Chasing Us (Dark Love 2)

***

We sit in my parents’ living room waiting for Adriana and Elijah to show up. Eric’s taking care of Amelia for the night. I thought it was best that she isn’t here. She may be too young to have any clue as to what’s going on, but I don’t want any negative energy around her. I told Charlotte what I had discovered, and as I predicted, she’s upset and has been crying for days along with my mother. She rambles on about something her mother read in her tarot cards, but I’m quick to shut her down, angry with her for seeking help from a woman who, in my eyes, is full of shit.

My father tries his best to remain strong, but I can see it has aged him. For the past few days, we spend hours locked in his den, trying to find any treatment that will cure Elijah, but deep inside, we know it’s a lost cause. Only a miracle can save him and the power of prayer to God almighty.

The important thing, he keeps reminding us is that we have to remain strong for Adriana. Elijah still hasn’t breathed a word to her, and she is gullible enough to believe it’s a nasty virus consuming him.

Elijah knows why we called this intervention, and the moment he walks into the room, I know we don’t have long. He looks gaunt, especially standing next to Adriana, who’s in her third trimester. The healthy glow is missing from his face, his eyes are deeply sunken, and only a hint of color remains in them. His hair has thinned, but he’s shaved his head, the excuse being the summer heat.

“Sweetie.” My mom calls Adriana to take a seat beside her. I know how much my mom is hurting as she turns to look at me, a silent, desperate plea to prepare ourselves for the worst.

“Can we make this quick? Elijah isn’t feeling the best.” Adriana allows my mom to hold onto her as they sit side by side on the couch.

“Adriana…” My dad glances over to Elijah, terrified of what is about to happen, knowing he has to tell the woman he loves who is carrying his baby she will soon be alone. The thought alone makes me almost violently ill.

Remain strong, Lex. Adriana needs you.

“Adriana,” Elijah kneels in front and whispers so softly we can barely hear the words. “I lied to you. It’s not a virus… the cancer is back.”

Adriana raises her head to look at Elijah, then back at all of us. She lets out a small laugh followed by an even louder one. We remain quiet until she realizes we aren’t laughing along with her.

“Wh… What do you mean the cancer is back? Is this some sort of sick joke? What is the date? Is it April Fools or something? Wait… am I being punked? That’s it, right?”

“Adriana…” I mumble, scared to look into her eyes.

“Lex, you hate practical jokes. Tell me it’s a joke… a sick, twisted, cruel joke?”

With my face sullen, I try to maintain eye contact with her, so she understands this is no joke. I watch as her face morphs into disbelief, and abruptly, she turns her focus back to Elijah.

“Stage four, Adriana. It’s too late,” Elijah explains, his voice monotone.

The blood drains from her face as his words sink in. Her body recoils, her hands automatically flying to her stomach, the trembling starting.

“What do you mean, ‘too late’?” she yells.

“Adriana, baby girl, stage four means he has only a few months to live.” My dad finds the voice Elijah has finally lost.

“You’re lying! Charlie… please tell me they are lying? This is some sort of cruel joke you’re playing.”

Charlotte’s face is covered in tears. I reach out and hold onto her hand, which is shaking uncontrollably.

“Adriana, I’m so sorry, I have no words,” Charlotte cries out.

Adriana stands, unsteady on her feet.

My mom follows quickly to hold onto her.

“We are having a baby. In one month, this baby comes into this world, and you are telling me you only have months to live?”

“Adriana, I didn’t want to jeopardize the health of the baby.” Elijah’s voice is barely audible.

“What’s the fucking point? The baby won’t have a father!”

The sobs intensify in the room, my mom and Charlotte unable to hide the pain unfolding before us.

Adriana stands still, not shedding one tear until Elijah joins her and holds onto her, both of them falling to the floor as they cry in each other’s arms.

ELIJAH