As I walk toward the bookstore, I quickly glance back at Hardin. I love how he always waits for me to get safely inside the building before he leaves, even though it's only a few feet away from his car and it's broad daylight out.
To be honest, I think that day I left work late at night by myself and was attacked by Neil will always live in the back of both of our minds. It wasn't Hardin's fault, but I know there's still a small part of him that thinks it was and he'll always be extra protective of me because of it. I wish he would be able to completely forgive himself. I have to admit, though, I've never felt safer than I do with him always looking out for me.
I push open the door to the bookstore and the little bell above the door rings as I enter.
"Tessa! You look extra beautiful today," Kimberly greets me with a bright smile.
"Oh, thank you," I say shyly.
"Any particular reason?" she asks with a knowing grin.
"Hardin's taking me on a date for our anniversary after work."
"Aw, how sweet! How long have you two been together again?"
"Seven months, but with how long we've known each other and everything we've already had to overcome, it already feels like a lifetime."
"You two have been through so much for such a young couple."
"Hey, I know this is random, but I want to thank you for always lending me your ear. There's just some things I can't always tell Hardin, and my best friend, Emma, has had her own issues to deal with. It's just been really nice having someone to talk to."
Kimberly walks toward me and gently brushes my hair off my face before resting her hand on my shoulder. "You never need to thank me. I think of you as a daughter... Well, maybe not a daughter. I'm still too young to have a daughter in college." She laughs. "I think of you like... a niece. You can always talk to me. And you know I'm more than happy to give you my advice and opinion." She laughs again, but I start to tear up from her kind words. "Aw, Tessa, come here, sweetie." She pulls me into a hug. "I have something that will cheer you up." She smiles.
"What's that?" I sniffle.
She releases me from our hug and walks over to grab some magazines. "I brought you some wedding magazines!" she squeals.
"Really?!"
"Yes! I thought it'd be fun to look at them during our break."
"That's a great idea! I haven't even started planning and I'm getting married in two months. I just... I just can't believe it."
"Two months? We have to get a move on. With me, there's no need for a wedding planner." She laughs. "I can help you pick out a venue, band, caterer, decorations, tables, chairs, cake..."
"Okay! You're stressing me out!" I giggle.
"Sorry. I'm just so excited for you!" She smiles. "Have you decided on anything yet?"
"Actually, we're having the wedding on the rooftop of our apartment and I know I want to decorate it with fairy lights... and lilies! We must have lilies. I want them all around the rooftop. I want them as centrepieces. I want them in my bouquet! They're my favourite. And I love them even more because of this charm Hardin gave to me." I reach down and pinch the lily charm between my fingers as I remember how Hardin gave it to me for Valentine's at the bed and breakfast.
"Lilies it is." Kimberly smiles. "That charm bracelet Hardin gave you is just perfect. It's like a little scrapbook you bring with you everywhere."
"That's one way to put it." I giggle. "Every single charm does tell a story..." I look at my bracelet adoringly.
After a little more talk about wedding planning, I finally start my shift. There's not a lot of customers, so I spend most of the day arranging book displays.
After I finish with the display of new books we just got in, I decide to put a few of the books people changed their minds about buying back on the shelves.
My shift is almost over and I'm eager to have Hardin pick me up for our date. I've already put about ten books back by the time I get to the last three books. They're all from the highest shelf, so I slide the ladder over and start to climb with the books gathered in one hand, while I hold on with my other. The ladder isn't quite tall enough, so I have to get on my tip toes to reach.
I'm finally about to put the last book back when I start to wobble and lose my balance. I try to grab onto the ladder, but I can't reach it in time. Time seems to slow down as I fall backwards off the ladder toward the floor, until I finally hit the floor with a loud thud. It's mere seconds before I feel pain shoot through my entire body.
There's an echo in my ears, but I can still hear Kimberly screaming as she gets closer to me. "Tessa! My God, Tessa! Can you hear me?!"
I try to answer her, but I can't think clearly enough to form any words. My eyelids feel droopy and I want to go to sleep, but I try to keep myself conscious.
"Tessa, you're going to be okay. Stay awake, sweetie. It's important you stay awake. I'm calling for help right now! Hello? Someone's fallen off a ladder and we need an ambulance right away!"
My mind feels cloudy and everything starts to blur together. I hear many voices, but I don't know what any of them are saying. I know I'm hurt. I don't know if I broke any bones, but I have a sharp pain in my head and I'm sure I have a concussion. I read somewhere that if you have a concussion you should try to stay awake... or is it go to sleep?
"Hardin? It's Kim. Tessa's had an accident. I've called an ambulance. Meet us at the hospital."
Wait, why am I trying to stay awake? I just feel like sleeping. Where's Hardin? Why isn't he sleeping next to me, holding me? I love him so much. I... love him... so much...