The Rift In Our Reality: A Sweet Young Adult Romance

by Amy Proebstel

  “Thanks, sis.” Out of nowhere, I began yawning. Apparently, my body finally decided to let down from the big trip, but I certainly wished to have more time with my friends and family.

  “I think that’s our cue to leave, JB. Are you ready?” Jackson asked suddenly. “Haley clearly needs to get more rest. I’ll be back tomorrow, and we can catch up then. See you.” As per his usual, he patted my head as he walked past.

  “See you later, Haley. Happy birthday,” JB said as he joined Jackson at the front door.

  “Thanks for coming over, guys. I really like the bracelets.” I held up my arm to demonstrate how they fit perfectly on my wrist. Even that casual motion felt like a herculean effort, and my hand dropped lifelessly into my lap. “I don’t know why I’m so tired,” I whined.

  “The doctor warned us that your body would take time adjusting to the new drugs. Before you go off to bed, your dad and I wanted to tell you what we’ve done for your birthday.”

  “Oh, you guys have done enough. I mean, we just went to San Francisco, and all.”

  Mom sat down where Jackson had vacated the spot next to me. She took hold of my hand and answered, “That wasn’t exactly a vacation. No, we know how much you love going on the houseboat, and we weren’t able to make that happen this summer because we thought we’d be heading to New York.

  “So, we contacted the owners of the boat, and they have it available this next week. It’d be really relaxing for you to sit out on the water and soak up the sun. What do you think?”

  “Well,” I started, but I didn’t know how to tell her I would rather spend time with Matt.

  “We’ve also invited Matt’s family to join us, that is…if you’re up for it.”

  “That’s perfect, Mom!” I flung my arms around her as I fought back my tears of joy. The only thing troubling me was whether or not Matt and his family would want to come after the bomb I inadvertently dropped. They might be too upset with me to want to be cooped up on a boat for a week.

  “Great. We’ll make all the arrangements then. Why don’t you head off to bed, you feel a bit chilled, and it’s obvious you’re tired. You’ve had a long day, after all. I might even consider taking a nap myself.” She patted my leg lovingly.

  I knew she’d never take a nap; she only said that to make me feel less self-conscious about my suddenly frail condition. Stifling another yawn, I shook my head and said, “It’s too early for me to fall asleep. I have to take my second dose at eight.”

  “I’ll make sure you take it. Don’t worry. Just rest for now,” Mom assured me.

  I rather liked thinking she would be responsible for remembering; my thoughts kept jumbling anyway. I’m sure it was just the fatigue setting in, so I tried not to worry about it too much. Besides, the doctor said I’d be getting better mental clarity, so I just had to give it time to work.

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~

  I’d hoped to see Matt again before the night ended, but he must’ve been too preoccupied with his family. Even my phone remained silent, although I’d sent him a couple of silly text messages. Still nothing. I hated the silence. I’d rather have him yelling and screaming his frustration rather than keeping everything to himself.

  After my mom woke me up for my second dose, I fought off the sleep trying to take over. I listened to music played too loudly through my earbuds until I no longer felt the pull of exhaustion as the drugs shifted into the next phase.

  The doctor had said it was important to analyze the progress of the drug’s interactions with my body. As far as I was concerned, I was merely being scientific at this point. Maybe I should video record myself to get proper documentation.

  After the drowsiness wore off, I felt a strange numbing sensation in my fingertips, and my thoughts seemed to race at lightning speed. I’m not sure this was what the doctor meant by clarity; it was more confusing than anything. So much passed through my mind, it almost made me dizzy and thankful I was already reclined on my bed with my new pillows.

  I’m not sure how much time passed; it felt like nothing. Something didn’t seem quite right, but I couldn’t pinpoint what it was so I dismissed it immediately. Rather than dwell on it, I decided it was too late for Matt to make an appearance or even to call, so I took out my earbuds and rolled over to sleep for the night.

  Charlie took up his regular spot against my side. I loved having him with me; it reminded me of when I was little, and another dog used to sleep with me. Those were simpler times when I still dreamed of becoming a ballerina or an actress one day after I grew up. I’m pretty sure I fell asleep with a grin on my face with this thought fresh on my mind.

  Chapter Nineteen

  NO! IT COULDN’T be lost, not after all this time! Immediately my hand rose to my neck, my fingers searching vainly for the pendant I knew was lost. Only, my fingers brushed against the familiar nick in the side. How can this be? I know it was lost.

  I rolled over and sat up in bed, my hand still clasping the precious pendant as if my life depended on it. “Oh, thank goodness! It was only a dream,” I whispered out loud.

  “What happened, Haley?” Matt asked, his hand reaching out to touch my arm.

  I about jumped to the ceiling with fright. “When did you get here?” I asked defensively.

  “A while ago. It looked like you had a bad dream. Do you want to talk about it?”

  I laced my fingers with his, taking comfort in his presence. “I was afraid you wouldn’t come back after…” I stuttered to a stop, not wanting to remind him of a hurtful subject.

  “Don’t worry, Haley. I worked out everything with my parents. Hey; they told me the good news about the houseboat. It sounds like a lot of fun. Doesn’t it?”

  “The houseboat,” I repeated, my mind trying to put together what he was talking about. Suddenly, it all clicked together like the final piece of a puzzle. “Yes. We go every year. Does this mean you and your parents are going to come with us? I don’t want to go if you aren’t with me.”

  “Nothing will keep me away, Haley. Besides, I’m dying to see you waterskiing. After all of your boasting, I need proof that you actually can do it.”

  “I don’t think I’ll be attempting it this year. I’ve been a little tired lately if you hadn’t noticed.”

  Matt squeezed my hand playfully. “Likely story. I’ll find out the truth at some point. I guess we’ll just have to laze around in our skimpy bathing suits and soak up the sun. I’m not opposed to that either.”

  I chuckled at his lame attempt at humor. Just as I started to move off my bed to freshen up in the bathroom, everything seemed to go off-kilter. Even my hearing seemed like my head was under water, nothing made sense.

  “Haley! Haley! What’s going on?” Matt asked, his body pressed against mine as I curled up against his chest.

  I limply pushed my hand against his torso as I leveraged myself away from him. “I’m fine, Matt. I just got dizzy. It’s just the medication. Don’t worry so much; I’m fine.”

  “That didn’t seem fine to me, Haley. We should tell your parents about it at least.” Matt shifted off of the bed, his hand still lightly resting on my shoulder.

  As fast as I could manage, my hand reached out and grasped his wrist before he could move. “No!” I urgently whispered. “My mother will totally overreact; she’ll probably rush me down to the hospital to have a battery of tests run. I just got dizzy, Matt. Please. Just keep this between us.”

  “Has this happened before?”

  I didn’t like Matt’s tone, but I wasn’t going to lie to him. Shaking my head, I replied, “Not like that. Last night when I first lay down, it felt like I had vertigo. It didn’t last very long, and then I slept great.”

  “Okay, here’s what we’ll do. You tell me about every episode and how long it lasts. If I think it’s getting worse, then I’ll talk to your parents. Agreed?”

  I let go of his wrist, pulling my arms around my middle to hug myself in self-defense. How did this all get so out of control? “It doesn’t sound
like I have much choice.”

  “Nope. I love you, Haley. I just want to keep you safe.”

  “I’ve got to go to the bathroom,” I declared, pushing my legs over the side of the bed and walking confidently across the room. I hoped my progress looked normal because my head felt as if it were swirling again. This had better pass soon because I couldn’t live with it forever.

  No sooner had I reached the bathroom sink, than I had to grip the countertop to keep myself from falling onto the floor. The next thing I knew, my knees crashed down onto the tile floor, but my hands kept their hold on the counter. I don’t know how long I kneeled there, but Matt’s rapid knocking on the door brought me back to the present.

  “Haley! If you don’t open this door in the next five seconds, I’m coming in there,” he threatened.

  Somehow I managed to pull myself off the floor and open the door just in time. Matt must have seen something which scared him because he immediately crushed me to his chest. “Haley, you’re not okay. You’re as pale as a ghost. We need to tell your parents.”

  “Please don’t, Matt. I just stood up too fast. Can you help me get back to bed?” I only meant for him to guide me back, but he had other ideas. I flailed, a squeal of surprise erupting from my lips, when he swept me off my feet, cradling me like a little child, and strode back to my bedside in seconds.

  No sooner had we made it back when my mother entered my bedroom. “What’s going on?” she asked instantly.

  “Nothing,” I replied.

  “I just helped her get back into bed,” Matt said at the same time.

  “Hmm. I brought Haley her morning dose.”

  My hand shot out to take them from her, hoping she’d give them to me and leave right away. Unfortunately, she had other ideas as she gave me the medication and seated herself at the end of my mattress. “How are you feeling today, Haley? Do you have any more energy?”

  “Not really,” I mumbled, hastily downing the pills with a swig of water. “Did you get the houseboat arranged? Matt just told me his family’s coming.”

  “Yes. I think it’ll be a good distraction from everything before you head back to school.” She tweaked my toes playfully like she had done when I was little.

  Nodding, I couldn’t agree more, I thought with a smile. Turning my attention back to Matt, I said, “I missed you at my birthday party yesterday.”

  “Yeah, I probably should’ve stayed a little longer, but I didn’t have my gift for you with me anyway. Are you ready to open it now?”

  “What? Of course!” I held out my hands, eager to discover what he might have gotten me. “I can’t believe you got me something more. You already did so much for me on my actual birthday.”

  In the middle of my palm, I felt a small box without much weight at all. “What is it?” I asked, suddenly nervous.

  “Well, you always seem so surprised that I want to hang out with you, so I thought I’d get you something so you’d know exactly what my intentions were for you. Open it.”

  With trembling fingers, I managed to pull the small amount of paper from the outside of the box. I could feel a hinge on the back and cracked open the case. With the sunlight pouring into my room right over my bed, I shifted my position so I could hold the box up into my peripheral vision. A small, gold band stood inside a crevice of black velvet. “Matt!”

  “This is a promise ring, Haley. I promise to keep myself for you and you only until you’re ready. I love you, Haley.” He took the box from my lax grip and plucked out the ring. “I’d like you to wear this on your necklace so it’ll be near your heart.”

  “Okay,” I replied, my hands instantly finding the clasp on my delicate chain and unfastening it. I held it out to Matt and held my breath while he threaded the ring onto the necklace.

  Rather than hand it back to me, he brushed my hair to the side and settled it back onto my neck for me. I loved the idea of the two items sharing a space on my chest; they both represented a love I had in my life. The difference in the weight seemed odd at first, but I knew I’d get used to it in short order.

  My finger caressed the ring, tracing its circular shape in wonder. I wished it could have taken its place on my hand, preferably a particular finger on my left hand, but that would have to wait at least another year before it would be a consideration. “I love it, Matt. Thank you.”

  I felt his hand caressing my arm; then everything went strange again with my world shifting off-kilter. This could not be happening at this most beautiful moment in my life, yet I was powerless to stop it. Even the ringing in my ears made it impossible to hear what was being said to me.

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~

  Something seemed off when I came back to my normal awareness. Caressing the rough linen under my fingertips, I knew this could not be my bed at home. A sick feeling struck me, instantly confirmed by my inhaling the antiseptic smell of a hospital.

  “What happened?” I asked mostly to myself, not knowing if I were alone.

  “You blacked out, Haley. We brought you to the emergency room,” Matt replied, his hand warming a spot on my shoulder as he stood by the head of the bed.

  “No! I don’t want to be here. Take me home, please.”

  “We didn’t have much choice when you remained unresponsive. Your mom was afraid you were having a seizure.”

  “Did I?”

  “No. They did some sort of test, and they were able to confirm you just had low blood pressure and not a seizure.” Matt’s fingers rubbed against my shoulder, tapping out a rhythm I almost recognized.

  “Thank goodness,” my mom sighed, as she entered the room. “You’re finally awake. How’re you feeling?”

  “Fine. Please, Mom, take me home. I don’t want to be here. I just need to get something to eat, and I’ll feel perfect again.” This was what I had tried to avoid. I hated hospitals, tests, and feeling confined. Moreover, I hated making my family worry about me. Mom’s next words set all my worries aside and allowed me to breathe freely once again.

  “The doctors have cleared you to go. Matt, if you could step out, I’ll get Haley dressed, and then we can all leave.”

  I could hear the crinkling of a plastic bag, which I assumed carried my personal belongings. They really should have something more personable than a glorified shopping bag for their patients.

  As soon as I heard the door click shut, I asked, “How long was I out? I don’t remember anything beyond when Matt gave me…” Instantly alarmed, I wondered if I might have imagined the whole promise ring thing. My hand flew up to my neck where I discovered the ring did exist. With a sigh of relief, I continued, “the ring.”

  “Drink this,” my mom said as she picked up my hand where she placed a metal can. “It’s guava nectar and should help you to have more energy. I already opened it and put in a straw to make it easier for you.”

  “Thanks, Mom,” I said, hastily bringing it up to my lips and taking a long swig of the sweet juice. I hoped it would kick in fast so I could assist her in getting me dressed. The last thing I needed was for her to see how weak I’d suddenly become and then hover even more than usual.

  A few minutes later, I found myself dressed and seated in a wheelchair. Nurse Taylor patted my shoulder familiarly as she wheeled me to the exit. “We’ve got to stop meeting like this, Haley,” she teased.

  “I’ll do what I can,” I replied with a low chuckle. “This isn’t your usual ward.”

  “No, but I heard you were here and requested the honor of handling your discharge.”

  “Thanks, I appreciate it.” Only then did I realize someone was missing. I really was off my game for it to have taken this long. Feeling slightly alarmed, I asked, “Where’s Charlie?”

  “We left him at home with your brother,” Mom answered swiftly.

  “Oh. I’m sorry I scared everyone.”

  “It’s not your fault,” Mom said. Then changing the subject, she added, “The doctor advised us to make sure you had more frequent meals so your blood sugar would remain
constant until you get used to your new medication.”

  “That makes sense,” I agreed, fervently hoping this would be the solution to my growing problems. When the wheelchair bumped over the threshold, the jarring motion caused me to jump more than I usually would have reacted.

  Only then did I notice how much easier it was to see out of my peripheral vision. Maybe the light shone brighter outside or possibly even wishful thinking on my part, considering I’d only been taking the new medication for three days, but I could swear I already saw better.

  If my vision could begin to recover this fast, maybe there was hope for the rest of me after all. I’d keep this little nugget of information to myself, so I wouldn’t get anyone’s hopes up if it turned out to be inaccurate.

  Chapter Twenty

  RATHER THAN STAYING confined to my bedroom, I set up shop on the living room couch so I could be near the family’s action. Although I preferred the lighting in my bedroom, I used this opportunity to gauge the improvement in my eyesight. It had improved, even if only marginally. I’d take it!

  Charlie’s multiple attempts to smother me on the couch finally gave way to him deciding to curl up immediately below me on the floor. My hand dangled over the edge, brushing against the top of his head to let him know I still loved him. Every once in a while, he’d lick my fingers, probably to get a reaction out of me.

  A long time ago, I’d discovered my family hovered over me less outside of my bedroom. Being bedridden must really change how people thought about me, so I’d avoid that area as much as I could. Besides, it was more entertaining with the television broadcasting game shows in the background.

  Finishing up her phone calls for the day, Mom joined me on the couch. Sitting near my feet, she lifted them onto her lap and massaged them just the way I liked. “How are you feeling?”

  The dreaded question, but one I patiently answered, “Fine.” I could mouth the next one without even being able to see her.