Free Shocked and Shattered by Aleya Michelle

must look a sight. The towel is barely covering my girly bits. My wet hair is a mess, and I’m draped over the toilet bowl.
     
    “Don’t look at me. I’m a mess,” I say to him, feeling embarrassed.
     
    “Oh, Crystal,” he murmurs, and comes straight over to me. He gathers my few strands of hair together and holds them up.
     
    “I was just trying to have a shower before you came. I can’t even do one simple task.”
     
    “You look and smell good. You managed well until the nausea hit. Sometimes, there is no warning.” Don’t I know that.
     
    “Come on, let’s get you off the cold tiles and dressed.” He helps me to stand, and I flush the toilet, feeling horrified. I shuffle slowly as I try to hold my towel up. He would be getting a nice view of my legs and bare skin if he was interested, so when I bust him checking me out, I smile.
     
    “Sorry. I shouldn’t be ogling a sick woman,” he says, chuckling.
     
    “I’m happy to be ogled. It’s been a long time,” I giggle.
     
    I sit on the bed, and Liam sits beside me. It could be sexual if I wasn’t feeling so sick and hadn’t just vomited. But, it’s a nice moment. He pulls me in closer and holds me in his arms. I feel safe and secure, and my heart fills for the first time in forever. It feels so nice. We stay this way in each other’s arms until the sun sets and it’s dark outside.
     
    “How about we actually get you dressed so you don’t catch a cold,” he suggests, always concerned for my well-being.
     
    “Okay,” I concede. He releases me from his embrace, and we look into each other’s eyes. I’m able to stand and gather my underwear, clean leggings, and a black tee. I don’t have the energy for a bra, so black should hide my boobs.
     
    “I’ll be waiting in the lounge room.”
     
    “Great…thanks. I’m okay now,” I assure him, so glad the nausea has passed for the moment.
     
    Liam is in the kitchen when I come out. I make myself comfy on the sofa and watch as he busies himself, making two cups of tea and cutting up fruit.
     
    “You don’t have to do that,” I say, but he just smiles. It’s nice to have someone wait on me. A very good looking male version, as opposed to Hannah.
     
    “I have dates for you. Your surgery is booked for Friday, in three weeks’ time. I have my associate, who is the best in the business, operating. His name is Dr. George Short. Does this sound okay?” I figure now that we are getting closer, it might not be appropriate for him to operate, hence Dr. Short.
     
    “Sounds fine to me. Any associate of yours that you trust, I have faith in,” I respond truthfully.
     
    “Perfect. I have the forms with me, so we can fill them out together if you like.” Wow. Is there anything this man won’t do for me?
     
     
     
    The next three weeks fly by, especially as I’m regaining my strength from not having chemo. It’s D-day, and I can’t wait to have this damn poisonous tumour out of my body.
     
    “I am so nervous, Liam, but feeling relieved to finally get this done,” I confess to him as I sit on my hospital bed, dressed in my gown and ready to go. Liam leans in and kisses my lips, softly. It feels so amazing. It’s our first kiss, and at such an appropriate time. I deepen the kiss, and never want it to end.
     
    When we pull back for air, Liam speaks first. “Wow. That was worth the wait.” He smiles and caresses my cheek.
     
    “It was perfect,” I agree and squeeze his hand. I’m then wheeled into the prep room, ready for my life-altering operation to start.
     
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    Afterwards, Dr. Short speaks to myself and Liam. “I am confident that I got the whole tumour. Scans have shown it hasn’t spread, and the chemo appears to be shrinking the cells in your lymph nodes.” That is exactly what I wanted to hear.
     
    “That is awesome news, Crystal,” Liam