When the elevator stopped, Matthew turned the corner and went directly to the desk. "Excuse me, do you know if Chloe Burlington has any visitors?"
"No, I was just in there taking her vitals and she was alone."
Matthew thanked her and walked into Chloe's room. Before he could smile, Chloe's eyes got bigger and she attempted to sit up. That caused her to cry out in pain.
"Chloe, don't move. You can't sit up yet."
" … Why are you here? How do you know whether or not I can sit up?" God, I must look dead, that's why. Chloe brought her good hand up in an attempt to fix her hair, but it was fruitless. It doesn't matter, he can't stand me anyway.
"Chloe, about the money-"
Chloe began talking as fast as her jaw would allow. This would be her last opportunity to explain. If he walked out, he walked out, but at least he'd leave with the truth. "I'm sorry about all the lies, the fake contest, all of it. I wanted you to like me, but because you made rich girl comments right off the bat, I knew you'd already judged me. Look, I'm screwed up, my whole life has been screwed up, but that isn't your fault and I should have just risked it and been honest. But I wanted you to learn who I was inside. I fell in love with you really fast, I admit that, but I'm not very experienced with these kinds of things. Your dad, I love him too, and I wanted the both of you to have an easier life. I have money to share, it's not like I was trying to make you feel inadequate. I'm really sorry for hurting you. The day of the accident, I was going to make-"
"Chloe, stop. You're getting all worked up for no reason. You don't have to explain anything to me. I'm the one who needs to apologize. I'm sorry for putting you in a position where you felt like you couldn't be straight with me. You tried to explain about why you lied, and I wouldn't even listen. I judged you unfairly and acted like a tyrant. But not one day went by when I didn't think about you and miss you. I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere." Matthew walked to the edge of the bed and placed a slow, gentle kiss on her lips.
"You're not mad at me?"
"No, Chloe, I'm angry at myself. I feel responsible for your accident. I saw the news report after work that evening. I flew over here and never left until yesterday. Becky stayed here too. She's a really great girl, and I'm glad we had that time together, because I learned more about you, your life … .and myself."
"Then you know about my parents. I lied about that as well." She wanted the earth to swallow her up.
"Yeah, I know all about them. I'm so sorry you were treated that way. Your mother's a real-"
"You met her? They were here?"
Matthew didn't know how much to tell her, or how many details he should include. "Yes, they came by but didn't stay very long."
"Did they fly back to Africa?"
"I'm not sure, they haven't kept in contact. I don't think your mother likes me very much."
"I bet she was vile towards you."
"It's okay, I've heard worse." Matthew laughed and kissed her again.
"Is your father okay? I hope Sherry hasn't fired me. Well, she should hire someone else even if she hasn't. I won't be working anytime soon. I liked my little apartment though. Do I still have it?"
"Sherry's aware of what happened and asks about you all the time. Chloe, you didn't have to work, but you took a job cleaning, of all things, just to be near me and to help Sherry. So you don't have any worries there, and your apartment is just fine. I'd like my key back so I can check on it."
" … Do you just want to be … friends?" Chloe felt her face flush.
"I don't kiss my friends like this." Matthew kissed her again, only a little longer. "I want to be with you forever. The next line I'm supposed to say is how I can't give you much. That's true, I can't, but I also know you're not interested in what material things someone can give to you. All you want is to love me, and for me to love you back. My dad, me, you, Becky, and John … we're all family, Chloe. And I'm never going to do anything to jeopardize that again." Matthew lifted the box from his pocket and opened it. "Marry me, Chloe. Marry me and I'll love you every day, with every grain of my being."
Chloe could hardly breathe. Tears of gratitude rolled off her cheeks when she blinked her eyes. She stared down at the most beautiful ring she'd ever seen, and nodded her head, yes.
He slipped the ring on her finger and it, like the two of them, was a perfect fit.
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
Becky stopped by a department store and picked up a few outfits. She had no intentions of going back home and explaining everything to her parents. She'd go over the weekend when Chloe no longer needed someone there as often. But right now she stayed more for herself then her friend. Had Chloe died, she'd be an empty shell for the rest of her life. She drove to Matthew's and knocked on the door.
"Who is it?"
"It's me, Becky."
"Let me unlock the door. Just one second."
Conner opened the door and watched as Becky's mouth hung open.
"You walked to the door?"
"I quit smoking, and it's amazing how much better my lungs are doing. I only have two treatments a day now. I walk around for a bit, and when I get tired I rest."
"I'm so proud of you!" Becky wrapped her arms around the tall man and hugged him tightly.
"How's our girl?"
"Better. She still has a long road ahead of her, but she's making progress. Do you need me to pick anything up or clean while I'm here? I stopped and bought some clothes so I could change. Can I use your shower again?"
"Honey, you don't have to ask." Conner ruffled her hair and walked to the sofa to sit down. He'd been avoiding the wheelchair as much as possible.
"Thank you so much. I'll be out in a jiffy."
Becky took a quick shower and put on her new jeans, sweater, and sneakers on, and then sat beside Conner on the sofa.
"Have you spoken with Matthew?" Conner asked with a little hesitation.
"Not since last night. I'll see him after work though at the hospital. Do you want me to give him a message?"
"He asked me a question."
"About?"
Conner couldn't contain his smile any longer. "He asked me for my blessing to ask Chloe to marry him. I think today's going to be the happiest day of my life."
Chapter 13
Chloe asked the nurse to keep her blinds open. She knew it was getting chilly outside, but the sun was shining and she'd never felt so much joy in her life. I wish I could share this moment with my mom. Why would she just leave like that? It's not like she has to feed me or change a diaper. Maybe she thinks I'll ask her to take care of me when I'm discharged. If I tell her about engagement to Matthew and how I'm in my own apartment, then she couldn't think that.
The sadness on her friend's face was evident when Becky walked in the room. Matthew called her last night to tell her the great news, so she stopped and picked up a few surprises. Her excitement faded when she looked at Chloe though. I'll fix that.
A nurse helped Becky carried the large spring flower arrangement, balloons, chocolate cake, a bridal magazine, and a few other things to decorate Chloe's room.
"Oh my God!"
"Congratulations, you beautiful bride-to-be!"
"Get over here, my matron of honor!!!" Chloe wrapped her arm around Becky and held her as close as she could. "I can't believe you did this!"
"It's not every day my best friend gets engaged to someone she actually loves." Becky winked, and then bent down to stare at her friend's hand. "I think that ring is gorgeous, just like you."
Chloe was overly delighted, watching as Becky decorated her hospital room with such wonderful things. She'd never been celebrated like this in her entire life. The cake was delicious, and she couldn't wait for Matthew to come and see it all.
"I want to go with you to pick out your wedding dress, and give you something new, something borrowed, and something blue. Oh and we can't forget about a bridal sh-" Becky stopped. She knew the only people who would give a rat's behind were herself, Lois, and Sherry. "I hate big showers, so we'll have an intimate gathering and invite the men. Heck, we could make it a nice little party!"
"Do you think my mom would come if you called her?"
"I can call if you'd like." Becky was trying not to fall apart. This was just one more reason why she hated Sylvia.
"What's the worst she can say? No?" Chloe tried to make it not sound like a big deal.
"I'll call her this afternoon, how's that?"
Thank you for everything, Becky. I'm going to take a short nap before Matthew gets here." What she really needed was time alone.
"Okay, sweetie, I'll be back in a little while." Becky kissed her cheek, and then went outside away from the building. She wasn't sure how loud she was going to scream. Digging her cell phone out of her purse, she took a deep breath and called the Burlington's house phone."
"Burlington residence," answered a staff person.
"Could I speak with Sylvia? This is Becky, she knows who I am. Tell her I have some important news concerning her daughter."
Becky was placed on hold for fifteen minutes. She tried to use every single relaxation technique she could. She'd have to remain calm for her friend's sake.