I look up from my book at a knock at my door. I smile as I set my book aside. "Hi Dr Cullen. Is it time for my check up?"
"It certainly is. How are you feeling?"
"Tired still. Not hungry. The usual." Dr Cullen smiles as he takes my heart rate and blood pressure.
"That's because you're still on IV."
"When can it come out?"
"As soon as you're able to hold anything down without throwing it up. Then we'll talk about taking it out. But for now it's the only way you're body is getting what it needs, so it stays in."
"Ugh. I hate it. It's so uncomfortable. It feels like the end of the needle is going to poke through my hand." Dr Cullen laughs.
"Not to worry, you'll be just fine."
"Are we all done? I'm on chapter 6 of the book you gave me and it's just getting to a good part."
"Actually Jillian, there is something I'd like to talk to you about."
"What's that?"
"It's about Emmett.." I don't let him finish.
"I don't want to hear it."
"Please, Jillian, hear me out. He's still alive." I glare at Dr Cullen. Emmett's the reason I'm here in the first place! Now when I'm finally getting healthy he wants to pull this on me? I don't think so.
"I don't want to hear it, Dr Cullen. Not now, not ever."
"Please just listen, okay?" When I don't interrupt him he continues. "I know where he is. He's been living with me for the past 6 months. He's very well." Tears spring to my eyes.
"Why should I believe a word you're saying?"
"Because it's 100% the truth." Dr Cullen takes an envelope out of his coat. "He wanted me to give you this. He said he understands if you never want to talk to him again. I told him he shouldn't have asked me but that I would tell you. I'll give you some time." I take the envelope from him and stare at the front. It has my name on it in the same messy scrawl that was on the last one. Except this time I recognize whose it is. And it can only be one person's.
I set the envelope on my lap and stare at it for a good hour. I'm afraid of what I might find in there. Why wouldn't Emmett contact me if he's still alive? Why would he make me go through all of this when there was no reason for it? I think back to the first letter. I had never actually read it. I sigh as I realize it could have been Emmett trying to contact me. Now I just feel stupid. I got upset over something that could have let me see him again. With that thought I rip open the flap and take out the letter.
Dear Jilly,
I'm sorry that things have turned out this way. When I heard you'd landed yourself in the hospital I almost lost it. You're lucky to have Carlisle as your doctor. He's a very good person and he'll make you better in no time.
I hope you don't think someone's trying to trick you. It's nothing like that at all. It's really me, Jilly. I miss you. I've thought about you nonstop for six months straight. Wondering if you're thinking of me. I've wanted to see you, but that's not safe for me right now. I'll tell you all about that later, if you decide that keeping in contact with me is what you want. I'll understand if you don't.
Please, Jilly, get better. Not only for yourself, but for your family. They need you.
If you want to reply back to me just give your letter to Carlisle. He'll get it to me.
I love you, Jillian. I've never stopped.
Yours, Emmett
I read it three times before the words actually sink in. I want to reply, but I don't want to look foolish if this really is a trick. I decide to sleep on it and think about it again in the morning. I place the letter and envelope on my bedside table and fall into a restless sleep.
I dream about Emmett. He's wearing a tux and he's standing at the end of an alter. It takes me a second to realize that I'm his bride. My heart swells with pride and love.
I watch my dream self marry the one man I've ever loved, and ever will love. I'm sure of that. My heart was taken from me the day he left and he's kept it all this time. I don't think I'll ever get it back. I sigh contently in my sleep as we say our vows and share our first kiss as husband and wife.
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