2009 - Tom Kaulitz

chapter twenty one

"It feels weird to be back now." Riley said and Mia couldn't help but agree. After everything that had happened it felt like another reality to be back; it felt like they had gone back in time as they walked through the airport. Mia loved that feeling and, even though a lot of good things had come out of meeting the band, she wished it was true. But their daydreaming stopped as quickly as it started when the flash from a paparazzi's camera hit their eyes. They hurried to cover their faces, because that's what Riley had heard famous people do, and they kept walking finally exiting the airport.
They got in the car Mr Cox had sent for them and they were dropped off at Riley's house. Mia hurried to find Michel and then she gave him a long hug, not speaking a word.

The same day Mia drove to her house to see her mother. Claire was very sad about her father in laws death but was for the time sober.

"Everyone was there, it was beautiful despite being horrible. Why didn't you come home sooner, you should have been there, he asked for you."

"Yeah i know, but I couldn't have known. I had no idea he was that sick, i thought he was doing better."

"He was, but you know how fast it goes downhill with cancer, we only found out a week before. So that's when I called you to come here." 

"You haven't called me?"

"Yes I did, and texted."

"When?"

"About a week ago I think. Yeah seven days."

'Seven days ago, that's the day I got the bad gut feeling and asked Tom to check my phone. Maybe he didn't see or she called later.'

The mother and daughter talked some more and decided they should go and visit Tess. Mia drove them to her house and they sat down around her round table. In the middle layer a round, hand-made, white tablecloth. Mia couldn't help but to feel nervous so she started playing with the crocheted fabric on the table.
"I have something to tell you two." Clair started with a shaking voice surprising both Mia and her grandmother. Tess was a strong but incredibly understanding women so she ushered the blond, not quite middle aged woman to continue. Clair had curly blond hair that she sometimes colored orange damaging it, but now it looked healthy, she looked healthy; clean. Her beautiful face; that had been aged decades by the drugs, had a light of youth shining though. Her wrinkles seemed less prominent and her teeth appeared whiter.
"I've met someone, and I know it's not the time to talk about it right now, but I wanted you two to know. I've told him I wanted him to come to the funeral so that's why I needed to let you two know as soon as possible." Clair said looking from the table up to meet their eyes. Mia's heart sank at first but she then realized that's why Clair had changed, why she was healthier.
"That's great for you, Clair! And of course we should talk about it. There's no better time to bring something happy up, than the time of grief and sadness." Tess spoke her common, inspirational words.
"His name is Clyde West, he is the sweetest soul I've ever met. He has the darkest eyes, black short hair, a short beard with some gray in it, but most importantly; the biggest heart. I think you will love him, Mia.
We met three months ago, at a bowling alley three months ago. At first we didn't notice each other; we had mutual friends, but weeks after I came there alone and there he was. He was also playing alone so he invited me to join him. We started bowling regularly after that and now we have been dating for two months." She inhaled heavily and continued; "When he found out that I was using at the time he gave me an ultimatum; ether stop or he wouldn't want to see me anymore. He suggested I'd start one of those programs and he promised to be with me every step of the way, and he has been. I've been totally clean now for about a month, but I'm sure you two haven't noticed that much because I have been away a lot. Both at meetings, but also with Clyde, exploring the city." She finishes and looked at the girls listening intensely.
"That's great," is all Mia can say. Of course her mom only got clean because of a man. Even though she really happy for her mom, she can't help but to think about what will happen if he leaves. She will go right back to the drugs or alcohol. "I'm really happy for you."