Only a Memory

FWD Two Weeks

I walk into Annabel’s apartment and see all the lights are turned off and Sixx comes prancing out. She meows a bit and I pick her up. “Where’s mommy?” I ask, not really expecting a reply. I put the snow white cat down on the couch before walking down the hallway and into Annabel’s room. I open the door to find her laying in bed, watching The Dark Knight. “Who do you think you are watching a Batman movie without me?” I chuckle as I kick off my boots and curl up in bed with her. She just smiles before snuggling closer to me. “You ok?” She just shakes her head. “What’s wrong?”

“Can’t talk.” She painfully says. Her voice was extremely hoarse and it sounded extremely painful to talk.

“How long has this been going on?” I ask her, naturally concerned.

“Almost two weeks.” She winces. I sigh before kissing the top of her head.

“Go get dressed and we’re going to the ER.” I tell her as I slip out of her bed and put my boots back on. She groans before getting out of bed and slipping on a pair of sweats over her Batman panties. She goes into her closet and grabs a Black Veil Brides hoodie and a pair of flip flops. She looks out me with puppy eyes. “I know you hate the doctors, but you’ve got to go. This could be serious.” She just groans as I take her hand and lace our fingers together before exiting the room and eventually her apartment.

**

After god knows how many test and a few hours of sitting in the ER room, the doctor comes in. “Well I’ve got good news and bad.” He starts off. “The bad news is that she has vocal nodules.”

“What are those?” I ask, really concerned now.

“They are growths on the vocal chords.” He explains to me. “Typically, this mass will appear on the junction of the anterior and middle two-thirds of the vocal fold, where contact is most forceful. The nodules appear as symmetrical swellings on both sides of the vocal cords. The cause of these formations are usually strenuous or abusive voice practices such as yelling and coughing. Those who use their voice constantly in a loud environment are susceptible.” Annabel just groans. “What does she do for a living?”

“She’s the lead singer in a band.” I inform him. “Is she going to be ok?”

“That’s the good news.” He smiles. “From what I see, they’re not too bad. Surgery won’t be needed. She just needs to lay off anything that can aggervate the throat and vocal chords.”

“So basically, no to smoking and talking?” I chuckle. “I think I can keep her from doing any of that.”

“You’re a good boyfriend then.” He smiles then turns around before I can get the chance to correct him. I look over at Annabel and she looks like she’s about to cry. I sigh before shifting into her bed and put my arm around her.

“Everything is going to be fine.” I assure her. “You heard the doctor, you need to be put on vocal rest then if it doesn’t get better, you can always get surgery.”

“But I sing.” She croaks out. “It’s going to be so hard for me to finish the CD and perform.”

“Sh, don’t talk.” I tell her. “I’m sure everything will work out.”

“But--” Before she can finish, I crash my lips onto hers then pull away.

She gives me a confused look, causing me to chuckle. “I’ve got to shut you up some how.” She just shakes her head with a smile on her lips. I pull her over to me; kissing the top of her head. “You’ll be fine. You probably just need a few days of silence…” God I’m hoping that’s all she needs.

Notes