𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐃𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐒 |

𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐍

MASON

My mother was finally able to get out of the hospital and we, of course, were obligated. We could've gotten her a driver, but I wanted to get her myself and force Jacey to come along.

Which she was not happy about.

"Are you prepared to live with our mother again?" I asked, glancing over at Jacey. She continued looking out the window, her head resting in the palm of her hand.

"Not one bit," she grumbled, leaning back. "Can't we just leave her in the hospital?"

"No," I chuckled, stopping at a red light. "She was going to leave the hospital eventually, Jacey."

"That doesn't mean I was ready for it. Now, I have to go back to her constant nagging."

Mother was always the type to be pushy towards Jacey. She pesters her about not having a boyfriend or for not following in her footsteps. It's been a constant thing since Jacey was 16.

"Maybe it won't be as bad as it used to be. Being in a coma makes a difference."

"Not for her, it doesn't. Come on, you can't lie and say you didn't miss her even a little bit."

"She's my mother, so I'll always be worried and care about her. But that doesn't make her behavior acceptable, Mason. I love her, but sometimes it's too much."

I glanced at her again, making a turn then sighing.

"Look, I'll talk to her once she's settled in. I'll get her to lay off and not... attack you. It that doesn't work, then you need to speak up."

She exhaled then nodded, crossing her arms. We pulled into the parking lot of the hospital, glancing at the entrance together. I was the first to leave the car and with a tiny bit of bickering, Jacey finally stepped out.

I pretty much had to pull her through the doors because she insisted on staying outside. We went to mothers' hospital room, softly knocking on the door then peeking inside.

"Children," Mother gleamed, quickly waving her hand. "Come in, come in."

Jacey walked in ahead of me and I followed in, looking around then leaning against the wall.

"How're you feeling?" I asked her.

"Definitely better. I'm sick of this hospital food though, I miss home cooked meals. What about you two, huh?"

"Oh, the usual. Mason has a woman which has him all giddy," Jacey chuckled.

I chuckled, rubbing the back of my neck. "I wouldn't say giddy."

"I sure would."

"Ah, that Lyra, huh?" Mother spoke, raising an eyebrow.

"I- How did you know that?"

"Mother has her ways. I knew you couldn't stay away from her for long," she chuckled, standing up. "She has you wrapped around her finger. It's cute."

"Okay, okay," I mumbled, feeling my cheeks warm. "She's a great woman as she always was. We're doing good... really good."

"That's great. Am I hearing grandchildren?"