Leukemia, My Huband and Me: A Turbulent Triangle/ Excerpt

Leukemia, My Husband and Me: A Turbulent Triangle

A Memoir by JC Cerrigone

Excerpt

“I’m sorry,” Mike said, reclining back. “I don’t think I can go to Kevin’s party now.”

Kevin’s son Travis was graduating from high school. Kevin and his wife were throwing a party for him on Saturday.

“He’ll understand. We just need to stay home and get you fixed up,” I told him.

“No,” Mike said sharply. “I want you to go. With all that Kevin’s done for us…you need to go, at least for a while.”

“Okay, as long as you’re comfortable with me leaving,” I said.

“I’ll call if I need you. You’ll be close to home.” Mike flinched as I placed bags of frozen vegetables around his body. His skin held the heat of a fiery flame. I stuck a bag of frozen peas between his legs and a bag of lima beans under each arm.

“Jesus,” he hissed. “I’m so damn tired.”

I sat down on the bed, taking Mike's hand. His eyes held mine. Shiny tears pooled in his lower lids.

“I just don’t know, Justine…” His words trailed off. I gripped his hand, needing to hang on.

“Don’t you leave me here,” I whispered. “You gotta fight and stay strong, like you told me.”

“I’m trying, but my body’s had it.” That tormenting silence coated the room, a silence I didn’t want to hear. Mike’s raspy voice came through. “I love you. I know everything’s been so screwed up, but I do love you. You know that, right?”

I nodded. My throat closed off with a tightness I couldn’t swallow away. Mike’s gruff voice pushed through the thick air.

“Don’t you have a hair appointment?”

I nodded again.

“Go…I’ll be fine,” he assured me.

I leaned down and kissed him, his lips dry and cracked. As I left the room my mind spun. The disease had become a raging monster, gnashing at the steel bars of a cage that appeared to be weakening. A white flag of surrender was waving in my peripheral vision. I refused to look at it.

* * *

As I drove to the hair salon, the dark, full-bodied voice of Jim Morrison filled the car. “This is the end, beautiful friend. This is the end, my only friend, the end. The end of our elaborate plans, the end of everything that stands, the end. No safety or surprise, the end. I’ll never look into your eyes again.”

The lyrics absorbed into my body as tears rolled down my face. My husband was going to die, and I knew it.

I surrendered, conceding to the flag’s presence while alone. As stated in one of my favorite films, The Shawshank Redemption, “Hope can be a dangerous thing.” It’s all about taking a chance, a mental game of gambling, that one decides whether or not to believe and take stock in. I had played the hand for almost 16 months, but now it was time to lay my cards on the table, face down. Whatever was meant to happen would happen.

http://www.mikestreeoflife.com

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Release Day for my Memoir

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Release day is tomorrow- 12/26

Leukemia, My Husband, and Me:A Turbulent Triangle
A Memoir

http://www.shop.jkpublishingbooks.com/Leukemia-My-Husband-and-Me-A-Turbulent-Triangle_c443.htm

Leukemia My husband and Me: A Turbulent Triangle-

From fiction to nonfiction- writing about the real deal.

http://www.mikestreeoflife.com

RELEASE DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED. 

Dealing directly with someone who has cancer is a multifaceted learning experience for both the caregiver as well as the one inflicted with the disease. For me, the spouse, it was a driving force in my marriage that drastically altered both the relationship and the routine Mike and I had upheld for years.

Your life becomes the disease, filled with treatments and doctor appointments. It becomes the focal point of everything. You build your life around it, making changes to accommodate it. It’s a living, breathing presence in your life that can wreak havoc.

My husband’s diagnosis brought us together in the beginning, but only for a short time. Then it tore us apart. I’m thankful that we did come full-circle. Mike’s disease did bring us back together in the end, leading us to where we needed to be.

When one is diagnosed with a catastrophic illness it is so important to seek and utilize the many services that are available for spouses, family and friends. I received so much compassionate help and guidance from the array of services and support groups that are readily available. Though my husband refused counseling it assisted in guiding me through the many difficult avenues one must travel when dealing with a seriousdisease. I learned that my way of coping with my husband’s leukemia was to educate myself about it.  Everyone has different coping mechanisms. Some are healthy and some are not.

Effective communication is vital. I’ve seen the results of unspoken words. It’s painful to watch, the regrets, and the guilt, as well as the anger that others have because they were incapable of communicating or taking action. In the end Mike and I didn’t have that burden to carry, and that 

brings me great peace. Time is so precious. Never assume that they’ll always be more of it. I am 

thankful that Mike was able toacknowledge and accept that he was losing his battle with AML. 

Facing that truth and effective communication brought us to where we needed to be before it was too 

late.

Snippet of the Day

Snippet of the Day

Marty stood up and took his mug to the sink. He was eyeing the jars of jam.

“Do I get one?” He smiled, the whites of his eyes pink with fatigue.

“Sure, as soon as they’re sealed.”

“Hey, Allie, are you done here?” He pointed to the aftermath of her culinary project.

“Yup, all done.” She got up to wash the two mugs.

“Come for a ride with me.” He leaned against the threshold. “I have to get some stuff for the house at the hardware store. Wanna tag along?”

“Okay, I’ll get my purse.” She went into the dining room and grabbed her purse off the table. “Where’s Tess?” she asked, attempting another delicate probe into their late evening.

Marty chuckled. A bit of sarcasm laced the tone of his laughter.

 “She’s probably still in bed. I won’t hear from her till at least four o’clock.”

Allie hoped he was right. Yesterday’s episode with the rocking chair was enough. They stepped off the porch and walked over to his black F-150. She hopped in and buckled up. The distinctive, rumbling hum of a diesel engine came to life.

They headed toward town, the heated breeze blowing through the cab. Allie stared out the window at the cows grazing in the fields. Marty’s quick sideward glances pushed through her periphery. At one point Allie turned, and her eyes caught his. Their gaze connected as moments passed in a silence that had her shifting in her seat. 

“So would you call those eyes forest green or moss?” He smiled, linking her eye color to the shades of paint they had used. Allie looked away, feeling the heat that seemed to accompany Marty whenever he was near. “I’m sorry.” He reached for her, patting her shoulder casually. 

“I guess we’ll call them hazel.” She laughed nervously, brushing off the comment.

“You think? They seem pretty green to me.” He looked at her again, the hair on his neck lifting in the breeze. His slow and easy smile had her turning away again. The air in the cab grew heavy. Marty’s earthy smell filled her nose.

“They look blue sometimes if I’m wearing blue,” Allie admitted.

“Mm, I’ll keep that in mind.” He turned down Main Street and pulled up against the curb. He told her he was running into Landisville Hardware, cutting off the engine. 

“I might go into Leah’s Boutique. I’ll just be a minute,” she said, stepping down from the truck.

“Hey, take your time.” 

THE SOUTH WINDOW

 http://www.bookstrand.com/the-south-window

Snippet of the Day

Snippet of the Day 

Keith placed his hand on his shoulder, tearing him out of his naughty thoughts. “I’m gonna take off, that okay with you?” Keith asked, fussing with his tie.

“Go,” Drake said, lifting a shoulder. “I’m not far behind you. I’ve had about enough.”

Keith gave him a pat on the back and slipped through the French doors. Drake sat down at the bar, watching the suits and skirts mingle. Tokens for Tots was an annual charity Drake ran from the end of October until the New Year. They supplied families in need with medical and dental care as well as other support services so children wouldn’t have to go through the holiday season with no turkey, trimmings, or gifts under the tree.

He was thankful that the Cypress Hill Convention Center allowed him to use the space each year to promote the event. The holidays would be upon them before they knew it. It helped to plant the seeds of giving early before everyone exhausted their holiday budgets.

Drake downed the last drink he would have. It was time to tend to other things he had on his list for this evening. He’d networked and socialized. Now it was his time to enjoy Kelly before she insisted he drop her off in those dismal woods. That was his next focal point, convincing her to pack up her tent and make camp with him.

A hand on his arm sucked him back into the glitzy, crystallized ballroom. Colleen’s eyes pierced his.

“I love her! Absolutely love her.” Her hands cut through the air, enunciating every syllable of her speech. Her fingers tightened around him. “If you let this one go I’ll kick your butt, Drake Larson, and don’t think you’ll be able to fire me for it,” she told him, grinning.

“Thanks, Colleen.” A rush of heat he could no longer contain swept over him.

“See you tomorrow,” Colleen beamed.

Kelly had freed herself from the cluster of women, making her way across the ballroom.

“Down, boy,” Drake whispered to himself. 

The slinky dress clung to her shapely figure, sliding over her skin as she walked. The long slit that ran up her thigh provided him with a strip of flesh that looked as sweet as dripping honey. Her hazel eyes flicked to his, a peculiar smile curving her mocha-painted lips. Her sweet scent settled under his nose. Drake breathed in her fragrance. He was starved. He needed to be fed, and now.

“You have very nice employees,” Kelly said softly, straightening his tie.

“It didn’t take long for you to form a fan club,” Drake said, his observation mocking. “I take it you’ve survived this gig?”

Kelly nodded.

“I did,” she admitted, her words sounding surprised. Drake slipped his hand around her waist. He leaned into her.

“It’s time to devote a little attention to your biggest fan,” Drake murmured, licking the shell of her ear. Her body trembled into his, making him all the more excited.

HOMELESS HEART

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Snippet of the Day

Snippet of the Day

“Allie, where are you? Are you decent? I’m coming up.”

Allie could hear the slap of Tess's bare feet on the stairs. She shoved the magazine, along with the binoculars Tess had forgotten she’d left behind, into the nightstand.

 “Hey, what are you up to?” Tess glided across the floor in a pair of white shorts and a gingham halter. She plopped down in Allie’s wicker bucket chair, draping a shapely leg over the arm.

“Not a whole lot. I’m ahead on my sketches so I did some gardening and reading. What’s new?”

“Has Marty been out?” Her dark eyes rested on Allie.

“I haven’t seen him today. Why?” Allie searched her face, wondering if Tess would tell her about their date. Allie decided to throw her a curve. “How was your dinner date?”

“Why? Did he say anything to you about it?” Tess’s eyes widened.

Allie noted the expression of alarm on her face. Tess was never anxious about anything.

“He mentioned that he was going, but...”
“When?” She ran her hand up and down her brown, shiny leg.

 “He asked me to do some stenciling on one of his pieces, so he just happened to mention it.” Allie shrugged.

“Really. Now isn’t that nice.” Her voice was a bit condescending.

 “It’s not a big deal, Tess.” What sounded like sarcasm came out with a hint of cattiness. “Your next male expedition is safe with me.” Allie gave her a snide look. “I guess I get no scoop on the dinner, huh?” 

Tess looked out the window. A slight frown twisted her curved and pouty lips. “He’s too reserved. I have to work on him some more. I’ll get him.” Tess turned to her and smiled, her pearly teeth catching her lower lip.

“What do you mean? You couldn’t make the sack on the first night?” Allie felt bold today. Maybe part of her was sticking up for Marty.

“Be careful, Allie.” Tess’s eyes narrowed.

“Oh, come on, cut the guy some slack. Reserved or not, I call it respect.”

“Respect’s no fun.” Tess jumped off the chair. “Let’s go to my place, grab a snack, and take a swim.” She stood in the threshold, her fingers threading through her hair.

“Let me get my suit.”

THE SOUTH WINDOW

 http://www.bookstrand.com/the-south-window

Snippet of the Day

Snippet of the Day

“Thanks for the pizza.”

“You made it.” Mia playfully slugged him. “I just wanted to thank you for the other night.” Her voice softened. “Plus, it was a good excuse, you know, to see you.” Her admission was hesitant.

“I can teach you how to defend yourself, though I enjoyed doing it for you.” Drew laughed, recalling the events of the previous evening. “You’re capable of fighting off animals just like those punks.” Her brows rose. Drew smiled, reaching for his mug.

“I don’t think so.” Mia cradled her mug, not sounding convinced.

“Sure you could.” He shifted his body on the couch, facing her. “It’s all about the technique. You should never underestimate your opponent, but despite your size or gender...with the right training, you could level a guy just like the one I dealt with.”

Mia glanced away, her forehead creasing in thought. This was a way he could get closer and spend more time with her. He could take her to the gym and coach her, be with her. Then the focus wouldn’t be just on the dating and sex thing. He waited, allowing her to process his offer. It would make life so much easier. It would buy him more time, so he could ease into it, leading up to the other stuff. It’d been ages since he’d done the relationship gig. Drew encouraged her.

“Come on.” He put his mug down and nudged her back, comfortable with the bantering. “It’ll be fun. I’ll go easy on you. You’ll do great. In fact...you’ll be perfect.” Her lovely eyes flicked back to him. Those sensual lips curved. She was so enticing. His ears filled with white noise.

“Okay.” She extended her hand, wanting to shake on it. “You’ll go easy?”

“I’ll be gentle, I promise,” Drew assured her.“No wussy, sissy comments?” Her eyes narrowed.“No way.” Drew shook his head. “I’ll toughen you up, but would never think of removing any of your softness.” He swallowed, his voice thick. She liked his words, her face smoothing as they sealed the deal. 

“Thanks, Drew, that’s so sweet.” Her smile warm. Drew shifted his weight on the couch, his thigh brushing against hers. He reached for his coffee, gulping down the hot liquid into his already ignited insides. It was time for him to go. He’d use his father as an excuse.

 http://www.bookstrand.com/behind-the-iron-fist

JC Szot- Author

Snippet of the Day

Snippet of the Day

The days were getting longer, the sun still lingering in the sky. She guessed Josh would take her for their ride first before it got dark. Her boots stomped up the front porch. AC/DC’s “Back in Black” was pounding through the dark, glossy door. A wreath of dried berries and pinecones hung on the front door, remnants of a forgotten Christmas decoration. She opened the screen door and tapped the brass knocker.

“Hey, Toni, come on in.” She had expected to see Josh, but Cole held the door for her. She slipped through, feeling the heat of him drift over her. She felt her cheeks warm, avoiding his bare chest, but, sensing his eyes on her, tried to wipe the uncertainty off her face.

“How are you?” She had to tip her head to make eye contact, his frame a head taller than hers. He dragged his hand over his scruffy, shadowed jaw. 

“Not too bad. Are you ready for your tour?” He chuckled, his tone hoarse. “Your guide is waiting for you.” Cole jutted his chin, motioning to Josh, who was walking across the open living room, pulling a sweatshirt over his head, his steps full of purpose.

Her eyes didn’t seem to want to rest on either man, so she took in their living space. The ceiling was high and vaulted. An immense fieldstone fireplace took up the entire back wall, the mantel a sturdy granite gray. On either side, high on the wall, were two eight-pointer deer mounts, their eyes large and glassy. Above the taxidermy was a railing. There was a small loft above. A large, rather contemporary sectional wrapped around the other half of the room. The floorboards were wheat- colored with a glaring sheen. Toni stood on the oval, blue braided rug, waiting.

“You better put this on, Toni.” Josh handed her a black sweatshirt. “It gets a little windy while you’re riding.” Josh gestured her toward the door she had just come through. “Make sure the food is heated by the time we get back,” Josh reminded Cole.

Toni glanced over her shoulder, Cole’s facial expression unreadable.

BRAIDED DESIRE

 http://www.amazon.com/Braided-Desire-JC-Szot-ebook/dp/B004Z99SFA/ref=la_B008BTX0W2_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1386243614&sr=1-2

Snippet of the Day

Snippet of the Day

“Good.” He grinned. “He’s in there working,” he whispered. Seth took her hand and opened the door. They walked through the threshold, casting a bar of bright light across the shiny floorboards. Mattie took in Bobby from across the bar. He was sort of a petite guy. He was sliding wine glasses into a slatted rack above. He turned, meeting their presence from across the tavern. His eyes sprang open, his mouth dropping. Glass popped, shattering as it hit the floor.
“What the hell!” Bobby tossed a white towel down on the bar and raced around to the front, the soles of his feet crunching on the granules of glass. His smile stretched, his eyes gleaming. Mattie laughed, squeezing Seth’s hand. Seth was adjacent to her, but Mattie wasn’t sure if Bobby could see her yet through all of his excitement. He ran to them, his steps slowing when Bobby’s eyes connected with hers, Bobby now fully aware of her presence. He stopped, gawking at them, now unsure of what to do. “Jesus,” Bobby hissed, his laughter sounding a bit reserved, though Mattie knew nothing about him.
“Well?” Seth laughed. “Aren’t you glad to see me—us?” Seth added hastily. He dropped Mattie’s hand and opened his arms.
“Fuck yeah!” Bobby fell into Seth’s embrace. His eyes closed, rolling beneath their lids. Seth rocked him back and forth. Mattie noticed Bobby’s hands wandering, sliding down Seth’s back, resting at the top of his ass. Mattie stepped back. Her heart rose into her throat. Bobby pulled away. Brilliant green eyes dropped to Seth’s lips. Mattie was tailgating his roving gaze. Something was peculiar. She  felt the emotional angst. It was swarming around Seth and Bobby like a hurricane.

Awkwardness settled in her gut. It looked as if Bobby was having trouble keeping his elation reeled in. If she wasn’t standing here with them now, how would he have welcomed Seth? Seth turned, making room for her. Bobby was right on cue. Perhaps he had seen her.
“Bobby, this is Mattie Richards.”
“Mattie.” Bobby’s voice carried through the empty tavern, its tone almost musical. “I’m so glad you could make the trip.” He took both of her hands and lifted them to his lips. Bobby kissed the tops of all ten of her fingers. His olive eyes held hers, his gaze a bit too intimate for a first introduction. 

 http://www.bookstrand.com/the-wishing-stone

Snippet of the Day

Snippet of the Day

“Hey, stranger.” Dale smiled faintly, her body and mind a complex mess.

“Well, well, well.” Kate chuckled, hand on hip. “Look who it is.” Kate tossed an empty box behind her. “I was beginning to think one of your patients abducted you.”

Dale slowly nodded her head. “If it were only that simple.” Dale rubbed her forehead, feeling the early pulsations of a headache.

Kate’s lips parted, and her body stilled. “What’s up?” She took Dale’s arm and guided her over to a nearby milk crate. Kate sat down on a box. “Spill. You don’t look so good.”

“Well...you remember that storm we had about a month ago?” 

"Yeah.” Kate waved a hand through the air. “So, what about it?” 

“There was this guy. I found him in the woods, and...” Dale’s words were jumbled. As soon as they spilled from her mouth, even she knew it sounded kooky.

Kate reached for her, jostling her arm. “Wait a minute, slow down. You found a guy.” Her face was lined with confusion. Dale took a breath. “Slow it down, Dale, because you’re losing me here.” Her tone was clipped.

“Okay.” Dale buried her head in her hands for a minute. She looked up at Kate, her words accented with each syllable. “I was riding the morning after the storm and found this guy. He was out cold, in the snow. He was pretty banged up. His car had broken down out on Route 15.”

“Okay, that’s better.” Kate leaned into the conversation. “So what happened? Is he okay?”

“Well...he’s been staying at my place, and he’s still there.” Dale chuckled, avoiding Kate’s pressing stare.

“Oh, really.” Kate grinned. “Tell me all about him.” Her brow arched.

Dale expelled a hissing breath. “He’s been doing some work around the house for me. He’s been a big help, really, but when I went to go look for his car after I took him in, Ray had already towed it.”

“What’s his name?” Kate’s lips curled into a naughty smirk.
“Neil Regal.” Dale checked her expression, waiting.
“Yeah, okay...his name’s Neil...”
“Does that name mean anything to you?” Dale asked, holding her breath. 

THE UNVEILING

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JC Szot- Author

Snippet of the Day

Snippet of the Day

Snippet of the Day

“This one’s first.” He handed her a box wrapped in silver paper with a bright red bow. Jake set the other box next to her. “By the way, you look beautiful.” He placed his hand over hers, rubbing her soft fingers.

“Thank you.” Sara fingered the paper, tearing the package open. She held up the pair of thick light gray socks with a soft fleece hat to match. Shapely brows knitted above her eyes, holding the two packages of hand and feet warmers. Jake had also gotten her a scarf and a stainless steel thermos, hoping she’d be agreeable to the jaunt he had planned.

“These are great.” She rubbed the pile of soft fabric against her face.

“Wait.” Jake got up and stepped down into the kitchen, retrieving the backpack. Jake set the pack down in her lap. Her eyes gleamed, holding tiny glares of light that radiated off the Christmas tree. “This is the star of the show.” He laughed, her face a mixture of expressions.

“This is fantastic.” She turned to him, canting her head. “Are we going somewhere?”

“You said you had the week off, so I took a few days off myself.” He smiled, reaching for her, running his fingers through the satiny strands of her loose hair, resting his elbow on the back of the couch. “We are going winter camping,” he announced.

Her eyes flew open. “Winter camping?”

“That’s right. We’ve got all the gear. Are you game?”

He watched her face process his request. Her words were hesitant. “I like to camp, but it seems so much more appealing on a hot,

steamy July night.” She turned the pack on its side, zipping open all the compartments.

“Where’re we going?” she asked. 

 “Point Mountain.”

“I hope I don’t slow you down on the trail.” She glanced back at him, her tone unsure. “I’ve never camped in those kinds of conditions.”

Jake slid closer to her on the couch, stroking his fingers over her arm. “You’ll do fine. You’re tough, in great shape, too.” He waggled his brows.

“It’s the cold I’m worried about.” Her smile faded.

His eyes lowered to her lips. He steered her chin, kissing her lightly and slowly, her sweetness seeping into him. His stomach fell to his feet, his heart rate soaring. Sara did things to him that he couldn’t put into words. It was unfamiliar yet thrilling, laced with a hint of fear, a fear that grew a bit more intense every time he saw her, every time his body possessed hers. He kept his thoughts on the surface. He refused to allow them to sink in too deep. He didn’t want to spoil these next few days being preoccupied with all the crap that often raged inside his head when he wasn’t with her.

“I’ll make sure you’re warm. We’ll have all the necessary gear. Please come.”

“Okay.” She leaned into him, her lips grazing his cheek. “I’ll do my best.”

Jake had her stand up and try on the backpack, adjusting all the belts and straps to fit her.

“When are we going?” Sara shifted her pack, glancing back at him.

“I’ve been watching the weather, and I think Christmas Day is our best bet. It’s supposed to be a high of twenty-nine and a low of fifteen.”

“Jesus, Jake, don’t tell me that.” She laughed. “It’ll work on me like a placebo.” Sara set the pack down and crawled under the tree, retrieving his gifts. 

OPEN SPACES- PARA/NORMAL 

 http://www.bookstrand.com/open-spaces

JC Szot- Author

Snippet of the Day

Snippet of the Day

Snippet of the Day

“This one’s first.” He handed her a box wrapped in silver paper with a bright red bow. Jake set the other box next to her. “By the way, you look beautiful.” He placed his hand over hers, rubbing her soft fingers.

“Thank you.” Sara fingered the paper, tearing the package open. She held up the pair of thick light gray socks with a soft fleece hat to match. Shapely brows knitted above her eyes, holding the two packages of hand and feet warmers. Jake had also gotten her a scarf and a stainless steel thermos, hoping she’d be agreeable to the jaunt he had planned.

“These are great.” She rubbed the pile of soft fabric against her face.

“Wait.” Jake got up and stepped down into the kitchen, retrieving the backpack. Jake set the pack down in her lap. Her eyes gleamed, holding tiny glares of light that radiated off the Christmas tree. “This is the star of the show.” He laughed, her face a mixture of expressions.

“This is fantastic.” She turned to him, canting her head. “Are we going somewhere?”

“You said you had the week off, so I took a few days off myself.” He smiled, reaching for her, running his fingers through the satiny strands of her loose hair, resting his elbow on the back of the couch. “We are going winter camping,” he announced.

Her eyes flew open. “Winter camping?”

“That’s right. We’ve got all the gear. Are you game?”

He watched her face process his request. Her words were hesitant. “I like to camp, but it seems so much more appealing on a hot,

steamy July night.” She turned the pack on its side, zipping open all the compartments.

“Where’re we going?” she asked. 

 “Point Mountain.”

“I hope I don’t slow you down on the trail.” She glanced back at him, her tone unsure. “I’ve never camped in those kinds of conditions.”

Jake slid closer to her on the couch, stroking his fingers over her arm. “You’ll do fine. You’re tough, in great shape, too.” He waggled his brows.

“It’s the cold I’m worried about.” Her smile faded.

His eyes lowered to her lips. He steered her chin, kissing her lightly and slowly, her sweetness seeping into him. His stomach fell to his feet, his heart rate soaring. Sara did things to him that he couldn’t put into words. It was unfamiliar yet thrilling, laced with a hint of fear, a fear that grew a bit more intense every time he saw her, every time his body possessed hers. He kept his thoughts on the surface. He refused to allow them to sink in too deep. He didn’t want to spoil these next few days being preoccupied with all the crap that often raged inside his head when he wasn’t with her.

“I’ll make sure you’re warm. We’ll have all the necessary gear. Please come.”

“Okay.” She leaned into him, her lips grazing his cheek. “I’ll do my best.”

Jake had her stand up and try on the backpack, adjusting all the belts and straps to fit her.

“When are we going?” Sara shifted her pack, glancing back at him.

“I’ve been watching the weather, and I think Christmas Day is our best bet. It’s supposed to be a high of twenty-nine and a low of fifteen.”

“Jesus, Jake, don’t tell me that.” She laughed. “It’ll work on me like a placebo.” Sara set the pack down and crawled under the tree, retrieving his gifts. 

OPEN SPACES- PARA/NORMAL 

 http://www.bookstrand.com/open-spaces

JC Szot- Author