Until the Last Breath

Tessa rushes to me, hugging me for what has to be the twentieth time in the past twenty-four hours. “I’m so glad you’re home,” she sighs.

“You did all this?” I ask, taking a look around the room flooded with party favors, finger-foods, and décor.

“I did!” Her brown eyes sparkle as she looks around. “You like it?”

I nod. “I love it. And I appreciate it. Thank you. I’m just not so sure John approves.”

“Tessa,” John steps beside me, looking her hard in the eyes. “Can I have a word with you in the kitchen, please?”

“For what?” she demands.

“John,” I sigh. “Please, not right now. At least wait for everyone to leave.”

He looks at me before giving her a stern onceover, knowing I’m right. “Fine. Later.” He walks away, forcing a smile at Emilia and Quincy as he passes by them.

“Tessa,” I hiss, pulling her toward the window draped with copper curtains. “You should’ve asked him before doing all of this.”

“I wanted to but he didn’t come home and he wasn’t answering his phone! I thought you deserved it, and that he would at least support the idea.” She rolls her eyes. “Didn’t realize he’d freak out like this.”

“I understand, but you know John is far from spontaneous so next time you do something like this make sure you ask him.” I press my hands together in prayer mode. “Please?” I beg. “I want my time home to be comfortable, no stress.”

She nods and releases a slow breath. “Okay, okay. Fine. I’m sorry I overstepped. It won’t happen again, I promise and I’ll tell John the same once he’s cooled down.”

“Thank you.”

She turns and wraps an arm around my shoulders, facing everyone in the room. “Guys! Can I have your attention please?” she yells.

The murmurs and laughter come to a hush as all eyes point to Tessa. She grins, surprised it works. “Hi,” she squeaks and blushes, but we all know Tessa is far from timid. “So, most of you are closer to Shannon than you are to me, but if you hang with Shannon then you probably have heard her complain about her crazy, dramatic baby sister before, I’m sure.”

Everyone laughs, including John, who stands in the corner, sipping on a glass of red wine and nodding his head with way too much enthusiasm.

“Anyway, I just wanted to say that I’m so glad my sister is home. If you know Shannon, you know she’s a fighter and has been one her whole life. She’s never given up on me, never given up on herself, and although she could give up right now, she hasn’t. She inspires me and pushes me to become a better person and I love her so much.” Her eyes land on mine, damp and red now. My eyes are full of tears at this point. “Tonight is for you, Shannon!” She smiles hard, clasping her hands together. The tears I’m trying hard to fight finally escape me.

“I love you to death Shanny. You’re an amazing person with an amazing heart and I’m so glad to have you as my sister.” Tessa steps down from her soapbox, walking straight into my open arms.

“I love you, sis,” I murmur over her shoulder.

“I love you more.”

Everyone smiles and croons. I bubble a laugh, enjoying her embrace. After all, I know to cherish every waking moment now. I don’t have many days left, nor do I know when the time will come, but nothing will stop me from living it up. Being home is just the start. There’s so much more I’d love to do.

“Okay,” Quincy says, walking up to us and splitting us apart. He swipes at his eyes, laughing as he goes for the stereo. “I can’t handle these crocodile tears and Shannon is home, right? Let’s turn up the music and have a little fun!” Quincy moves in front of me and cups my face in his hands. “I know you can’t have alcohol so I made some Shirley Temple’s for you. They’re in the fridge whenever you want them. I didn’t add a lot of grenadine, though. Tessa told me not too much sugar.”

“Thank you, Q.” I hold his face and kiss his cheek. After letting him go and chatting with a few old friends that worked at Capri, and my former roommate Emilia, who can still crack me up to this day, I politely dismiss myself from the gathering. A small part of me wonders if Max was invited to come tonight.

Entering the kitchen, I open the fridge and take out one of the virgin drinks. “Here’s to living,” I whisper to myself, bringing the drink to my lips and sipping it. It’s been a while since I’ve had something so full of flavor. Although the grenadine would’ve perfected it, I know I don’t need it.

Footsteps sound a short distance away and John walks into the kitchen. I force a smile at him. “You okay? You tired?” he asks.