CLANDESTINE | HS |

SEVEN

Logan

"So, how's work?"

Shoveling a forkful of the best macaroni and cheese into my mouth, I stare at my mom from across the table.

Espresso colored eyes that match most of mine look back at me, her fork dangling between her fingers as she waits for my answer.

"It's good, really good." Taking a drink of the water in front of me, I smile. "We have that new exhibit opening soon and I've been able to bring in so many pieces for it. I'm so excited for you to see it."

"You know it's on my calendar." With a smile, she glances over her shoulder at the calendar held up by magnets on the refrigerator. "I made sure to schedule my appointments around it as soon as you told me about it."

My gaze lingers on the boxes, the words written inside of them, emotion tugging hard in my chest. "I'll have tickets for you, ready to go."

"Hey, stop." Reaching across the table, when her warm hand slides over mine, I feel the tears in my eyes as they threaten to spill over. "I'm doing really well. Doctor Holmes said that treatments are going well and there hasn't been any growth."

I nod, biting my bottom lip as I look at the strongest woman I've ever known.

Dark eyes like mine and the most gentle smile, she was the epitome of beauty. Even now, the long hair I'd always known was replaced with a colorful silk scarf that made her look youthful and fun.

There were signs of the disease that riddled her body, ones she hid well to everyone else but those closest to her. You hear the word all the time— yet when it comes from the lips of someone you love, it's different.

Cancer.

A word that I could have gone my entire life without hearing from the person who mattered to me the most.

The person that gave me everything.

I'll never forget that, it's impossible.

Sitting across this same table, the same one I did my homework on in third grade and the same one I sat at and opened my acceptance letter from Yale.

"I have cancer, Logan."

Such simple words that stopped my entire life in its tracks, right here at the table that hasn't been the same since.

One I would burn if she would let me.

Countless nights I've stayed up letting my mind run wild with the scariest thoughts— ones that made me realize how lonely life would be without her.

"Logan, look at me." Squeezing my hand three times like she's always done, a soft smile pulls at her lips. "I promise, I've been feeling so good recently. The trial medication they've had me on has given me some energy back."

Pulling in a shaky breath, I try to match her smile. "Are you sure you can't let me help more? You know I could come stay with you—"

"Stop that." Her voice is stern, still full of authority. "We talked about this a million times. You're not going to give up your dream job to take care of me. Besides, Warren has been taking me to my appointments easily now that he works from home."

At the mention of my stepdad, I can't help but feel an undeniable happiness for my mom.

Warren Childress came into our lives about five years ago, not only did he give my mom a happy relationship but he gave me something I never had growing up.

A father figure.

"I know." Wiping under my eyes, I release a shaky breath. "I just— it's scary you know?"