Chasing Daylight

Chapter Twenty-Two

I'm feeling 22!

-Taylor Swift 

(Sorry, but I had to... We've officially reached chapter 22!)

Maria

I woke up with a pounding headache feeling warm and safe. I opened my eyes to find Mason laying on his stomach with his arm draped over me. He was still fast asleep. He looked hot with his messy bed head and my heart fluttered as he tugged me a little closer. As I recalled the night before, I felt so happy. He had gotten along with my friends and hadn't run for the hills at all of our weird summer camp songs and games. Then I remembered that I hadn't seen Sophie. When I realized she hadn't made it to the party, I knew I needed to call and check on her. I crawled out of bed and placed a kiss on Mason's forehead before making my way to the balcony. It was still early, so Max's door was still firmly closed.

I dialed Sophie's number and waited for her to pick up.

"Hey Maria," she said. Her voice sounded tired and I instantly felt worried.

"Hey, um I got kind of drunk last night and forgot that I didn't see you at the party until this morning. Did you get there late? Are you okay?" I asked.

"Not really," she sniffled. My stomach instantly sunk and I felt sick.

"What's wrong? Where are you? What do you need from me?" I asked my mind going a million miles an hour.

"My mom is just not doing well," she sighed. "I'm back home... well the hospital. She had to be hooked up to a ventilator. We don't know how much longer she's going to hold on. She keeps slipping in and out of consciousness."

"I'm really sorry," I sighed. "I know how much it sucks. What can I do for you?"

"I'm not really sure when I'm going to come back to school, so can you just make sure everything with Kesem keeps running smoothly? I don't think I'll be able to keep up with it."

"Sure of course," I replied. "We'll all be here for you whenever you need it. If you need me to come be with you all you have to do is ask. I'll answer the phone for you at any time."

"Thanks Maria, really," she sighed. "I better let you go."

"Bye," I replied before hanging up. I honestly felt ready to cry as I stared at my phone. I remembered what it felt like when both my mom and dad were sick, just waiting for them to leave. I hated that Sophie was going through it now, especially after already going through it once. I went back to my bedroom and found Mason rubbing his eyes groggily.

"Got worried for a second," he smiled holding his hand out to me.

"I called Sophie," I answered getting back into bed.

"Is she alright? Missed her last night," he replied looking down at me. I sighed shaking my head.

"Her mom isn't doing well," I sighed running my hands over my face. "She went back home to be with her."