Our a Cappella by Yessi Smith Page B

I cry and only calm down when I hear her singin’ softly to me. Her soft tone eases the knot that has lived in my stomach for months. Music won’t heal me, but my family will.
    I look ov er to find Tonya, who is sittin’ on the other side of my bed, rubbin’ my shoulder, her eyes intent on me. I let go of Erin so that I can bring Tonya’s hands to my lips, makin’ her blush as Erin watches us with her eyes so wide I’m scared they might pop out.
    “You two?” she stutters out, standin ’ up so she can get a better look of us.
    Tonya nods her head at us, smilin ’ a smile that speaks more than any words we have shared. Trent holds Erin from behind and kisses her cheek, making me happy she found someone to take care of her and love her through all of her stubbornness asinine ways.
    “Good,” Erin nods in our direction and I smile.
    If she thinks I’d stop dating Tonya because she didn’t agree, she’d have a good fight on her hands.

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 17
     
     
    Trent
     
    Watching Erin is humbling. She’s a tyrant that resembles a baby Hitler when she's angry. But her heart has no comparison. Once she’s let you in, her love takes over and encompasses you.
    That’s what she did for Nate and what I’ll do for her when she cracks. Cracks, not breaks. I’ll hold her in my arms and let her cry the same way she let Nate cry. I already know she’ll need more than a strong shoulder – ahem, me – she’ll need permission. She won’t cry unless I tell her it’s okay to.
    For now, I hold her in my arms, her back resting against my chest as we talk to Nate while his dad, Sofia and Shayna rummage the vending machines to allow us the privacy.
    “I called Dr. Thompson after I called the ambulance,” Tonya tells us referring to a family friend who is also an oncologist. “He saw Nate and after seeing his scans, wants to do surgery and remove as much of the mass as possible.”
    “He’ll send off for a biopsy,” Nate filled in. “An’ then I start chemo.”
    “Okay,” Erin nods. “When?”
    “We haven’t scheduled surgery yet,” Tonya says as Nate watches her.
    The poor bastard’s in love with her and I’d bet my left nut she’s in love with him, too. 
    “He said he’d make sure I got it done in a week. Two at the most.”
    “Okay,” Erin nods again and I feel her energy waning.
    “That’s good, man,” I finally speak, probably startling everyone in the room in the process. “You should get your rest,” I say, kissing the back of Erin’s head.
    “Yea,” Nate responds his eyes boring into mine, letting me know we still have to speak in private.
    “I’ll stay with you,” Erin says.
    “Like Hell I’m letting you sleep with my boyfriend,” Tonya replies, making us chuckle.
    Without another word, the girls go to the other side of the room where they can talk amongst themselves, giving Nate time to say whatever is on his mind.
    With his eyes watching me, I sit down on the chair beside his bed and wait.
    “You’ll take care of her,” he says. A statement, not a question. Big brother mode always within an arm’s reach.
    I nod my head. “Both of them,” I reply and he nods his head before he closes his eyes.
    I take Erin home shortly after Nate has fallen asleep. After tucking Shayna into bed, I take Erin into the bedroom where I slowly take off her clothes.
    “I’m sorry, Trent,” she tells me, her eyes apologetic. “I’m just not  – ”
    I kiss her, interrupting her before she can finish.
    “We’re not,” I tell her. “Just let me take care of you.”
    She nods her head and rests it on my shoulder before I continue to undress her. I kiss her gently, only wanting to comfort her. I lead her to the bathroom, putting the shower on and removing my clothes as she watches me with curious eyes. I kiss her forehead and take her by the hand so that she follows me into the shower.
    Under the water I lather the shampoo into her hair and rinse it thoroughly