“So what are you planning to do while your here?”, Jackie asked with a knowing look. “You know me too well Mom.”, Brian said laughing. “I’m your mother. I know everything.”, she said laughing. “So, does Haley still live in Lexington?”, he asked hoping the answer was yes. “Yes she does. She works at the medical clinic in town. She is a registered nurse now.”, she explained. “Wow. She has made quite a life for herself.”, he said taking it all in. “Yes she has. She loved you though Brian. I never told you this, but I guess I should. The night you two broke up she came to the house and cried in my arms.” “Really?”, he asked remembering that night. “Yes. Oh, by the way. I made you an appointment for tomorrow for a check-up. It is time for your annual heart checkup. It is at 1:00.”, she said laughing. “You’re kidding me right? You knew I would want to see Haley and you made me an appointment so I would see her?! You are too much Mom!”, Brian said covering his face and laughing. “Like I said, I’m your mother. I know everything.”, she said getting up from the table. “Okay Mom. I’ll go. I am tired now though. I’m gonna go up to bed.”, he said yawning. “Okay honey. Goodnight.” He kissed her on the cheek and went up to his old room.

*The next day*

Brian put on a pair of jeans and a red sweater. It was the middle of December. He grabbed his jacket and went downstairs. “Mom can I borrow your car?”, he asked with a pair of eager blue eyes. “Sure honey..”, she said slowly tossing him the keys. He said thank you and kissed her cheek and ran out the door.

When he got to the medical clinic, he went to the front desk and signed in. The lady at the front desk told him to sit down and the doctor would be with him shortly. He said down in one of the chairs and began to read through a magazine. He was tapping his feet nervously on the floor. “Why am I so nervous? I used to go out with the girl. No big deal.”, he thought to himself.

“Haley, here is the next patient. Call him in please.”, one of the other nurses said handing Haley the chart. “Okay. Sure.”, she said scanning the chart for his name. Her heart practically stopped when she reached the patient’s name. “I can’t believe this. It is Brian. Okay, calm down. You used to date the boy. No big deal.”, she thought to herself. She walked to the door that led to the waiting room and opened it. “Brian Littrell?”, she called out scanning the room. He stood up. He was the most handsome thing she had seen in a long time. He walked towards her with a nervous smile. “Follow me.”, she instructed. Haley led him to one of the exam rooms and told him to sit up on the exam table. “I need to take your blood pressure.”, she said trying to act normal. She grabbed the cuff and placed it around his arm. Touching him gave her goose bumps. Brian felt the same. After she was done, she wrote down his blood pressure on his chart.

“So, how have you been Haley?”, Brian asked trying to start a conversation. “I’m pretty good. I have a great job and a great boyfriend.”, she said telling him nervously about her life. Brian’s hopes dropped right there. “Well, that’s good. I am glad you are happy.”, he said trying to hide his disappointment. “I hear you are doing pretty good for yourself too. I hear your song on the radio all the time. It is my favorite song.”, she said blushing at that last comment. “Thank you. I am happy to be visiting home for a little while though.” “I am sure you are.” They made eye contact. “Well, I have to go see the other patients, the doctor will be in to see you in a little while okay?”, she said placing his chart on the door. “Okay thank you Haley.” “You’re welcome.”, she said smiling and leaving the room.

The doctor said Brian’s heart was doing fine and that he could leave. “Thank you Dr. Tinley.”, Brian said shaking his hand. “You are welcome Brian. I can’t believe you are so grown up. I have been your doctor since you were born. I am proud to see your life going to well.”, the doctor said getting up. “Thank you. I guess I’ll see you again in 6 months.” “Okay, goodbye Brian.” Brian put on his jacket and left the room. He was walking down the hall back out to the waiting room when Haley came out of the nurses lounge. She was holding a small piece of paper. “Call me after I get off work at 5 at this number.”, Haley said placing the piece of paper in her hand. “Okay I will.” He kissed her on the cheek and left the clinic.