Read Online What We Leave Behind by Rochelle B. Weinstein - Free Book Online Page B

have to worry about losing you too?”
    Amy was on her toes. Her arms were lifted high above her head. The sound of Jonas’s voice brought her arms down by her sides.
    “I’m sorry,” I whispered, an attempt to shake the insensitivity out of me.
    Amy had found her place beside us again, the measured stride replacing the fluid motions. Jonas’s scolding had restrained both of us. Nobody dared speak as our sullen trio reached the nearest elevator.
    The tree house debacle eluded me, as did the idea of owning my own personally furnished fun house. These plans were put on hiatus for now. When we reached his father’s room, we were told that Adam was stabilized. I didn’t know which made me happier—Adam’s improvement or Jonas not wanting to lose me.
    “Thank you for coming,” Adam said to me, his words slow and hushed. Rachel Levy was writing the names of those who had sent flowers and gifts, Jonas and Amy were listening to a new album released by the label, and I was busy lining up the hundreds of cards from well wishers, taking my time to read the names of the famous rock stars. In my hands was a rare assortment of priceless autographs. I wondered what would become of them and how inappropriate it would be for me to ask to have a few of the signed inscriptions.
    We had finished the cake and Adam had polished off a small glass of wine. The doctor assessed that it couldn’t make Adam any sicker than he already was, so he toasted to his family, and to me, and we cheered.
    “Why aren’t you off somewhere celebrating your birthday?” he whispered.
    “Shhh, it’s your day today,” I answered.
    The doctor walked in and all of our heads turned in his direction. Sensing something about to happen, Mrs. Levy escorted Amy out of the room while Jonas engrossed himself in conversation with Dr. Missed Opp. I turned to Adam Levy and the words came flying out of my mouth. “He died today.”
    He looked at me like I had taken the wind out of his already lifeless sails. With an effort I hadn’t seen in recent weeks, he took my hand in his. “So that’s why you don’t care about your birthday. Now I understand.” He took a breath and added, “I’m not leaving just yet.”
    “I know,” I said, and I believed those words because I never in a million years thought I could be so cursed.
    “Your visits have meant a lot to me, Jessie, to all of us, for that matter. You’ve been the angel shining over us.”
    “I told you before, I’m no angel.” I laughed, shrugging off his comment.
    “And you and Jonas seem to be getting along nicely. I saw the two of you outside.”
    “Oh that, that was nothing. I was climbing the tree and lost my balance. Jonas caught me before I hit the ground.”
    “It looked a lot more serious than that.”
    “It was nothing, really.”
    “I saw. It wasn’t nothing.”
    “He’s okay,” I said, my eyes resisting his. “He can be a bit of a nuisance at times.”
    “Are you talking about me again, Parker?” Jonas asked, taking a break from his conversation with the doctor.
    “You obviously identify with the word nuisance ,” I called out.
    Adam added, “You two are like magnets who can’t get away from each other.”
    I turned to him. “I know what you’re implying.”
    “I’m not implying anything. Unless you want me to.”
    I shook my head.
    “Did you read our horoscope today?” he asked.
    “Of course,” I responded.
    “No, this one,” he said, pointing to the New York Post that lay strewn at the foot of his bed. I took the paper in my hand, turned to the last page, and zeroed in on If Today Is Your Birthday . I could have sworn it said the same thing in the Times , until I got to the last line. The year ahead is one of great decision and great love. Search inside yourself, beyond wishes and dreams, for what it is you want. Only you have the answers . That, I hadn’t seen before.
    “What do you think it means?” I asked.
    “I think it means that a bunch of us Geminis