Because of His Love

Chapter 15: Allyson - Spa Day

I eat a giant heap of scrambled eggs and toast before Rachel takes my plate. Within minutes, I hear a knock at the door. Three people enter with Rachel and they transform the kitchen into a mini spa. They have a portable manicure station, massage tables, and some kind of warming table. I am in awe that she had this ready.

Rachel ushers me into the bedroom they have me in and tells me to strip and hands me a fluffy, pinkish colored bathrobe. I read the embroidered name 'Lulu's Luxury' and I look at her questioningly. She stops her hands on my bandage. "Lulu was my mother. She loved pampering people. I opened the spa in her honor." Now, it makes sense to me how she had this ready. I simply nod and don the bathrobe.

Rachel leads me back to the kitchen. First, she sits me in the manicure chair and immediately two people get to work. I am getting a manicure and a pedicure. It feels amazing the way they're massaging my hands and feet. After what feels like days, but was only thirty minutes, I'm asked what color I would like. I choose a pale orange. I ask if my toes and fingers can match. They oblige my request.

Once my nails are dry, I am led to the massage table. The masseuse works my muscles into mush and I feel so relaxed. They have a cushion under my stomach so the stitches from my surgery aren't touching the table. I feel like I'm in heaven.

My relaxation is cut short when the phone rings. I hear Rachel answer it. I can't hear the other person. I only hear Rachel. She tells the person we will be there soon and says she loves them. Must be Michael calling. We leave the home spa and go to the hospital.

I sit beside Michael and talk to him while his mom talks to the doctor. I hold his hand. I miss him when we're separated.

"The doctor said I am recovering very well. I may not have to stay the whole week, babe."

"Did they say what happened?"

"Not really. At least not to me. But you saved my life. That's what they tell me."

I crawl in the bed with him, minding his IV. I just want to be close. He wraps me in his arms. "It was the least I could do considering you rescued me from my brother and my parents."

"Nobody deserves that kind of treatment," he says, kissing my temple. I lay my head on his chest. He brushes my hair from my face. "I am so glad I met you. I don't know where I would be if I hadn't." I run my fingers up his arm. He kisses my temple again. "I just want to be home."

"Get a room," his mom jokes when she comes in. She grabs the chair and sits facing us. "So, honey, they say that your body is accepting the piece of liver that was transplanting. They want to keep you at least one more day, but looks like you should be home by supper tomorrow. We'll just have to watch you closely for a few weeks. Don't worry. I already talked to your landlord and your apartment is fine." She knows Michael moved into my apartment.

"I have a surprise for you," Michael says. He points to his bag in the corner. "Mom, will you get the purple envelope, please?" She jumps up excitedly.

"When did you get a surprise?" she asks.

"I asked dad to get it. There's one for you and one for Allyson." Rachel grabs out a large envelope. She holds it up to him and he nods at her. She opens the envelope to find two smaller envelopes. One is bulging with a gift. The other looks rather flat. Rachel hands the flat one to me, it has my name on it in Travis's handwriting.

I hold it while I wait for Rachel to open hers, but she insists I open mine first. I turn it in my hands to find the seal and I open it. There's a gift certificate to the pet store. I look at Michael. "Remember when you got your cast off and we walked around the mall?" I nod. "I remember you said you wanted a caged pet. The landlord said caged pets are fine. He's even ok with a cat if you want one." I squeal with delight. I flip the certificate over and gasp at the amount. It's more than enough to get the pet I want, food, a cage, and accessories.

Rachel opens her envelope to find a small box from her favorite jewelry store. She opens the box to a pair of emerald earrings in the shape of stars with a matching necklace. A huge smile spreads across her face. She kisses her son on his cheek and whispers in his ear. He smiles and whispers back. I can read his lips. He just told her that she's worth the gift. Their relationship makes my heart flippy.

Michael yawns so we make our goodbyes. As we are kissing, he slips a small box into my hand. "Open it tonight. Not now. Think about it and tell me your answer later." I look at him confused. That statement only makes me want to open the box now. Rachel ushers me out of the room when Michael yawns again.