
“If you need me just call me and I’ll come back.”
“Okay.”
I hated seeing her like this. She was miserable, but what could I do. “You have to keep yourself together and graduate from this place. Bradley wouldn’t want you to give up. He would tell you to keep fighting.” I tried to explain.
“Why did he give up and quit fighting? It doesn’t make sense. I loved him so much Moon and it’s just not fair.”
“No it’s not fair. I’m so sorry, Shine Baby.” I pulled her into me. “I have to go now, but I want you to try and get some rest. I love you and I will be back for you soon.”
“I love you too. Hurry back, because I need you.”