I groaned, rolling over and throwing my arm over my face. “Go away.”
“It’s time to get up,” he said, in that same g
entle tone.
Just like that, I suddenly remembered what day it was and butterflies immediately filled my stomach.
“Oh shit, this is it,” I breathed the words.
His hand touched mine. “This is it. Are you okay?”
I nodded, fighting back the onslaught of emotion. “I am. At this point, I just want to get it over with.”
“Then we better get a move on.”
Thirty minutes later, we met my dad in the hall outside the room. His arms came around me, hugging me like he was never going to see me again.
“How are you doing?” he asked.
I tried to smile but the nerves were getting the best of me. “I’m okay. Just a little anxious.”
“I’ve got a car waiting for us,” he answered.
“Someone wants to say something to you,” Luke said.
“Bree, it’s me,” I heard Mel’s voice.
I turned my head left and right. “Mel?”
“She’s on FaceTime,” Luke explained, putting the phone in my hand.
“What in the world are you doing up right now?” I asked her, keeping my voice down as I was led down the hall towards the elevators.
“I wanted to call and wish you good luck. I cannot wait to see you and I cannot wait for you to see me again. You’ve got this girl. I know you are going to do great.”
I smiled. “Thank you. I will have them call you as soon as I’m done.”
“You better or I will use my daddy’s jet and fly out there and kick some ass. Don’t leave me hanging.”
I laughed again. “If I don’t call you personally tonight, I will make sure Luke texts or something. I’m not sure how I will be feeling, but I won’t forget about you.”
“I’m so proud of you,” she said. “You are a fighter and you will come through this with flying colors. I’ll see you soon.”
“Goodnight Mel, and thank you for calling.”
I held the phone out. Luke took it and we were suddenly plunged into silence as the elevator slid down. I couldn’t believe I was in Chicago and on my way to get the surgery that could change my life. I couldn’t believe there was a real chance at me being able to see again. I was afraid to believe it. I didn’t want to wake up from the surgery and find myself still in darkness.
Luke helped into the back seat of the car and then we were off. I was sandwiched between Luke and my father, and neither of them spoke. I could feel the nervous energy in the car. We were all anxious. Part of me feared we would get to the hospital and find out the surgery had been cancelled. I wouldn’t believe I was really getting it until I woke up and was told it had happened.
“We’re here,” Luke said, his voice calm.
I nodded, bracing myself for the sounds and smells of a busy hospital. When we got out of the car, it was relatively quiet. I could hear the sounds of a city coming to life, but I didn’t hear any sirens. Luke’s hand was holding mine and I could feel my father’s shoulder brush against mine on occasion as we walked. I heard the doors swoosh open and immediately felt the change of environment. There was the familiar smell of alcohol, cleaning solution and dirt.
“Are there plants?” I asked with confusion. The smell threw me off.
Luke laughed. “There are lots of potted palms. That’s pretty impressive.”
I grinned. “I’m almost going to be sad to lose my heightened sense of smell.”