I Should've Known: Book Two

Madeline

Dr. Sharpe decided to take my mother's case. My brother and I couldn't help but let out a loud sigh of relief. She only did a small chuckle with a determined shine in her dark brown eyes. She is much nicer than we perceived. I dressed up and brought back all the me memories I had of interviews.

It was hard to concentrate after what happened with Hazel though. When she left in silence, my heart kicked me. It twisted with pain and still does as the memory comes back after pushing it away so many times this week. It reminds me when I left our dorm when she walked in on me making out with my ex boyfriend in there. Back then, I acted too quickly because I did not understand. I did it again this time.

"What's wrong, baby?" Mateo softly says by my side in bed. The place is dark and I just hear him stir. My ears stay at the sound of Matthew's soft breathing in the crib by our bed as I turn my head to Mateo's figure. I soon feel his lips giving my shoulder soft and quiet kisses that relieves the aching in my heart.

"I'm just thinking. I can't really sleep."

"You've been very thoughtful lately. Is it your mother? Are you worried your father will still be hesitant even after you tell him the news?"

"Oh I know he will still be hesitant. But we must try."

"Well?" Mateo says as his warm hand runs up my arm that sends sweet shivers up my spine. "What is bothering you, hun? Can I help in anything?"

"I'm afraid this is all my fault, my dear."

"What? About your mother?"

"No. Hazel." Mateo is silent from confusion to my words. It's usually anyone else but Hazel. She could never make me feel this way. I let out a quiet sigh and whisper, "I said some things to her...I should've listened to her side, too, but I judged her too quickly. I hurt her, Mateo."

"What did you say?"

"I said that if she continues to be so insecure she will never fall in love. I told her that she will never have such a good man in her life like my brother. I told her that my brother needs advice and tells me everything because of how she is. That's the worse thing you could say to anyone when they're fighting with their partner! She must feel so guilty, Mateo. I don't know what was in me! I was just so stressed with Matthew crying all day and then Dr. Sharpe's meeting, and my mother—"

"Honey. You made a mistake. We all make mistakes."

"But she's my best friend. Her birthday is this upcoming week and she has no one. We are her only family!"

Mateo is silent. He must think I'm crazy. I feel crazy. I let out a long sigh and let my tired mind concentrate on his soft kisses on my temple. His whisper is so warm, they make my eyes heavy as he says, "I say give it a week. Let the tension die down and you go up to her first. But after you solve things with your parents. I can't have you stressed out, my love. You know I'm here for you, baby. If you ever need anything, I'll race out of the station to get to you. I always will."

I snuggle up to his chest after giving his lips a soft kiss. His strong arm holds me close and I smile as my mind turns quiet. "I love you."

I did what Mateo suggested. I waited until I can fix things with my father. Adam and I anxiously wait for him to answer the phone. We decided that we both give him the news. Finally, he answers and we exchange looks with each other. I gesture to Adam to start first and he nods.

"Hey, dad."

"Hey, son. How are you?"

"Well. I've been better but hanging in there." Even though I am still concerned over my brother's sadness, I still kick him so he can continue. "Oh! We need to talk to you about Mom."