Mad Woman✓

38. London

   POV JOE

Taylor, Patrick and I have been very busy the past few days. In about an hour, we leave for England. We can stay in Taylor's mom's house for as long as we need. We all know that means we can stay there until Mom dies. I push the thought away. I am not going to think like that today.

Andrea and Penelope are here too, now. Andrea made sure there is a comfortable bed in Taylor's private plane for Mom. Penelope is hugging Patrick as if this is the last time she'll ever see him, even though he'll come back here in a few days. He is going to stay until a few days after my birthday.

Taylor walks up to me and grabs my hand. "Everything is ready... It's time to go." She walks to the car that's parked a few metres from the plane and helps my mother out.

Mom looks bad. She's weak, she can't talk... I am afraid that the last time I visited her at the hospital, was her last good day.... When she catches my eyes, she tries to smile, but fails. Her eyes, though, they are the same as they have always been. They glisten. She is happy to go back home.

Taylor helps Mom into a wheelchair and softly says something. Mom doesn't respond, but Taylor places a hand on hers and laughs softly as she continues talking. Mom loves Taylor. I see it in every little thing about her.

Mom is happy, even though she isn't doing well. Taylor and I decided to get married as soon as possible, so my mom can be there for the wedding. Taylor arranged everything. We are getting married at the same location my parents got married. Andrea is busy making decorations and so is Grace.

Andrea is flying to England with us today. Taylor's dad and brother will go tomorrow. Grace and Draven take a plane the day after tomorrow. I invited friends from my highschool in London and a few of Taylor's friends are flying over as well.

We are getting married on the 16th, which is in four days. The thought should make me nervous, but honestly, I just feel happy. Patrick is my best man. Grace and Selena are our bridesmaids. Mom will be there. It is going to be perfect.

Penelope walks up to me and sighs. "Keep an eye out for Patrick, will you? He hates that I can't come, but I can't just skip classes..."

"Of course", I say. "I'm still sad you won't be at the wedding, though."

"You know, I really want to be there... I'm thinking about coming anyway. I will have to study, but I don't want to miss it.."

"Okay, that would be amazing", I smile at her. "Thank you for being so sweet to him. I haven't really been there for a while and he has had it hard with Mom being sick.... Thank you for being there for him and looking out for him."

"Of course", she smiles. "I love him."

I excuse myself and help Andrea and Taylor lifting Mom into the plane. I help her on the bed and sit down beside her. "Are you comfortable, Mom?"

She nods weakly and mumbles a "yes, baby".

I look at her and tears burn in my eyes. I hate seeing her like this. This is the woman who played football with me when I was eight. This is the woman who went on rollercoasters with me when I was eleven. This is the woman who moved to America because I wanted to study there and she didn't want to let me go alone. This is the woman who gave me life... And to see her like this, so vulnerable and weak, it breaks my heart into a million pieces.

"I love you Mommy", I whisper and I quickly wipe away the tears. "So much... I am so grateful for the life that you gave me..."

She tries to say something back to me, but I press a kiss on her forehead. "I know, Mom.. I know."

"Joe", she manages to say. "You are so much like your dad."

I swallow harshly as goosebumps spread over my skin. The only thought that makes all this bearable, is that she will be back with Dad soon.

"That is the biggest compliment anyone could ever give me", I finally say.

I realise the others are waiting outside for me and kiss Mom's forehead again. "I can't wait to be home", I tell her.

Taylor, Andrea and Patrick come inside after I tell them to come in. Patrick sits with Mom and I sit with Andrea and Taylor. Neither of us says anything when the plane takes off. Taylor falls asleep with her head in her mother's lap and Mom sleeps the entire flight. Patrick and I look at her, both of us already grieving.

I am happy to go home, I truly am. I just hate that we are going there so Mom can die...