Shocked and Shattered by Aleya Michelle Read Free Book Online

places the box carefully on my lap.
     
    I untie the ribbon and peek into the top as I open the lid. A cute little grey paw reaches up and swats at my hand.
     
    “Oh my God! You got me a kitten?” I squeal. I have wanted a cat since I lost mine five years ago.
     
    “Hello in there. You are beautiful,” I say to my new grey and white furry friend. I pick him up for a cuddle, holding him close to my chest. He is so soft, and cute as a button.
     
    “So I gather you like your surprise?” Hannah asks, but all I can do at the moment is smile. I have been oblivious to her since I saw the gorgeous bundle of fur.
     
    “Oh Hannah, it’s the most perfect surprise ever. I love it!” I shout and pull her in for a hug.
     
    “I’m so glad you love it. She can keep you company when I am not around, sweetie.”
     
    “Does he have a name yet?”
     
    “She is a girl, and no. That is your job.”
     
    “Awesome. Well, she is grey, so smoky? Haze, maybe? I just thought of something funny. She is grey, and my doctor is Liam Grayson.”
     
    “That is super funny. Maybe it is fate.” Hannah plays along.
     
    “Oh, I have the perfect name for my little girl… Stormy . She is saving me from the storm and whirlwind of my chaotic life,” I declare, smiling.
     
    “That’s perfect, Crys,” Hannah agrees. We spend the next few hours doting over the newest family member.
     
     

CHAPTER 10 - Disappointed
    Round two of chemo, and I’m lucky enough to have Hannah with me again. Her employer has been fantastic, and she is able to work from home and start later when I need her. I was much sicker this time, which I hear is to be expected. I am also getting more depressed, and am so grateful for Stormy.
    “ I will be away for three days, Crystal. Will you be okay without me?” Sterling questions me, although it sounds more like he is just stating the obvious. I can’t help but laugh. Will I be okay without him? Hell, when does he actually do anything for me?
     
    “I’ve been okay without you for years. You are like a flatmate that is never home,” I say truthfully.
    “Don’t say that, Crystal. Didn’t I come home for dinner and bring you Chinese last week?”
    “Yeah. First time we had dinner together in weeks, but I’m too nauseas to eat. I’ve been that way for months,” I say, frustrated.
    “Well, I do try,” he protests, and I decide to see if he really will try.
    “Okay then. How about you come to my next chemo on Wednesday?” I’m hoping that he will man up like Liam suggested. He can lie all he wants about helping me, but maybe he should fucking get his act together and up his game.
     
    “Fine. I will have a few hours off work Wednesday morning, so I will come. Will that make you happy?” he questions me. Am I happy? Well, no, I’m not.
    “You will finally get a glimpse into my world right now, at least,” I respond, feeling conflicted.
    Hannah spends the two nights here that Sterling is away. It’s nice to have her company more often. “Let’s get out of the apartment, Crystal. I have a plan. Can you wear shorts and a tee?” My wardrobe right now is track pants and a long sleeve tee. My body temperature is totally messed up.
    “Okay, just for you. But don’t expect me to shave my legs.” She giggles.
    We climb into her car. I have my hoodie, vomit bag, and water bottle in hand; all necessities for my life these days. As a model, I would always have a full bag of make-up, face spritz, hair brush, breath mints, spray tan, and nail polish on hand for emergencies. Damn, life has changed these past few months.
     
    I power down the window and enjoy the fresh air on my face. It’s warm, but still invigorating. After thirty minutes, Hannah pulls up onto a grass embankment. I have been daydreaming and not paying attention to where we were driving.
    I look out to the view in front of us. The gorgeous blue waves are crashing onto the sandy shore. The water is a dark blue and travels for miles. I see