It's Not the Same

Another Loss; Still No Wiser.

Mischa and Noel had been spending almost every day with Tamara. Mischa had started translating between the two so they could actually talk. Unfortunately, it was now their last day there. Mischa was upset, and was spending every moment he could woth his mother. He didn't want to leave her side, but he knew that he had to go back. He'd miss her. A lot. He didn't want to have to miss her, but..everyone dies eventually.
He didn't want to accept that though. He couldn't accept that she'd be gone. And this day, this final day, she'd gotten worse.
Mischa thought it was unfair how she could go from being perfectly fine, to exhausted and hardly talking in only a few hours. It really wasn't fair. To be reminded of the little time he had left with her. They could only spend half the day with her as well. Unfortunately, that time passed quickly.

Mischa was trying not to cry as he hugged his mother.
"I do not want to go..." His voice was quiet and shaky.
"It'll be okay, son. You will be okay. You have your friends and Nina. They will look after you."
"Міша, we have to go now.." Talia spoke quietly.
Mischa nodded, standing up properly.

They said their goodbyes as Mischa finally let his emotions wash over him. He wouldn't admit it, but he was in tears when they left. Noel didn't leave his side though. He knew at some point, his boyfriend would probably need space, and that was fine. But until then, he'd be there for him.

When they got back to Canada, Lacy and Nina were waiting for them. After a discussion, Lacy agreed that Noel could go back with Mischa, as long as he was home for dinner. And that was fine with them.

The time Noel and Mischa had together slipped away quickly. Nina offered to drive him home, but Noel insisted that he'd walk. Nina let the two boys say goodbye as Noel left.

Now, Mischa was sat back in his room waiting for Noel's message saying that he'd got home safely, which he did eventually receive...but that wasn't all.

Mischa was sat at the table with Nina as he ate. They were in silence until Mischa's phone began to go off. It was Talia. He looked at Nina for a moment before answering the call.
"Talia, hey?" Mischa mumbled.
Nina watched as Mischa's face dropped, and his voice broke.
"I- What? No- That is not true-"

Noel was watching The Blue Angel with his mother. It was nothing new. Although he was quickly distracted by a call he was getting. He saw it was Mischa and didn't hesitate for a second as he answered.
"Noel?" Mischa's voice was breaking.
"Misch? What's wrong?" Noel frowned, causing Lacy to pause the film.
"It- It's my mother- She- She's gone-" It was evident that Mischa was crying at this point.
"Oh shit-" Noel panicked, his eyes widening.
"Please- Please can you come over?"
"Mhm- I'll be there soon."

Lacy looked confused as her son hung up, "what's that about?"
Noel quickly stood up, "Can you drive me to Mischa's? Please? I'll explain on the way"
Lacy nodded, she knew something wasn't right, and that this was serious.

The two got into the car, and Lacy began to drive, letting Noel speak.
"Mischa's mum.." He mumbled, "she- uhm- she's dead..."
Lacy just nodded. She didn't know what to say, or how to react. They got to Mischa's quickly, both of them getting out of the car. Lacy decided she'd sit with Nina for a while whilst the other two were upstairs.

Lacy looked over at Nina, who was zoned out, fiddling with a necklace she was wearing.
"Hey, You okay?" Lacy spoke softly.
Nina was brought back to reality by the womans voice and looked at her lap, "Not really... Tamara was like my mother as well, she'd pretty much adopted me..."
Nina stopped, not looking up.
"Ah..." Lacy cursed internally for not knowing what to say, "I'm sorry.."
Nina sighed, "it's alright. This is life right? It happens to everyone eventually... That's why i try not to get attached to people anymore."
Lacy nodded. She understood that fear all too well, "i get that... Don't let it stop you from loving people though. I did that once. I got scared and pushed everyone away, it only made it worse.."
Nina finally looked up a little, "Thank you..."