The Mom Next Door

34-Month

*jens pov*

It's been about 3 months, and right now I'm really trying to focus on saving up for France. Luckily Leah's company is having a shortage of employees, so she's been working more and that means I've been babysitting more. I've put everything away in a savings account for when I need to pay the fees, and I'm really trying not to spend money.

I know I'm focusing on money, but today I'm going to see my mom. So that's the only thing my mind is on.

I know she's been wanting to talk to me, and she's been talking to Leah about me. So I might as well get it over with.

She texted me this morning practically begging to see me. And at the end of the day, she still is my mom, so I gave in.

I'm on my way now, and I'm just praying that this goes okay.

I knock on the front door, and shortly after, she answer. "Hi Jennifer." She says with a big smile, happy to see me. "Hi." I say and force a smile.

She just looks at me, taking everything in since it's been awhile. "Can I hug you?" She asks. I smile softly and give her a hug. She holds me tightly and rubs my back. After a long hug, she takes me inside and shuts the door.

I look around since it's a little different, and it's really weird being back here. "How are you?" She asks. "I'm good. How are you? Everything going okay?" I ask trying to be sincere since I know she's been going through it.

"Everything's good." She says and stares at me. "What?" I ask. "I'm just so happy to see you again." She says softly. I smile and shake my head.

"I'm sorry...for everything. You're all I have left and I can't loose you. Not again." She says and my smile fades since this is a little sad. "I was so shocked when everything happened, I didn't mean anything I said to you. I love you." She says.

"Mom don't make me cry." I giggle and so does she. "I love you too. And I forgive you.." I say.

I really didn't expect to be this lenient with her since I was mad, but know that I'm actually here, seeing her, I can't help but feel bad. I'm growing as a person, and having my mom back in my life could really help. It's just nice to have reassurance.

"Well I didn't make you come here just to cry, I have something for you." She says and I tilt my head. She walks into the office and comes out with an envelope.

"What's that?" I ask. "Leah has been telling me that you're leaving...you're going away to France. At first I was against it, but I see how much of an opportunity it is now. I want you to do great things, and I know you need this." She says and looks at the envelope.

"Mom, what are you getting at?" I ask since I'm confused. "When you're dad left.." She starts to say. "He left this, for us." She says and hands me the envelope.

I start to open it as she continues to talk. "It's enough to pay my bills for almost 2 years. But you need it more than me." She says and my mouth slightly opens when I see the check.

I look at her and furrow my brows. "I can't accept this. He left it for us, not just me. This could keep you secure." I say and hold it out to her.. "Jennifer you might make enough money to go to France, but you have to think about when you get there. Housing, food, clothes, you'll need things to live comfortably. And after what I did to you, it's only right that you have it." She says and I feel my eyes get watery.

"You don't have to.." I say shakily. "I want to." She smiles and a tear falls down my cheek. "Thankyou mom." I say and hug her as tears start to fall uncontrollably from both our eyes.

-

After that day, when my mom gave me the money, I sorted it all out. Thinking about how much I'll need to pay the fees, and to bring to France. That took about 3 days, and I payed the fees online yesterday, and now that everything's paid, it says I can leave in a month if I really wanted to..

The seven month wait was just an opportunity to get the money and everything situated, but now that I have everything figured out, I have a chance to leave earlier.

I'm definitely anxious to go, and I'd leave today if I could. But it's not that easy. Seven months was already not that long, let alone one month. A part of me feels like that's too soon. And that's exactly what Leah would think. And my mom, but I'm not really worried about her.

Leah is the only worry I have for this trip. I know I'm not supposed to like her, but I do, I really do. Leaving to go to another country in just one month is a big deal. Who knows what could happen while I'm gone. But on the other hand, the sooner I leave, the sooner I'll be back, even if it's just a couple months difference.