JUST FRIENDS

11

"Mother."

The sushi place was more of an elevated lounge, certainly on the formal side with patrons speaking amongst themselves quietly, most likely discussing business deals or setting up ventures. Though the atmosphere was set aflame by the midday sun against wispy shutters, there was nothing warm about sitting across from Valorie Grant. She wore a white blouse and a pencil skirt, unassuming and pretty but she was a little lady whose hypercritical nature was bothersome in the least.

"Maze."

Her eyes roamed her wild hair and baby pink dress, scrutinized the light makeup she applied as if Maze were up for inspection.

"You look beautiful," she said and Maze waited for the catch, the bite, the nitpicking expectantly but minutes extended without her saying anything else.

She was incredulous. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." Valorie twirled her straw, causing the ice cubes in her glass to clink noisily. That was her signal to the waiter that she needed a refill. Quickly, he grabbed a pitcher. "Where is Blu? Normally you two are attached at the hip, and I might've hated him at first, but he grew on me. Why didn't he tag along?"

"Blu has his own life. He's doing his own thing."

She sipped from her drink. "Is that annoying to you?"

"Why would you ask that?" Maze questioned hastily.

"No reason, I'm simply curious as to what's going on in my daughter's life."

"Well, it's rude to pry. And you're a little too late anyway."

"What does that mean?"

Maze shrugged, unwilling to explain further. When the waiter returned she added, "Let's do a Double Dragon and a G.M.C. Roll, please."

"I imagine you plan on stuffing your face with sushi so we won't have to speak as much."

She said nothing.

"Your dad is in town."

"Daddy?" Excitement swarmed within her until she considered the context of the situation. "Wait, Dad is only down for emergencies... Is he okay?"

"He's fine, Maze."

She took a breath of relief, smoothing her hair from her face while her mother was quiet. Then, it dawned on her.

"Are you okay?"

Valorie pressed her lips together tightly. "The doctor said it's a malignant tumor, a lump in my throat. They've been running constant tests, but it doesn't seem to be making a difference to my vitals. Since it's localized, I'm able to try surgery."

Maze hated that after all the oppression, the criticism, the downright misery her mother was capable of bringing her, her stomach had a sinking feeling at her words. Throat cancer... Valorie basically said that she had throat cancer, and it wasn't making any attempt to heal.

"That's what you're going to do, right? The surgery?"

"I may."

"May? Is it even up for debate? You have to."

"As crazy as it seems, the throat cancer doesn't bother me as much as these people prodding around inside of me like I'm apart of the circus. And it's not guaranteed to stay away, it has a possibility of returning." Her eyes were distant.

"You're scared."

She exhaled. "Obviously."

Tears welled in Maze's eyes but refused to spill. Decidedly, she crossed her arms. "And what do you want me to do?"