S t o i c [h.s]

Four

My world was crumbling down with the words that left my mothers mouth. My eyes filled with tears as the information sinked in. She was dying. My mother was dying on me. I could only look at her with disbelief. "How?" I choked out my voice sounding strained. "I found out just last month at the doctor's. It was unexpected and there is nothing to do about it. I'm sorry I haven't told you, but you were so busy with university and I didn't want you to be worried about me when you had enough to worry about yourself" She said softly. "Of course I worry, you are my mother." I exclaimed, tears streaming down my cheeks. "Oh El." she wiped my tears with her thumb. "Listen, I'm not going tomorrow, I will stick around for some time don't you worry.'' She smiled at me, making me smile a little too. "I wouldn't miss my daughter's wedding." I groaned, taking my face into my hands. Not only was my mother seriously ill, but I had to move away from her to London marrying some stranger. "You will be just fine sweetie. I need you to be strong for me okay? Your father wouldn't do this if he absolutely didn't have to." Actually, I think my father would do this just to have the upper hand over me, not caring about my well being at all. "Eleanore, give this man a chance please. Let him be good to you, treat you right. It's only for two years, it'll be over before you know it. And maybe you will have gained a friend by that time." I raised my head to look at her. "What do you mean by two years?"

"Your father needs this man on the lease, that doesn't require you to be married forever. You just need to stick around with him for some time so that other people aren't suspicious. Then, you can return to your apartment and continue with your life. I know it is against your skin, but baby I need you to be safe and secure. And with this man, you will be taken care of when I'm gone. Only then can I go in peace." She looked down at her hands, making my heart ache, before raising her hopeful stare. "Will you do this for me Eleanore?" I nodded my head silently crying. Of course I would do it for her. Anything she wishes for. "Good."

I spent some more time with her, just talking about this whole new situation I found myself in, before I headed back to my apartment, preparing to pack my stuff and leave for the lovely soon-to-be husband waiting for me in London.