Adelaide

"How are you doing?" Mom asks me once we're back at the hotel and in the room we're sharing.

Right now, I'm sprawled out on the bed, replaying everything I heard about Justin's upcoming surgery. It's a lot to take in. I can see why he was keen on keeping this from me before. This is very, very stressful, knowing that he's going through such an intrusive surgery. So many things could go wrong, but so many things could go right.

"I'm okay," I shrug, focusing on the popcorn ceiling. "It's a lot to take in." I frown. "And I think Justin's really scared."

Mom lays down beside me. "Of course he is, honey. Anyone would be scared of a surgery like this. I can't imagine how your dad would have reacted if he hadn't been in a coma. They probably would have had to forcefully sedate him."

I snort. That is so Dad. In fact, I can picture him huddled in the corner of the hospital room, teeth bared, and yelling at people to get away from him. Justin's pretty brave, going into the hospital and letting people do stuff to him. I sigh. "I just...I think he thinks he's going to die or something."

Mom turns her face to mine. "What do you mean?"

I launch into a story about the kiss, telling her every little detail. Most people would be embarrassed by this, but our relationship is open and honest. Ever since I can remember, Mom has always told me to not be scared or uncomfortable about telling her something. Same goes for Dad. But even so, this is definitely not a conversation I would have with my dad. Knowing him, he'd probably call Uncle Hart over so they could corner me. The buggers. Sometimes I don't know how Mom and Aunty Elle put up with them as teenagers.

"I love him, Mom," I sigh. "I love him so much and I think that's why it's worrying me so badly."

Mom ponders my story for a moment. "He has every right to think that, Addie. This is a very, very serious surgery on one of the most important parts of the human body. One mishap could cause a life-altering complication. So I don't blame him for wanting a kiss like that."

I trace my finger along the zipper of my sweater. "I'm scared, too, Mom," I whisper. "When Dad got sick after the accident, how did you deal with it?"

Mom chuckles and shakes her head. "What I did wasn't the best that I could have done, Addie. Sometimes I look back and think about what I could have done differently. There were signs that Brett was sick. When we went outside, he seemed loopy, like he had been injected with a dose of morphine. I should have taken him inside at that moment."

She pauses, and although she's not really answering what I asked her, I decide to wait. I'm sure she's leading up to her answer with this story.

"You've already beat me there, Addie," she smiles. "You have handled this so well and I am proud of you for that. But, in regards of what to do while Justin is in surgery, the best thing you can do is wait. Uncle Hart and Aunty Elle would say the same thing. There's nothing you can do but wait." She reaches out and brushes a piece of hair from my forehead. "It's going to seem like forever and feel like complete torture, and for that, I am sorry. I know what it feels like to feel helpless in a situation like this. But waiting is all we can do. Just know that you have me and Helene and Chris. Hell, call your dad if you want to. Call Aunty Elle or Sophia. Even Grandpa John. You have so many people that are willing to support you and they all know what it's like to watch someone they love go through a major surgery."

I nod my head because I'm at a loss for words. She's right. And this is one of the many reasons why I love my family. Sometimes we go days without talking, but that has never affected us before; every time we meet up it's like there was no time lost between us. So if I do decide to call them on Friday while Justin's in surgery, I know they'll support me no matter what.

"Thanks, Mom," I whisper.

She smiles. "You know I'll always be here for you. Now," – she gets to her feet – "we need to get you ready for your date tonight!"

I sit up quickly. "What?" I ask.

"Your date," Mom replies as she begins to go through her suitcase.

"I, uh, don't have a date planned for tonight."

Mom glances at me as she pulls out a familiar black dress that I never got to wear to the Winter Formal back in December. "Oh, yes you do."

My mouth drops open and I roll off the bed, quickly walking over to her. "Why did you bring this?"

"Helene, Sophia, Aunty Elle, and I decided that the two of you need to make up for the night you and Justin missed. So we've booked you a table at a fancy restaurant that requires you to dress fancy."

"No way," I gasp. "You guys didn't."

"We did," she nods.

"Oh my God!" I squeal, throwing my arms around her. "Thank you so much, Mom! You have no idea how exciting this is!"

Mom smiles. It's one of those smiles that makes me think she's reminiscing. "Trust me, honey, I do understand. Now go get ready – the reservation is for six-thirty."

With one last squeal, I take the dress from Mom and head for the bathroom.

I'm so happy the ladies decided to plan this out for me and Justin. I'm happy that finally get to wear the dress I worked so hard to find.

And then there's the fact that I get to spend time alone with Justin.

My blood begins to buzz like it's been infused with coffee when a realization occurs.

If I'm wearing my dress, then Justin must be wearing that suit again. He looked so good in it. Even though he did end up having a seizure moments later. However, I am not going to let that bother me.

Tonight is about creating new memories and taking back the night we deserved to spend together.