by Lexi Banks
A bright smile spread across my face. “I know, but it’s worthwhile. It’s meaningful, and it may well make a massive difference to the rest of the world. What’s the point of having all this money if I can’t use it to make the world a better place? I really want to help out, and after everything, I can’t think of a better way to do so. And I want it to be massive, that’s the whole point! I need it to be life-changing. That’s what I want to achieve.”
“That’s really admirable. I’m really impressed. I don’t know what to say.”
“Just say yes and that you’re going to sort my money out for me,” I chuckled. “I’m doing this.”
He fiddled around on his computer for a while, and I sat there in a very impatient silence as he did so. I wasn’t sure what he was doing, but I presumed it was something to do with my money. I couldn’t wait now; I was very excited to give that check over to the cancer research center. I was excited to make a difference. It would be awesome. Every time I thought about it I got a buzz of excitement racing through my system.
“Okay, it’s in the process of being sorted.” Buster narrowed his eyes at me. “This is a real change for you; you know that? I’m not saying you’ve always been one to just chase money before...”
“Oh, come off it. That’s exactly what you’re saying! That’s what you think of me. I can see it in your eyes.”
“Not anymore.” Buster shook his head emphatically. “Maddie has changed you, being with her has made you a much more well-rounded person. I’m shocked. I mean, the women you used to date were awful...”
“They weren’t all terrible...” I trailed off as I couldn’t think of a good one. “Okay, yeah maybe. I can’t think of a good one off the top of my head which I suppose isn’t a good sign.”
“And Maddie is awesome for you. Like, I know she’s always been in your life, but this is better. Don’t you think so? She’s transformed you into a more confident, more generous, much happier person.”
I hadn’t really thought about it like that, but he was right. Being with Maddie had changed me for the better. Before being her boyfriend, I never would have thought to do something so meaningful.
“Do you really have too much work today?” I asked with a smirk. “Or can you come out and celebrate?”
“I have to work!” he insisted. “But we can always do dinner a bit later on if you like? Lola is free tonight.”
I had an itch in my body. I really wanted to get out and do something, but if I had to wait then so be it. Maybe I could go and spend some quality time with the kids at the cancer ward until tonight. They were always there waiting for someone to come and spend some time with them, and I was more than happy to be that person. Even thinking about it made me smile. And if I got to see Maddie when I was there, then so be it.
“Right, I better be off then.” I rose from the chair with a grin. “But I’ll see you later. Text me with the details, and I’ll get Maddie and me there.” I patted him on the shoulder and chuckled. “See ya.”
“Bye, Parker. I’ll give you a call when I finish up to arrange it all.”
As I walked off, I decided that I wouldn’t tell the kids about the donation now, not until I had all the money to give them. Maybe I wouldn’t even tell them at all; it wasn’t like I was doing it for the praise. I was just doing it to make them all happy. But I could tell Maddie that the money was coming for the research, just because it would open up so many things for them. I knew that they all had ideas they wanted to get on with so this would give them that much-needed boost. I clapped my hands together gleefully, rubbing them together with excitement.
I SAT DOWN WITH LIZZY playing yet another game of Bingo. Much as these kids enjoyed this, it felt a little stale to me. I couldn’t wait to give them more opportunities for fun, more that they could now. The resources were limited; they used the funding more for research than here which I could understand but things needed to change. Ideas flew through my mind; I could see a much more colorful room with pinball machines in, games for the younger ones on the walls, board games, comic book subscriptions, something to keep them distracted.
“Thank you for coming,” Lizzy grabbed my arm and leaned against me. She felt sick today, I could see it. It seemed like she was struggling to even hold up her head which was incredibly sad to see. “It’s good to see you.”
I wanted things to move faster; I could understand Maddie’s impatience now. Even though things were happening all the time, it wasn’t coming quick enough. I hoped my money would change that.
“It’s good to see you too.” I stood up and carried her up with me. “Let’s get you to bed now. It’s getting late.”
It wasn’t, but I felt like she needed to hear that to cave to the tiredness racing through her body. I couldn’t understand the fatigue, the pain, the frustration, it had to just be God awful. As I carried this little bundle to bed and I lay her across the sheets, all I could think was that I hope she didn’t die. She was too young, too sweet, had too much potential. She didn’t deserve any of this. This was why people like Maddie were so important. The difference they made was phenomenal. I couldn’t wait to be a part of that myself.
“Okay, Lizzie,” I said thickly through the emotion that threatened to spill over. “Let me read you a story.”
I read and read, even after she fell asleep, even after Maddie came to collect me, because I got wrapped up in the horrible sensation that I might lose her if I stopped. I really didn’t want to lose her.
Chapter 38 – Madison
(6 months later) - Saturday
“Here, let me fix it.” I grabbed onto Parker’s tie and adjusted it for him, getting him as smart as I possibly could. The deep red of the cravat looked really good with the charcoal color of his suit. “There, perfect.”
He smiled at me and rested his hands on my shoulders. “You’re nervous, aren’t you? I can tell.”
I suppose after six months of us officially dating, he knew me well. He’d known me beforehand, but now we were much more intimately acquainted. He’d transformed from my best friend to the person I shared absolutely everything with, my whole life. He was my whole damn world, and I loved him for that.
“Yeah, I suppose I am if I’m honest. I know we’ve rehearsed my speech a million times, but I’m scared. It’s different saying it to you than a big audience. I wish Billy would just do it already.”
“But Billy isn’t the man who found all of this, is he? He might be the brains, but you saw what he couldn’t. Plus, as scared as you might feel right now, imagine how Billy would cope. He isn’t exactly a people person.”
I couldn’t help but laugh at that one. He was right, Billy was a brilliant man but far too shy. “Okay, so why aren’t you up on that damn stage with me? You donated all that money. We couldn’t have done it without you.”
Parker actually blushed as I praised him which was so freaking sweet. Immediately, I wanted to wrap my arms tightly around him and squeeze. He honestly had no idea how many lives he’d changed. No one else might have seen the sacrifice, but I did. He’d taken his money out of all of his investments, leaving him poorer than he used to be. Wealthy compared to other people I was sure, but still... he had worked damn hard for that cash, he put himself into his company for the years he’d owned it. He deserved to keep it but he gave it all away.
“I don’t want you ever to say that. What I gave was nothing compared to you.” He leaned down and pressed his lips gently against mine. “I’m extremely proud of you; I really hope you know that. And you look beautiful too. That dress is phenomenal on you; it’s crushing me not to rip it off you right now.”
I laughed and threw my head back, allowing the curls I’d put in my hair to cascade down my back. I hoped that the black, elegant slinky dress looked okay, I wanted something on my side. I wasn’t usually one to rely on my looks, but if words failed me, I wanted to at least be able to smile and look nice.
“Well, we better get going then because I want to be early. I need to g
et a good feel for the room before I get up on stage. I have to try and work out how badly I’m going to fall apart.”
“Alright, come on then.” Parker kissed me once more on the top of my head and slipped his fingers through mine. “I’m driving, that way you can have a drink if you really need to. Dutch courage and all that.”
I actually noticed a tremble racing through my body as I left Parker’s home, which was increasingly becoming my place too, not that I’d officially moved in as yet. The anxiety bolted and darted across my stomach. I didn’t really want any of this, I wasn’t someone who needed to be celebrated and make speeches, but it had been thrust upon me, and as much as I wanted to get out of it, here I was about to walk right into it.
“You’re going to be fine,” Parker insisted as he pulled his car out of the driveway. “And if not, I’ll save you. I’ll pull a fire alarm or something to get you out of it. Somehow, I’ll find a way to save your ass.”
I nodded gratefully, knowing that I at least I had another option if it all went wrong. “Awesome, thanks. But let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. I’d much rather just kick ass at this speech.”
“Oh, you will.” Parker rubbed my leg reassuringly. “I have faith in you. You’ll be just fine.”
As I gazed out of the window and I watched the world fly by, I hoped that he was right. A lot had brought me to this moment, it hadn’t been as easy journey, but it had been so rewarding. I promised myself that I would use my second chance at life for good and I really felt like I’d done that. But I couldn’t have without Parker. And I didn’t just mean the money. I meant all of it. He had been my rock. I should have let him be there for me more when I went through the crisis. I didn’t think I would ever make that mistake again.
I turned my neck and smiled at him, staring lovingly at him while he fixed his eyes on the road. I couldn’t believe there had ever been a time when we were just friends; it seemed impossible now that we squashed this chemistry down. I hadn’t ever felt as happy as I did right now with this amazing man by my side.
“What are you looking at?” he asked me with a playful smirk. “I can feel your eyes on me.”
“I love you,” I replied. “I just keep thinking about how amazing you are.”
“Oh, well I love you too. And you keep thinking along those lines because it’ll make it much easier for me to rip that dress off you later. I still want to see what it looks like on the bedroom floor.”
I shivered, glad to have something to look forward to when all of this was over. I needed that to get me through. Now, if things got tough, I could just imagine me in my man’s arms, absolutely in heaven...
I PERCHED ON THE EDGE of my seat, tapping the toe of my high heels on the floor while the man up on stage spoke. I could hear him talking, but I couldn’t make out the words. My brain seemed to switch off words when it was anxious. Like an automatic reaction. It started when I got the results of my lump and continued ever since.
“Are you okay?” Parker whispered to me while rubbing my back reassuringly. “You’ll be fine.”
I slid my eyes closed and tried to steady my breathing. I didn’t want to get deep into a panic attack before I went up there. The nearer it got to me having to speak, the more my mind deserted me. At this rate, I wouldn’t have a damn thing to say when I got up there. I had a feeling I was going to crumble.
“I th... think so, I stammered back. “I don’t know. I suppose we’ll see.”
“And I would like to present this award to Madison Avia.” Oh shit, here it is! “Come up here, Madison.”
I staggered up to my feet, wobbling immediately as I did, but I found my footing just as quickly. With Parker’s hand gently on my back, I could actually get myself moving. I made it all the way up onto the stage without tripping and making a complete idiot of myself, and I walked over to the boss I hardly knew before this moment. He must have been a good man to give hive life over to cancer research, but he spent his time in an office, locked away from the real hard work. I presume this was typical for all workplaces. The main men only showed their faces at positive moments when there was something to celebrate.
He handed me an award and took a step back, indicating that it was time for me to take the microphone. He clapped which got everyone else joining in, giving me time to pause and catch my breath.
“Th... thank you everyone for coming here tonight,” I started off, a little shakily. “And thank you for this award, it’s amazing. Certainly not what I was expecting.” I let out a little giggle, but the sound got strangled in my throat from the nerves. Everything that I’d written down and rehearsed left me way before I got up onto the stage. I should have known this was going to happen. It was a big waste of time. All I could do now was speak from the heart and hope that I got at least some of what I wanted to say out. “This is an amazing achievement, but I couldn’t have done it without so many people. Billy and the team, of course. They did most of the work; I don’t know why they’re not up here instead of me. I kept trying to convince them.”
I put my hand over my eyes trying to shield some of the light, but I still couldn’t see anyone out there. The lights on the stage were too bright. I heard someone yelling something, presumably Billy, but I couldn’t work out what. It didn’t matter, I laughed anyway, acting like I was joining in with the joke.
“And I would also like to thank someone else...” A ball got caught in my throat. The moment I thought about Parker, I could hardly speak any longer. But I had to keep trying. I needed to get it out. “Not many of you probably know this, but I went through a scare myself. I found a... a lump on my breast which I thought might be cancerous at one point.” Yep, there it was, my first tear. God, I hadn’t cried over this in ages! “And I had some really great support. From my best friend, Tina...” I heard a whoop from the crowd which I presumed was her. “Who was amazing, and of course, my wonderful boyfriend, Parker. Not only did he look after me and care for me, but he also funded the new research. He used my experience to change things; if it hadn’t been for him, none of this would have been possible...” I had so much more that I wanted to say, but I couldn’t remember any of it. I racked my brain trying to work out if there was anything I’d missed and while I knew there was lots, it’d all gone. “So, erm, yeah, I’m going to leave now before I burst into tears and let you all enjoy the night. Thank you again, thanks so much for coming and... yeah. I would like you all to raise your glasses and celebrate with us. If you’d like to donate, there are pots everywhere for you to do so. As you can see now, your contribution, however big or small, saves lives and really helps people.”
People cheered as I descend from the stage, but I kept my head low to hide the fact that the tears were really flowing now. I felt foolish, crying over something so silly, but it had really gotten on top of me. Everything that had happened came flooding back and left me a total wreck. Thankfully, as always, Parker was there to catch me as I fell. He waited at the bottom of the steps for me and embraced me as soon as my feet hit the floor. Then he kissed me, showing me how much he loved me without needing to say it. I didn’t think I’d done very well up on stage, I wasn’t sure that I deserved his praise at all, but it felt nice to have him love me all the same. Our love kept getting stronger by the day, and it felt wonderful. Surprisingly, after everything that I’d been through, I had my happy ever after at last. My mom would have been proud of me.
Chapter 39 – Parker
Monday
I parked in the spot I seemed to be in most days now, and I stepped out of the car to examine the building in front of me. It was now a very special place to me; it held so many happy memories. I suppose not many people could say that about a hospital, but I hadn’t ever been like everyone else so it made sense. It gave me the structure that I hadn’t realized I craved so badly. I knew that I missed it, it was one of the main things that made me want to reach out into the business world again, but this was better. It didn’t have any of the drama or the stress; I always came
out of this place feeling positive and like I’d done something useful with my time. Yes, it cost more money than it made me, but I didn’t mind that. I’d made my fortune once; I didn’t need to again.
I grabbed my toolbox out the back of the car and made my way inside, whistling happily as I went. There were always things that needed doing around here, especially when it came to all the new changes in the children’s ward, and if I could lend a hand, then I would. One of the climbing frames, which was more of a hit than anyone but me thought it would be, had some fixing up that needed doing and I could easily tackle that.
After spending time with the kids, I knew that there were times when they had bursts of energy, and during those periods, being stuck indoors with nothing to do was even harder for them. Sure, they had the board games and the computer consoles, but that didn’t always cut it. They needed something physical to do, and this helped that. As long as they had someone watching them, which was a role that I would always take on if the staff were too busy, then it was fine. It helped them to exercise a little and boosted spirits. It wasn’t a lot, but to them, the new playroom was the world. I was honestly starting to see that a positive mental attitude could work wonders for someone’s physical health. That made me even more pleased that Madison hadn’t really been sick. The state she got herself into at the mere idea she could have been ill wasn’t great. Having cancer might have killed her. Sure, she was strong, and maybe some of that inner strength would have finally come out, but we couldn’t be sure.
“Hey, Parker!” Tina yelled as she spotted me. I smiled at her and nodded. “How’s it going?”
“Good,” I called back. “How was your date last night?” She didn’t give me an answer, but the twinkle in her eye told me all that I needed to know. “Well, that’s great news. Tell me about it later.”
Before all the bad stuff happened with Madison, I knew Tina, but I wouldn’t have necessarily considered her a friend of mine too. But ever since going through that rough time and judging how she supported me, I liked her a lot. Once upon a time, I might have even considered her for Buster, but he was about to be married soon. Things with Lola had progressed at the speed of light, and now he was about to settle down for good. He even started talking about having children the other day, which terrified me. But only for a moment. With Lola, he could do it. She boosted him up and made him a much better man. Just like Maddie did with me.
