Bucking Bear (Pounding Hearts 3)

I have never felt this type of hug before, there are so many emotions that it makes my head spin. Sadness, happiness, hurt, anger, love and maybe even somewhere relief. Slowly they slip away from us and it is just Krissy and I.

She leans back on the bed and gives me a sad smile. “Sorry… I have been trying to be so strong…”

I nod my head. “If you ever need someone, I don’t care when it is, call me. I will always be there to talk to you. No matter what you need to say, I will want to listen.”

She nods her head to me. she is really tired now, I can see it in her eyes. She is fighting the sleepiness but she isn’t winning.

Her mother comes into the room and says very quietly, “I am so sorry to say this Krissy but it’s time for your big meds.”

“Shit.” The teen before me says under her breath.

Claire and the photographer come into the room to take one last picture of me and I can tell it is time for me to get going.

I kneel down beside Krissy one last time and say, “I am so honored to have met you. You are undoubtedly one of the coolest people I have ever met.”

“Thank you so much for coming to see me and I can’t thank you enough for what you brought. I… This is the coolest thing I have ever had happen.”

I stay to hold her hand as they give her the medicine. She grips my hand tightly. I know she is in pain, but when the pain meds kick in she gets sleepy.

I kiss her cheek before I take my leave. Stopping at the door, I look back and she is already slumbering. Her mom is there, lowering the bed and getting her set up for the night.

I walk out into the hall and look around. Her dad and Claire are there, talking quietly. They stop and smile at me.

Matt comes over and shakes my hand. “Thanks again for coming, Max. I can’t believe how happy Krissy is, and how much that brightened her up. She has had a rough couple of weeks. This just means so much to us.”

“It means a lot to me too, I promise you that.”

“I’ll try to make sure she doesn’t abuse the phone. I don’t…”

“No, let her abuse it, sir. As long as she and you guys are happy that’s what it’s for.”

“Thank you.”

We say goodbye at the door and I feel tired as we get into Claire’s car. She looks over at me and says, “Thank you, Max. You have made that girl’s day. Probably one of the biggest moments in her life.”

“I hope not. I want her to have so many more than meeting some fighter.”

We are quiet as we travel to the airport.

Pulling up to the departure doors, I shake Claire’s hand. “Thank you for this, ma’am. If you guys ever need me again, just call. I promise I will be there as soon as I can. And if Krissy’s family needs anything, please tell me. Anything.”

“I will, Max, and thank you for helping.”

* * *

The plane ride home is thankfully quiet and fast. I couldn’t really think of much on the flight. I don’t know why but the window kept my attention for most of the time. I’m not even sure what I was thinking. Somewhere in the clouds, I thought about the whole trip and just let my mind wander.

Halfway to home I get a text.

Krissy: Bear?

Me: Yep, it’s me.

I send a picture back of me smiling. This is probably the first selfie I have ever taken, and I am pretty sure it shows in the odd smile I give.

Krissy: This is so awesome! Thank you!

Me: How come you’re still awake?