50
Even though the transplant was a perfect
match, I was still alive and kicking, and Lily
still didn’t have my heart.
But since I’d promised, I kept my word. I
asked Lily’s doctor; without a suitable donor,
she had at most a month to live.
So I gave myself two weeks to say goodbye
to Garrett.
“My birthday’s in a week. You’ve been so
busy lately, you haven’t spent any time with
me,” I whined, snuggling into Garrett’s back,
my head nestled against his neck.
He put down his work, chuckled wearily, and
took my hand.
“Want anything for your birthday?”
I settled onto his lap, still pouting. “Anything I
want, I can buy with your card.”
Suddenly, something Lily’s friend had told me
popped into my head.
Garrett once bought out an entire bay to
propose to Lily when she’d just graduated. A
competitive streak I didn’t know I possessed
suddenly flared up.
“What if I want a ring?” I wrapped my arms
around his neck, gazing into his eyes softly.
The air grew quiet, only the sound of our
breathing and my rapidly beating heart
thump–thump
especially noticeable in the
silence. To break the awkwardness,
I smiled. “I’m only twenty–four. I’m not ready
to settle down.”
“Sarah, you’re so understanding.”
Six years, and that’s all I get: “You’re so
understanding.”
Sarah, what are you even hoping for?
Leaving his study, I took a deep breath, trying
to hold back the tears.
I failed.
Tears streamed down my face.
Though I’m immortal, a bit of a freak, I can
still love.
Garrett can love too, but he doesn’t love me.
The next day, Garrett’s gifts arrived, filling the
living room.
Looking down from the stairs at the mountain
of presents, I felt a sense of calm.
It was always a monetary exchange. To
Garrett, I was just a plaything, obedient as
long as he paid. It was a mutually beneficial
arrangement, but I’d gotten greedy.
Once I cleared my head, things became clear.
I ran downstairs in my slippers, tearing into
the packages. Free stuff!
I kept what I liked, returned the rest for cash.
This was my safety net for the future.
Motivated, I quickly sorted everything, then
expertly called the luxury goods consignment
service.
Seeing the money deposited into my account,
the sadness from last night vanished. No one
can resist money especially someone who’s
can resist money, especially someone who’s
been poor like I was.
Looking at the half–empty living room, I made
another call.
“Hey, Taylor, come over.”
Taylor’s my best friend, and the only one who
knows my secret.
Soon, a tall beauty graced the living room.
“Same as always. Pick what you want; the
rest goes to the usual place,” I winked. Taylor gave me an “OK” sign and began to
choose.
“The usual place” was the secret hideaway I’d
prepared for after my staged death only
Taylor and I knew about it.
“When are you leaving? I need to prepare.”
Taylor had transferred from a public hospital
to Garrett’s private hospital two years ago to
help with my escape.
“Soon. After my birthday.”
“Okay.”
After Taylor left, I texted Garrett: [Love you
tons!] and added a picture of some of the
opened gifts.
He replied almost instantly: [Glad you like
them.]
