The Dreaded Move

My wife, Bella, and I have lived here in Arizona since we were both in diapers and now, were moving to England because that is where her father, James, is being stationed. Bella has been there a few times and absolutely loves it. She also has other family living there as well, so she won’t feel so lonely when we arrive. I on the other hand have been there once and I hated every second of it.

My medical condition always involves me staying warm and dry unless I’m swimming or showering of course. On days that it’s raining or cold outside, I must stay indoors. If I am forced to go placed in the inclement weather I must dress in a few layers, wear a mask to keep my face dry, and keep handwarmers on me constantly.

Bella made it noticeably clear she was excited to move and hasn’t asked me how I feel about it. Even if she did, it wouldn’t matter or make a difference. I don’t have a job since I’m on disability and we live with her family. So, unless I go out and get a job that can buy us a house tomorrow, I must go wherever they go.

It’s three days before the big move and I’m at my doctor’s office getting my medical records. “Thank you, Dr. Stein. I appreciate the last-minute appointment.” I say as I hop of the table. “Of course, Mr. Morgan! What can I do for you today?” I sigh deeply, leaning back with my arms supporting my body. “My father-in-law is moving us to England. I need all my medical records and I wanted to see if I could have an advance on my medicine.” I look at his expression as it looks surprised. “England? You know that not having an immune system it’ll be devastating moving to such a cold, wet, country? Right?” I nod slowly. “It’s a death sentence and no one in that family cares, never have and never will.” I sit up and look at him, “so, will I be able to get an advance on my prescription?” Dr. Stein shakes his head, “unfortunately your insurance isn’t going to want to pay until your due next. However, I’ll submit it anyway to see what they say, and we will get your records printed out for you.” I get up slowly, a bit disappointed. “Could you write me a letter stating I can’t move?” He chuckles at my request, “I mean I could, but it’ll do you no good.”

As I make my way to the front desk, one of the receptionists smiles and hands me a few envelopes. “Here are all of your medical records, Mr. Morgan!” I smile a little, taking them gently. “Thank you, Anna, I appreciate it.” I walk out of the office and noticing it starting to drizzle. “Shoot, I better hurry up and get home.” I move quickly to my car, trying not to overexert myself.

I reach the house, but not before it started pouring. I turn the car off and sit back irritated. “It couldn’t wait to rain until I got home?” I pick my phone up and call Bella, who never answers her phone. To my surprise she did, “hey Wilbur, what’s up babe?” I hesitate for moment, not expecting her to answer. “H-hey Bella… Are you busy? Could you bring me an umbrella and a dry jacket? I didn’t know it was supposed to rain today.” I could tell that aggravated her as she sighs. “Yea, sure, I’ll stop what I’m doing to help you.” After that she hung up. “Why did she marry me again?” I mutter to myself.

I start playing on my phone, waiting for her to come out. A knock hits the window and startles me. I look up to see James standing there with an umbrella and a jacket. I felt my throat tighten as I open the door and put the jacket on, grabbing the umbrella. “Thank you, sir.” I say quietly. “You need to start paying attention to the weather, this is getting ridiculous.” He leaves the umbrella and walks back into the house. “Why did I marry her?” I ask myself.

When I get inside, go up to our room, I see Bella packing. “Why didn’t you bring me that stuff? Why did you have your father do it?” I ask. She rolls her eyes as she finished packing her stuff. “Because I was busy Wilbur, now, finish packing your stuff. The move date got pushed up to tomorrow.” My eyes widen, “tomorrow? Why so soon? Why couldn’t you pack my stuff?” My heart starts beating fast. “They need dad there sooner and I don’t feel comfortable touching all your equipment. I’m afraid to put my germs on it. Dad’s insurance can’t handle anymore hospital visits.” I look away, nodding slightly.

I haven’t always been this sick. In fact, when I lived at the orphanage, I was never sick. The doctors said they believe I got sick when I was a user of heroin. Yup, that’s right, I used to be a drug addict when I was a teenager. That was until I met Bella, she helped me out of that life. The last time I used there was something laced in it and it killed me. When the doctors brought me back, my entire body was destroyed. I couldn’t make antibodies anymore. It makes everything so difficult, I’m on twelve different medications, use three different machines throughout the day, and now I’m paying the price for it. The only reason I don’t end things now is because Bella has never left myside. She has supported me through everything.

All our stuff is being placed on the plane as we wait to board. I look around as there aren’t very many people going to England this time of year. I lean into Bella’s ear and whisper, “Are you sure you don’t want to stay?” She turns to me, giving me a ‘really’ look and turns her attention back on her parents. I sigh softly as we start to move, boarding first class. The military paid for everything, except for sterilizing the plane. My Father-in-law had to pay for it out of pocket to ensure everything was sterol. I believe I overheard him stay it was a couple grand.

Hours pass by and my mother-in-law, Cherry, gently nudges me, trying to make me up. “Wil, wake up.” She says softly. Cherry is always so gentle and kind to me. “hmm?” I slowly start to open my eyes. “It’s time to take your medicines, isn’t it?” I start to nod and yawn, “Thank you for reminding me…” I lean down and open my bag, pulling out my meds and a water. She smiles and goes back to sitting with James. “How did you forget about your medicine?” Bella asks me. I hold my hand up to tell her hold on as I finish swallowing everything. “I was told to turn my phone off, so none of my alarms went off. I didn’t realize how long this trip was going to be.” She smiles a little. “Hope your gonna like the new place. Dad got us a separate addition to the house, so we have more space and more alone time.” I blush softly at her comment and nod. “Yea, that sounds nice.” We used to fool around all the time, but since I got sick, I must do so much before we do that it usually kills the mood.

We arrive at the airport and my body hurts from sitting on this plane for the last 19 hours. We all move from first class, go through the airport, and get into a taxi. “Your costing us a lot of money to ensure everything is sterol. I hope you are grateful.” Tension fills the car. “Of course, Mr. Thompson… I’m grateful for everything you do and put up with for me.” My palms start to sweat from anxiety.

A few weeks have gone by and I haven’t left the house. It’s done nothing but rain. I have cleaned, unpacked, and organized everything at least twice. “Bella, when is it going to stop raining?” I ask annoyed. “I don’t know, place your Box Station or something. I’m going out with my mom, see you later.” With that she leaves. I can’t go anywhere, I can do anything, and I’m going to lose my damn mind… I hate this place.