So Much More (Book One in the Enough Series)

45. What are the chances?

Eden

When Reed's Mom led us all to the kitchen table, I was not sure what I was expecting. It sure wasn't to hear that Lizzie was diagnosed with Leukemia, though. I felt sick to my stomach thinking of that young, beautiful little girl dealing with such an awful disease. What are the chances that I had two individuals in my life, both with leukemia?

I instantly thought of June and all the appointments that were coming up for the stem cell transplant. While Lila, Marie, and Allen sat discussing Lizzie, I got lost in my own thoughts. I sat, staring at my phone in my lap. I didn't want to be rude, but I was feeling overwhelmed with my thoughts. I was worried about Reed as well, knowing how much he loved his sisters.

"Are you okay, Eden?" Allen's voice brought me out of my head.

"Oh, yes. I'm fine. I'm sorry. I just got lost in thought for a moment." I forged a smile.

"Oh honey, I'm so sorry; this must be hard for you. Reed mentioned your Mother." Lila spoke, holding her hand to her chest. I felt terrible that she was concerned for me. I was surprised Reed hadn't explained the entire situation to her. Was it strange that I felt no connection to June? I was just simply trying to help a fellow human; that's how I saw it. I knew they weren't in my life now to be parents to me; as much as that hurt, I was realistic.

"No, it's okay. I'm fine, really. But I do need to make a quick phone call?" I started to stand.

"I can show you where you'll sleep." Marie quickly stood, nodding toward the foyer.

I followed her lead, leaving them to discuss and absorb the new reality of their lives. I felt a heaviness for them but was determined to be there and help in any way that I could.

"I figured you could stay in Reed's old room." Marie chuckled.

"Oh, thanks. Yes, maybe I'll snoop around and find something to tease him about." I joked.

I followed her up the steps and down a hall; when we stepped into the room, I couldn't help but smile. It was definitely Reed. The colors were dark blues and black, with trophies lining the shelves on each wall. A few soccer plaques hung on the walls, and a full-size bed centered the room.

"Well, here ya are. That door over there is to the bathroom; it's private. So make yourself at home, and if you need anything, we'll all be here." She smiled lovingly.

"Thank you, Marie. You guys have been so incredibly welcoming. You all are such a lovely family. It's incredible how you are all coming together right now."

"Oh, you are just the sweetest." She spoke in her southern drawl. "We have had our moments, but when it counts, we're here. I'm so glad that Reed has you and that you're here with us now. Lila said you have something work related to attend?" Marie questioned, leaning against the door frame.

"Yes, I have a convention I'm going to the day after tomorrow."

"Sounds fun. I'll leave you be like I said; make yourself at home."

Marie left me to myself; I took a moment to freshen up in the bathroom and take a few deep breaths. It had been quite an overwhelming day. Nevertheless, I had some thoughts that I needed to explore, so I grabbed my phone and immediately called Brynn.

"I knew you'd miss me." She laughed when she answered. I rolled my eyes at her, though she obviously couldn't see it.

"You're crazy." I teased. "What are you doing? Are you busy?" I asked.

"You love me! I am sitting on the couch, watching junk TV and eating junk food waiting for Tate. What's up?" She asked.

"Ugh, I don't even know where to begin, but I need to think this out." I sighed, laying back on Reed's bed.

"Lay it on me; I'm all ears."

I spent the next almost hour or so telling Brynn about Reed's sister and family. I mentioned my thoughts about Lizzie to her and how to go forward. As usual, Brynn was a great voice of reason, and being able to talk to her helped so much. After I ended the call with Brynn, I sent a text to Reed to let him know I had made it and how wonderful his family is. After that, I decided to return downstairs to mingle with his family and maybe catch what I could of his game.

"Eden!" Allen called out to me as I turned the corner into the living room. "Come watch our boy in action." He patted the space next to him on the sofa. Lizzie was sitting up on his right side, snuggled into him, watching as well.

"How's he doing?" I took the space he offered.

"Not too bad." He smiled. "Marie and Lila are finishing up dinner. I think Amy went upstairs for a bit, so Liz and I get to entertain ya." He laughed. As he spoke, Lizzie stood from her spot, coming to stand in front of me with the biggest smile on her face.

"I didn't get to say Hi when you got here. I'm so excited you're actually here, in person." She squealed. I immediately stood, wrapping her into my arms.

"Me too! How are you feeling?" I asked, without even thinking. Of course, I had meant about her recent surgery, but with the news of the day, I immediately brought a frown to her face.

"I guess you know?" She slid in next to me.

"Um, well, yes, I do. I meant from the surgery, though. I'm sorry."

"I'm okay. I'm a little scared, but I trust my parents that it'll be okay." She smiled. Her adorable freckled face scrunched up when she did so.

"It's totally normal to be scared, but you're right, trust your parents. It will be okay."

Lizzie snuggled up to me this time as we watched the end of Reed's game. He played well, and my heart was missing him something awful. I couldn't wait for him to be here, though I was saddened to think about him learning of his sister's illness.

When the game was over, and after dinner, Lizzie and I decided to have a slumber party in my room, or Reed's room rather. Her laughter was infectious, and we seemed to form an instant bond. Amy being older, was busy on her phone, and the adults were all relaxing in the living room.

Lizzie took a ridiculous amount of pictures on my phone, a few of which I made sure to send to Reed. After that, we watched a movie, and it wasn't long before she was sound asleep next to me. I laid awake for quite a while, the emotion of the day wearing on me. I hadn't heard from Reed, and though I knew he was busy, it still bothered me.

I stared at the ceiling much longer than I wanted, thinking of all the different things going on in my life at that moment. First, I had gone from losing my family to gaining Brynn, Tate, and Gemma, and now Reed, his friends, and now his family. I was pretty lucky. The longer I thought about it, the answers I needed became clear. I only hoped and prayed that I would be able to give what I was ready to offer, as well as handle the fallout from what I was about to take away.