Don't Think Twice

Ch 10: Only She Can Take this Off My Mind

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Chapter 10: Liam             

                I waited for a voice, as my hand tightly held the phone. C’mon, pick up.

                “Hello?”

                “Mom?”

                “Liam, is that you?”

                “Yeah, how are you feeling?”  I went straight to what I was looking for, some answers. Unfortunately, there was a pause.

                “She told you, didn’t she?”

                “How could she not? Mom, this isn’t fair.”

                “Merelise found out. I never told her. Sometimes I feel I need to duct tape your dads’ mouth.”

                “Mom, that’s a pathetic way to change the subject.

                “I know. Mery says you inherited that same quality.”

                “Why weren't you taking therapy all this time?”

                “I don’t know. Anyways, how’s your dorm?”

                “Mom.”

                “What? It’s my responsibility to ask.”

                “It’s also your responsibility to tell me your cancer came back.” I knew I had said that too early, hearing only her deep breaths on the other side of the phone. When mom wouldn’t say anything, I did.

                “Are you taking therapy now?”

                “Yeah, half my hair’s gone, already.” She sniffled. Aw shit. I made her cry. I tried to come up with the wittiest comeback.

                “Mom, don’t worry. You work buzz cuts like Messi works a soccer ball.”

                “Oh shut up!” She laughed, to my relief.

                “Is dad there?” I asked.

                “Yes, one minute.” A second later I heard his deep, husky voice.

                “Liam?”

                “Hey dad. How’s it going?” More silence accompanied the conversation.

                “Son, as life goes on, so does evaporation.” Evaporation? He continued before I could even ask.

                “The water has been sucked out of me.” I should have realized that science would be involved in our conversation, considering the old man is a retired biologist. 

                “Do you need me to come home? I mean, I can.”

                “No Liam. I’m just tired, worried, all the symptoms you get when you find out your wife got her cancer back and your two children moved out of the house; most likely for good.”

                “Dad, don’t get all emotional on me. Is there anything in the world, I can do?” I asked with sincerity, knowing he was seriously messed up.

                “Get good grades and a girlfriend.”

                “Wait, why a girlfriend?”

                “Because I want to see my grandchildren before I die.”

                “Whoa. I think I have a bunch a time till I knock up a chick.”

                “Liam, nineteen years of your life flew like a feather in hurricane winds. By the time you even know it, you’ll be forty with a wife, three kids, and four dogs.”

                “Dad, that’s eight mouths to feed.”

                “Son, you’re not getting the point! It’s useless. Just do well in school and get a girlfriend. Your mom wants to see the second one real bad.”

                It was for mom. So, I had to make an effort.

                “Is she taking care of herself?”

                “She’s trying, to the best of her abilities.”

                “Are you sure I don’t need to come home?”

                “Yes Liam. Don’t worry, she’ll be fine. Your mother is a tough cookie.”

                “I don’t doubt that.”

                “You shouldn’t.”

                “Alright dad. Thanks. I got to go. Just wanted to check on you two.”

                “Okay son. Be good, alright?”

                “I'll try. Tell mom to take care and I love her.”

                “Sure, bye.”

                “Bye.” I turned the phone off, looking at the sea. Get a girlfriend? What for? So you can hear their constant crying when you don’t hold their hand in front of their friends or when you want to screw someone else for a change. I turned around to go back into the room. I needed something to get my mind off of the cancer crap.

“Hey Airi, you wanna have se—” I saw her bundled up in the covers, her eyes closed and her hair spewed all over the pillows. I smiled to myself, admiring her cuteness. She must have been tired with all my teases and the volleyball game.

 I got in bed, slowly picking her up so she would lie on top of me. Damn, it was hot in here. She was sweating a little. When I pushed her hair back, she woke up. Still in the mist of sleep, she took off her tank top and pants, leaving her in a lacy bra and underwear. Damn this girl. Then, after she got me all excited, she plopped back onto my chest and proceeded with her sleeping. I took off my pants too, leaving my boxers on, and cuddled with her under the covers.